Bishop Eric Menees
In the gospel this past Sunday we heard the Apostles appeal
to Jesus saying, “Lord, increase our faith.” What an interesting and important
petition that is. In fact, one might argue that it is second only to Jesus’
prayer to his Father in the Garden of Gethsemane: “Not my will but yours be
done.”
Of course, I believe that Jesus’ response to the Apostles
petition was not what they expected. You see, they had witnessed, over and over
again, people coming to Jesus, making a petition, and seeing it granted. Remember
when the leper petitioned Jesus? “Lord, if you will, you can make me clean.” “I
will, be clean.” (Mark 1:41-42) But to the apostles Jesus responds rather
cryptically: “If you had faith like a grain of mustard seed, you could say to
this mulberry tree, ‘Be uprooted and planted in the sea,’ and it would obey
you." (Luke 17:6) Jesus’ response makes it almost sound like faith can be
measured - as if you could put it in a beaker and measure its volume, density,
and weight. However, faith is not a material possession at all – it is a
spiritual gift given by the Lord to his adopted children. Perhaps the petition
for us Christians should not be so much, “Increase our faith” as, “Lord, help
us to exercise our faith.” However, just like praying for patience, we should
be careful in making that petition, because the Lord will grant our petition
and offer us opportunities to exercise that faith!
Over the past eight years we’ve had countless opportunities
to exercise our faith, but none more than this very moment in our life as a
diocese; as we step out of our beloved church buildings into the unknown, faith
is required. Thankfully, while our faith may waver from time to time, the
Lord’s faith in us never wavers! Over and over again we are seeing the Lord’s
gracious and abundant provision made evident. St. James’, Fresno, stepped away
from their buildings, and Campus Bible Church opened her doors to say, “Come on
in.” Tuesday night, I was with St. Francis, Stockton, for the celebration of
their patronal feast. St. Francis worships in a converted Methodist fellowship hall,
which, even though very simple, is nicer than anything Jesus worshiped in, save
the Temple. How moving it was to have the entire congregation participate in
the renewal of baptismal vows and come forward for the laying on of hands and
prayer. What a beautiful example of the exercise of faith they have been over
the past two years since leaving their church buildings.
I pray you all a very blessed week!
Catechism Questions:
338-339
338.
Does Christ's obedience excuse you from personal obedience?
No. Obedience is always due to God
as our Father, Lord, and Creator. Despite my sin and weakness, I should strive
always to obey him, looking to Jesus for salvation and to the Holy Spirit for
strength. (John 14:15-16, 23-24)
339.
What is the first benefit of Christ’s sacrifice?
My sins are forgiven when I confess
them and ask for pardon through Christ’s shed blood. I live by being forgiven.
(1 John 1:8-9; Hebrews 9:11-12)
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