October 5, 2025.
“And the apostles said to the Lord, “Increase our faith”. So the Lord said, “If you have faith as a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, “Be pulled up by the roots and be planted in the sea,’ and it would obey you.” (Luke 17, 5-6)
In general, as faith it is understood confidence and acceptance of some intellectual mysteries we never succeed in totally understanding. This is, certainly, an aspect of the faith. From this perspective, we say, with reason, that we have faith, for example in the mystery of the Holy Trinity or in the real presence of the Lord in the Eucharist.
But to have faith doesn’t mean only to believe in something, but above all to love something, want something, fight for something. There are too many orthodox Christians, even in times of crisis, who however do not lead a life consistent with their faith and that, of course, do not take the consequences of the same. “Lord, help me to love you, increase my strength so that I am ready to give my life for you”. This should be our prayer for this week and our faith wouldn’t be dead, but would be translated into life. This is, furthermore, the aspect of our faith which Jesus invites us to strengthen with this Gospel. A faith which fills us with courage and makes us capable of facing our tribulations, because we are sure that the Lord is with us. Because, definitely, the real defeat does not come from our enemies, but from ourselves when, for lack of faith, we relinquish fighting for our own principles and according to our own methods. We can loose many battles and see ourselves reduced to an insignificant minority, but we don’t loose the war while we don’t stop fighting and this will only happen when we believe it is not worth it or that the strength and judgment of God are not with us.
Intention: Ask God for faith in his strength and in his love, as in the Church and, as continuation, do as He asks us although it seems as it will be of no use.