�If you had faith as a grain of mustard seed��
          Luke 17:6

I can�t�I just can�t.  Ever hear or say that one?  

I can�t forgive her for what she did.  I can�t do what God wants me to do today, I have this work to do.  I can�t love our enemies�not after what they did to us.  I can�t turn the other cheek.  I just can�t�I don�t have the strength�I need more faith.

In today�s gospel reading, Jesus doesn�t accept that one.  He has just explained to the disciples that they are to forgive those who act against them�over and over and over again.  And, the disciples�like me�feeling overwhelmed by the magnitude of the task, plead with Jesus to increase their faith.

Then, what does Jesus say but, �If you had faith as a grain of mustard seed�� you could do miracles.  What is Jesus saying to me?  To you?  Some think that Jesus refers to the power of even a little faith.  But, you know, I�m not sure that�s what he means.  

Yes, a mustard seed is a VERY tiny seed.  But, is that all there is to the metaphor Jesus is using?  I don�t think so.  In trying to grasp his meaning, I found that the mustard seed is a tenacious little seed.  It is the only seed that scientists have been unable to hybridize�i.e., combine with some other, �foreign� seed to make a new seed.  Additionally, when subjected to radiation, the mustard seed�unlike other seeds�does not mutate and produce deformed fruit.  In essence, the mustard seed retains its purity and remains unchangeable.

So-o, then, what is it Jesus is saying?  I think he is saying faith is not a matter of quantity.  Faith is�.  Limitless forgiveness does not require more faith, it requires the presence of faith�tenacious, immutable trust in the enormous love and power of God.  

Looking at it like that, when I say �I can�t,� in a sense I�m really saying �I don�t� or �I won�t.�  I don�t trust my relationship with the One who calls me to the task.  I won�t believe in what I know to be true and act accordingly.  

Whoa!  I don�t like that�it was easier to say, �I can�t��somehow I could let myself off the hook.  I can�t love my neighbor�especially if he is Taliban.  I can�t forgive my sister, my colleague, my friend.  But, Jesus says I can�if I have faith as a grain of mustard seed�I can, I really can�and somewhere in the innermost recesses of my heart, I know I must open the doors of trust and walk into the tomorrow God will create.  God give me the strength and the wisdom to do so.  Amen.