You forsake not those who seek you, O Lord.--Psalm 9:11
Mass readings: Habakkuk 1:12-2:4 / Matthew 17:14-20
The father of the boy in today's Gospel called him a ''lunatic.'' I winced when I read that. I've encountered mentally ill people -- some among my friends and acquaintances, some in my extended family. No wonder the boy's father felt grief and frustration. The disciples must have felt helpless when they were unable to cure the boy. I know how they felt.
I winced, too, at Jesus' criticism of the disciples' ''little faith.'' I see Jesus' frustration peeking through in this passage. He had human emotions: anger, disappointment, regret. His closest friends didn't grasp what He was about. They weren't able to minister the way He wished. They didn't understand His mission. Their faith was weak. It's not surprising that Jesus' frustration at His disciples boiled over.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, heal what's broken in our minds and emotions.