The readings today call us to reflect on the meaning of faith in our lives. In the first reading, we hear the powerful words, “the just man, because of his faith, shall live.” Faith is not presented simply as a belief or general optimism, but as the very foundation of life itself. The psalm continues this theme by reminding us that God is a stronghold for the oppressed, especially in moments of distress. Together, these readings invite us to recognize that our strength does not come from ourselves, but from trusting in God’s presence.
In the Gospel, Jesus chastises the apostles after they fail to heal. They had begun to rely on their own abilities, success, and skill rather than on God. Jesus reminds them that true power comes only through surrender and dependence on the Father. They must first acknowledge their own powerlessness before they can become instruments of God’s grace. This is difficult to apply in our own lives because the world teaches us to value self-sufficiency, control, and accomplishment. However, Ignatian spirituality calls us to humility and the recognition that we are reliant on God.
Jesus offers the apostles an image of faith the size of a mustard seed moving mountains. Even the smallest amount of genuine trust in God can help us overcome what seems impossible. This does not mean that faith guarantees freedom from suffering or the curing of every illness, but it allows us to persevere through these obstacles. Addiction, fear, anxiety, doubt, resentment, and grief become manageable with God beside us.
This Gospel also reminds us of the importance of Ignatian indifference. St. Ignatius teaches that we should not cling to health over sickness, success over failure, or comfort over hardship if our ultimate desire is to serve and glorify God. Faith requires letting go of the illusion that we can control everything ourselves. It calls us to surrender our attachments and trust that God is present even in weakness, suffering, and uncertainty. Admitting powerlessness is not defeat; it is the beginning of deeper reliance on God’s grace.
These readings challenge us to ask ourselves: Where do we rely too heavily on our own strength instead of God’s? What mountains in our lives feel impossible to move and how can faith help us to face those challenges? Christ reminds us that faith is about trusting completely in the One for whom all things are possible. Through even the smallest seed of faith, God can transform our hearts and lead us through every challenge.
Margo Minnich
Margo Minnich, Associate Professor at Creighton University College of Nursing, integrates her passion for public health nursing and professional development with her commitment to Ignatian spirituality. Rooted in the teachings of St. Ignatius of Loyola, she strives to live a life of service, compassion, and reflection, promoting holistic well-being in the communities she serves. In her professional work, Dr. Minnich aligns the core values of public health nursing with Ignatian principles, emphasizing social justice and the dignity of every person.
