February 23, St. Polycarp

The Lord is king; he is robed in majesty.-- Psalm 93:1

Mass readings: Sirach 1:1-10 / Mark 9:14-29

'Help my unbelief!'

''I do believe, help my unbelief!'' the man with the possessed son pleads in today's Gospel. As far back as I can remember, each time I hear or read his words, I identify and resonate with them. They reflect how I sometimes feel: low on faith and trust, hesitant to fall totally back into the arms of God.

When Jesus challenged the man to believe, that father knew his faith wasn't as strong as it should be but he didn't fake it: ''Why, of course I have faith, Teacher. I'm filled with it.'' Nor did he slink away, ashamed and defeated by his weakness. He put his weakness right out there in a totally honest, beautifully non-pretentious prayer trusting that his confession of a lack of trust would be heard.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, help my unbelief!