Faith Beyond the Mustard Seed: The Spirit Who Dwells Within

In the Gospel of Luke, the disciples ask Jesus, “Increase our faith.” Who wouldn’t want that? Faith is not always easy. Trust falters when people disappoint us. Those we lean on often cannot carry the weight we place on them.

The prophet Habakkuk knew that struggle well. In his time, violence and destruction were everywhere. He had faith, but it was tested, because all he saw was suffering. Yet God answered him: He acts in His own time, but the just one who perseveres in faith shall live.

Jesus tells His disciples that if they had faith even as small as a mustard seed, their faith would move mountains. The implication, of course, is that their faith is smaller still. And our own faith?

Too often we act as if God should be impressed by it. “Look, Lord, at how strong my faith is!” But Jesus reminds us that faith is not a favor we give Him. We are servants who simply do what we have been asked. Even when we have done what is required, we have only done the minimum. Yet our human tendency is to seek praise for doing what we ought to do.

Faith, however, is God’s gift. He gives it to us because we need it, not because He needs it. Without grace, we would be enslaved to ourselves. With grace, we can live as children of God.

That grace is the Spirit. The Holy Spirit is not a silent guest. He strengthens us to endure hardship for the sake of love. He enlightens our minds, orders our desires, and guides us into righteousness. God pours His own likeness into our hearts so that we might return that love.

This is the treasure of grace: God’s own presence within us. It is the Spirit’s indwelling that allows faith to grow, hope to remain firm, and love to endure. Even when we feel abandoned, we are never alone.

Our divine Guest is always with us, teaching us to serve God and neighbor. If we welcome Him, our faith will flourish beyond the mustard seed, our hope will be secure, and our love will never end.