Monday Monday --- Help us believe!

Greetings fellow Network of Love Lovers,

“Monday, Monday (nah, nah, nah, nah nah)…” Not that I remember the song, but it is one of those classics from the mid-1960s, performed by the good ole’ Mamas and Papas.

Hope your Monday Monday turns out being good to you!


I thought I’d offer a reflection regarding the gospel reading for today, heard in Catholic churches throughout the world. It serves as a great foundation for me to blog (though I am by no means a verse theologian…I’m still wrapping up my philosophy studies!). Nevertheless, I hope the reflection brings you some kind of peace or at least stirs you in some way.

Reflection:

“If you can do anything, have compassion on us and help us. Jesus said to him, “’If you can!’ Everything is possible to one who has faith. Then the boy’s father cried out, “I do believe, help my unbelief!” Mark, Chapter 9.

This is an excerpt from an episode in Mark’s gospel where Jesus comes to heal a boy with a mute spirit. The father is understandably shaken, tormented by the physical ailment of his son. He is searching for answers, for solutions, for a cure for his boy. But what he first asks for from Jesus is compassion. Let’s consider that this man has heard about Jesus’ healing ministry and that deep down he yearns for a miracle for his son. Though it is a kind of physical, spiritual, all around cure he probably seeks; it is rather compassion that he asks for. He asks for Jesus to be a passionate person, to come to the aid of his child. The boy whom he has nurtured is in need of healing. Jesus tells the man to be confident, sure in one thing above all else–––faith. Even a faith the size of a mustard seed can move mountains–––but are we convinced of that? Are we confident that it is in a total realization of the possibilities of love on earth that our kingdom can come and that the will of God can be done?

The man believes, but he understands that the incredible belief he has in the moment that Jesus stands in front of him might wane and leave him at times. So he cries out, “Help my unbelief!” I imagine a man down and out, scraggly and tired, and possibly even unhealthy or battered himself after spending years worrying, sweating, caring for his child. And yet he believes. He has faith. Despite the adversity that has come his way he believes that anything is possible.

When problems arise, we often limit what we can imagine is possible. When we are told something we don’t want to hear, we feel that our options or are life is somehow compressed. But, for the person who has faith, whatever comes her way is another development in what it means to believe and be helped in times of unbelief.

For the persons, places and things that help us believe–––may they stay near to the possibilities that reveal the saving power within each and every one of us.

“O Lord there is no God like you in heaven above or on earth beneath, keeping covenant and steadfast love for your servants who walk before you will all their heart.” (1 Kings 8:23)


peace and with love,

your friend bob : )