In Luke’s Gospel, the apostles make what seems like a very reasonable request:
“Lord, increase our faith.”
But Jesus’ response is surprising. He tells them,
“If you had faith the size of a mustard seed, you could say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be uprooted and planted in the sea,’ and it would obey you.”
The mustard seed, as we know, is one of the smallest seeds. Yet Jesus is saying, you don’t need more faith—you only need Faith. It’s not about how much faith we have, but where we place it, or more importantly, who we place it in. Even the smallest amount of faith, when placed in God, can do great things.
We see this so clearly in the life of Abraham—the father of faith.
When God called him out of Ur, Abraham was a man without direction, a failed man by many standards. But he believed. He placed his trust in God’s promise, even though he didn’t know where the journey would lead. For years he wandered, guided only by the word God had spoken to him. Abraham’s faith grew not because he was strong, but because he learned that when he tried to build his life by his own effort, it led to failure. Only when he placed his full trust in God did things begin to change.
One of the most powerful examples of Abraham’s faith was when he was asked to offer Isaac, his son. He believed—not blindly, but with confidence—that God would keep His promise, even if it meant raising Isaac from the dead. From this tiny speck of faith, Abraham became the father of a great nation, and the father of all who believe.
Abraham’s story shows us that faith is not a leap into the unknown darkness.
Faith is a response to a deep experience of God’s love—a love that is unconditional, no matter what happens in our lives. God’s desire is that we encounter this love and respond with love in return, both now and for all eternity.
And here is the beauty of it: this mustard seed of faith is not something we can earn or achieve. It is a gift from God—freely given. Like Abraham, we may look in many places for fulfilment—our careers, relationships, success, or our own abilities—but none of these can give us what only God can. True faith begins when we stop relying on ourselves and place our trust in Him.
So I must ask myself honestly: Where am I placing my faith?
Is it truly in God?
The Gospel encourages us not to be discouraged by our lack of faith. Instead, we are invited to take the small faith we have—this tiny mustard seed—and place it in God. Not to focus on our doubts, or our weakness, or our limited efforts. But to be humble, to know ourselves, and to open our hearts to discover just how much God loves us—even when we struggle to believe it. Especially when life is hard, and faith feels distant.
That mustard seed, if planted in God’s love, will grow into something great—a tree where even the birds of the air can build their nests. A life that offers shelter, strength, and hope to others.
Deacon Gerry
