Jesus heals a boy suffering from epilepsy. To the disciples, who asked why they had been unable to drive out the demon, he replies: «Because of your little faith» (Mt 17:20).
Faith as small as a mustard seed would be enough to witness extraordinary things.
The Poor Man of Assisi knew, from direct experience, that demons fear prayer offered with faith and humility. They know, in fact, that such prayer rises above the clouds and is pleasing to God, deepening our trusting surrender to Him.
The Franciscan Sources are a wellspring of experience and spiritual riches.
In them we read:
‘There they were constantly intent on praying to God, devoting themselves to the practice of prayer and devotion more with their minds than with their voices, for they did not yet have the liturgical books […]
But, in place of those books, they read unceasingly, leafing through and re-leafing through the book of the Cross of Christ, day and night, instructed by the example and the word of the Father, who continually spoke to them of the Cross of Christ” (FF 1067).
It is clear that upon this rock-solid foundation a great faith was rooted, which made possible healings of every kind and deliverances from demons, because they were nourished by such abundant Grace.
The Lord acted through Francis and his friars, performing marvellous deeds:
“In the village of Sangemini, the servant of God was given hospitality by a devout man, whose wife was tormented by the devil. After praying, he commanded, by virtue of obedience, the devil to leave the woman and, with the help of divine power, forced him to flee immediately: a clear demonstration that the obstinacy of demons cannot withstand the virtue of holy obedience […]” (FF 1219).
Since Francis knew that everything is possible for those who believe, he ceaselessly repeated to his brothers and in his writings:
«All the small and the great […] and all people in every part of the earth, both those who are and those who will be, we, the Friars Minor, unworthy servants, humbly pray and beseech that we may persevere in the true faith and in penance, for no one can be saved in any other way» (FF 68).
«Let us all love with all our heart, with all our soul, with all our mind, with all our capacity and strength, with all our understanding, with all our might […] the Lord God […] who has created us, redeemed us and will save us through his mercy alone» (FF 69).
The Poverello often prayed thus before the Crucifix:
«Most High and glorious God,
enlighten the darkness of my heart.
And grant me true faith,
certain hope and perfect charity,
wisdom and knowledge,
Lord,
that I may fulfil your holy and true commandment.
Amen»
(FF 276).
«If you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, “Move from here to there”, and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you» (Mt 17:20)
Saturday, 18th wk. in Ordinary Time (Mt 17:14–20)
