Saturday August 8, 2026

---

A big reason why we don’t move mountains is the world in which we live and how much we’ve been influenced by it.

---

Good News Reflection for:

Saturday of the 18th Week in Ordinary Time
Memorial of Saint Dominic
August 8, 2026

Today’s Readings:

Habakkuk 1:12—2:4
Psalm 9:8-13
Matthew 17:14-20
bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/memorial-saint-dominic-priest
USCCB Podcast of the Readings:
bible.usccb.org/podcasts/audio/daily-mass-reading-podcast-august-8-2026

Faith the size of a mustard seed

In today’s Gospel reading, Jesus challenged his disciples to seek more faith. They had tried and failed to get rid of a demon. But Jesus didn’t say that the demonized boy needed more faith. It was His trainees who needed it, the people whom He would later depend on to continue His ministry.

This includes you and me. Every baptized Christian is called to continue the ministry of Christ.

We need to accept this responsibility and see ourselves as dependent on Christ’s Holy Spirit for fulfilling the mission or else we’ll be accountable for miracles that didn’t happen and hearts that were not converted. Saying “yes” to this is the seed that God Himself will nourish so that it grows.

Is our “yes” the size of a mustard seed?

The disciples of Matthew 17 had not yet received the Holy Spirit. Faith is a fruit of life in the Spirit (Galatians 5:22). We are a post-Pentecost people. We already have the Spirit who works miracles (Galatians 3:5).

A big reason why we don’t move mountains is the world in which we live and how much we’ve been influenced by it. To have the kind of faith that Jesus expects from us, we need to ask ourselves: “What has the world been telling me that reduces my belief in miracles? What has convinced me that I should keep my mouth shut when given the opportunity to bring a non-believer to the Faith? What influence has prevented me from doing spiritual warfare? What has made my faith impotent?”

Go to Mass and pay attention to the miracle that takes place on the altar. Mass is the perfect place for increasing our faith. Receive the full presence of Jesus into yourself. The world does not know this supernatural gift. You do. The Eucharist is a giant seed that really can move mountains. Ask him to move within your mind the mountains of worldly influences that have made your faith less than what He promised it could be.

While you’re there, pay attention to the other people at Mass. Who else has overcome the world? Surround yourself with others who believe in miracles.

© by Terry A. Modica, Good News Ministries

---

 To distribute the Good News Reflections in your church bulletin or in RCIA or faith sharing groups, please contact us.

 You can also receive this & more faith-builders by text message on your phone.

 Keep it going! This reflection reached you thanks to benefactors. Please support this ministry today.

 Post your prayer request.

 How else can we serve you today? Visit our homepage.

Search more reflections in our continually growing database.

Homebound, Prison & Hospital Ministers are invited to print and distribute them without further permission.

Continue your prayer time with these:
Pray with Saints | Pray the Rosary | Other Prayers | Random Quotes.

 

Order and share Terry Modica's books

Socialize with us at:
        

Please share this with others by inviting them to visit this page. You may also print this for your personal use and you may share the print-out with others. [bws_pdfprint display='print']