671 11-9-20 Lateran Basilica John 2:13-22
“They ask, ‘Add faith to us.’
They do not ask simply for faith, for perhaps you might imagine them to be without
faith. They rather ask Christ for an addition to their faith and to be strengthened in
faith. Faith partly depends on us and partly is the gift of the divine grace.
The beginning of faith depends on us and our maintaining confidence and faith in God
with all our power.
The confirmation and strength necessary for this comes from the divine grace.
For that reason, since all things are possible with God, the Lord says that all things are
possible for him who believes (Mark 9:23).
The power that comes to us through faith is of God.
Knowing this, blessed Paul also says in the first epistle to the Corinthians, ‘For to one is
given through the Spirit the word of wisdom, to another the word of knowledge
according to the same Spirit, and to another faith in the same Spirit’ (1 Corinthians 12:8).
You see that he has placed faith also in the catalogue of spiritual graces.
The disciples requested that they might receive this from the Savior, contributing also
what was of themselves.
By the descent upon them of the Holy Spirit, he granted it to them after the fulfillment
of the dispensation.
Before the resurrection, their faith was so feeble that they were liable even to the
charge of being ‘little of faith’.” (excerpt from COMMENTARY ON LUKE, HOMILIES 113-16)
Lord Jesus, you give us victory over the destructive forces of sin and harmful desires
that keep us from doing your will. Give US the strength to always choose what is good
and to reject what is wrong. May your love and truth rule our heart’s that we may give
good example to others and guide those who need your wise instruction and help.
Saint James Catholic Church 