This incident recorded in three Gospels (Mark 9:14-29, Matthew 17:14-21, and Luke 9:37-45) gives interesting perspective on the need for prayer in the life of a disciple. The episode comes on the heels of the twelve disciples having been sent out by Jesus in pairs to proclaim the Gospel and to perform healing.
At the end of the missionary work the disciples experienced great success. However, when they returned, crowds of people still followed them. In the midst of the crowd was a boy possessed by the evil spirit, whom they tried to exorcise but out no success. Their attempt to deliver the boy from his demon-possession did not go as planned. They were completely powerless.
The father of the boy later approached Jesus, with these words: “Teacher, I have brought to you my son possessed by a mute spirit. Wherever it seizes him, it throws him down; he foams at the mouth, grinds his teeth, and becomes rigid. I asked your disciples do drive it out, but they were unable to do so”
No words could express the confusion and humiliation experience by the disciples.
Jesus did set the little boy free from evil possession.
The dismayed disciplines asked Jesus, “Why couldn’t we drive it out?”
Jesus’s response was “This kind can only come out through prayer.”
Have you ever faced humiliation, disappointment, dismay, and confusion due to a difficult situation that you could not get a handle on it?
Today’s gospel reading is a reminder that we must not lose hope. We are called to be people of prayer. Faith in Jesus saves difficult situation.
When we feel that we have not accomplishing something, let’s invite Jesus. The ministry belongs to Him. We are only invited to “follow Him”.
Have a wonderful week
