Dear beloved parishioners,

A friend of mine returned from a pilgrimage to the Holy Land in 2004 and brought me several souvenirs, including a grain of mustard seed, which is mentioned in this Sunday's Gospel. It is a very small and round grain, typically measuring 1 to 2 millimeters in diameter, and originates from a mustard plant, commonly used in cooking and farming.

When Jesus's disciples asked him to increase their faith, he replied, "If you had faith the size of a mustard seed, you could say to this mulberry tree, 'Be uprooted and planted in the sea,' and it would obey you" (Luke 17:6). A similar statement can be found in St. Matthew's Gospel (17:20), which says, "Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you." Jesus's response suggests that the disciples lacked faith altogether, and perhaps the more appropriate request should have been, "Grant us faith."

When Jesus spoke about commanding a mulberry tree to move into the sea or a mountain to be relocated, he did not mean this literally. According to William Barclay in his book series "The Daily Study Bible," Jesus was using a familiar phrase to the Jews. A great teacher, known for wisely interpreting scripture and resolving issues, was often referred to as an "uprooter of trees" or even a "mover of mountains." These phrases commonly described the act of overcoming big challenges. Jesus never intended for this to be taken literally; after all, the average person rarely needs to move a physical mountain. What he meant was that with sufficient faith, any difficulty can be overcome, and even the most formidable tasks can be accomplished.

Additionally, this saying suggests that even in everyday life, what seems completely impossible can become possible when approached with faith and determination. We can look to numerous scientific achievements accomplished by those who believed in their potential and were adventurous enough to pursue them. Two hundred years ago, no one imagined that humanity could, through scientific discoveries, in the words of Martin Luther King Jr., "build gigantic bridges to span the seas, erect towering buildings that kiss the skies, or create airplanes and spaceships that dwarf distances." All of this became reality because engineers believed that it could be done.

A strong faith is capable of unhoped-for results. Many may have friends or loved ones who have turned away from God, and it might feel futile to pray for their conversion. However, today's gospel reminds us that even faith as small as a mustard seed can change the course of events. Typically, this is the faith that is consistent, persevering, and trusting in God amid uncertainty. St. Monica exemplified this; despite her son St. Augustine's rebellious behavior, she persevered in prayer for 32 years before he ultimately embraced Christian virtues and holiness.

Similarly, during my ministry to patients in hospitals, nursing homes, and private residences, I have encountered many individuals with such faith. Despite their prolonged suffering and pain, they often exhibited a sense of peace and hope, grounded in their belief in God's promises of love, salvation, and eternal life. They remained steadfast in the face of trials, temptations, and suffering, trusting that God was with them and would provide the strength they needed. This is what it means to move mountains through faith. Others might easily succumb to discouragement and despair when confronted with such circumstances.

It is no wonder that some of our families are divided by deep-rooted differences in political or religious affiliation, resulting in severe grudges and misunderstandings. It is also possible that two families or individuals within the same family have been at odps for decades for various reasons. Our church and society, too, are not exempt; we have often experienced conflicting opinions and divisions that seem impossible to heal.

Today's gospel assures us that faith can overcome these stubborn roots of the mulberry tree, no matter how tough they may be. We are reminded that if we maintain our faith in God and commit to following His teachings and commandments, regardless of the challenges we face, nothing will be impossible.

In God's service and yours,

Fr. Thomas Kagumisa

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