Today’s first reading from (Deuteronomy 6:4–13) contains what is known as the Shema, the great declaration of Israel’s faith:
"Hear, O Israel: The LORD is our God, the LORD alone. You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength" (Deuteronomy 6:4–5).
When Jesus was asked, “Which is the greatest commandment?” He repeated this very passage (Matthew 22:37–38), showing its enduring importance. Moses continues:
"Take to heart these words which I command you today. Drill them into your children. Speak of them at home and abroad, whether you are busy or at rest. Bind them on your wrist as a sign and let them be a pendant on your forehead. Write them on the doorposts of your houses and on your gates" (Deuteronomy 6:6–9).
This is a call not only to personal devotion but also to actively pass the faith to the next generation. The Jewish traditions of the phylactery (a small box containing Scripture worn on the forehead and arm) and the mezuzah (Scripture placed on the doorpost) flow directly from these verses, serving as constant reminders to stay close to God’s Word.
In the Gospel (Matthew 17:14–20), we see a father’s desperate plea:
"Lord, have pity on my son, for he is a lunatic and suffers severely; often he falls into fire and often into water. I brought him to your disciples, but they could not cure him" (Matthew 17:15–16).
Jesus responds with both frustration and authority:
"O faithless and perverse generation, how long will I be with you? Bring the boy here to me" (Matthew 17:17).
He rebukes the demon, and the boy is instantly healed. When the disciples ask why they could not do the same, Jesus answers:
"Because of your little faith. Amen, I say to you, if you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; nothing will be impossible for you" (Matthew 17:20).
This challenges us to examine our own hearts. Do we truly believe God can do anything? Faith does not guarantee that God will give us everything we want, but it does call us to approach prayer with confident trust, ending always with the surrender Jesus taught: "Thy will be done."
As St. Augustine said, “We are beggars before God.” Our task is to bring our needs before Him with humble persistence, trusting His wisdom and timing.
Reflective Prayer:
Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your Word and for Your Son, Jesus. Help us to love You with all our heart, soul, and strength. Deepen our faith so that we trust You completely and believe that with You all things are possible. We surrender our lives to You and say with confidence: Thy will be done.
May Almighty God bless us, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
Have a wonderful weekend.
Pal Ronnie
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