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Jesus teaches us today how to grow in faith. He demonstrates it with the example of His own life and the significance of prayer. It says in the Scriptures “He went up on a mountain by Himself to pray.” Our personal relationship with God, which is fundamental to our Christian life and to a strong faith, has to be nurtured by taking time to be alone with God, to rest in His presence and to listen to Him in the Scriptures. Jesus, while fully God, was also fully human. In His human nature, He turned regularly each day to the Father in prayer. Here, as in countless other elements of Jesus’ life, He says to us, “For I have given you an example, that you also should do as I have done…” (Jn 13:15). There is no deep faith in Jesus without deep prayer.
The Lord teaches us another critical way to grow in faith — learn to keep our eyes fixed on Him. Difficulties arise in life; storms come our way. They are inevitable. If we can keep the eyes of our faith fixed on Christ, we can weather these storms of life. By keeping our eyes fixed on the Lord, we find wisdom and strength in Him that lifts us beyond our mere human capacities; we learn to trust that God is there and never abandons us; and we do not grow weary or discouraged.
Finally, our Lord teaches us that true faith flows from love and love casts out all fear.
So, how strong is your faith? At its core, faith is a gift from God; so, ask the Lord to increase your faith, “I believe. Help my unbelief” (Mk 9: 24). Take responsibility for nurturing the faith you have received with a commitment to 10-15 minutes of daily, personal prayer. Develop the virtue of keeping your eyes fixed on Jesus Christ during the challenged moments of life. It takes a great deal of practice. Finally, open your hearts to His amazing love, which will grant you faith to move mountains.”
