💖 HOMILY - FEBRUARY 24 💖

First Reading - Ecclesiasticus 1:1-10 

Gospel - Mark 9:14-29

There are moments in life when we feel powerless, when we stand before challenges that seem too great for us to overcome. In such moments, we may ask ourselves: Where do we find wisdom? Where do we find the strength to persevere? The readings today lead us to the answer—wisdom and faith are gifts from God, and it is through our humble dependence on Him that we find true strength.  

The first reading reminds us that wisdom comes from God and fills the entire creation. No one can fully grasp the depths of God’s wisdom, yet it is freely given to those who seek it with humility. Wisdom is not merely knowledge; it is the ability to see life through God’s eyes, to act with discernment, patience, and trust. It teaches us that human strength alone is never enough; we must lean on God to guide our paths.  

In the Gospel, we encounter a father who brings his possessed son to Jesus’ disciples for healing, only to find that they are unable to cast out the evil spirit. In desperation, he turns to Jesus and utters a powerful plea: “I do believe; help my unbelief!” Jesus responds with authority, casting out the spirit and teaching his disciples that such miracles require prayer. Here, we see a profound lesson—faith is not about having all the answers, but about surrendering our doubts and weaknesses to God. The disciples had tried to heal the boy by their own strength, but Jesus shows them that faith and prayer connect us to the true power of God.  

How often do we struggle, relying on our own abilities while forgetting to invite God into our battles? We face difficulties in our families, in our workplaces, in our spiritual lives, and sometimes, like the disciples, we find ourselves powerless. The Gospel teaches us that faith is not passive; it requires prayer, perseverance, and trust in God’s wisdom. True wisdom leads us to acknowledge our dependence on Him, just as the father in the Gospel did.  

Today, we are invited to a deeper faith, one that does not depend on our own strength but on God’s grace. We are called to seek wisdom, to pray with conviction, and to trust that even when our faith feels weak, God is always ready to strengthen us. Let us bring to Him all that troubles us, with the humble words of the father: “Lord, I do believe; help my unbelief.”