Today's gospel is one of those particularly dramatic healing incidents recounted by Mark. In the conversation between Jesus and the father of the unfortunate boy possessed by an evil spirit, Mark even gives the impression of Jesus being somewhat annoyed and impatient with the situation, if not with the father also. "If you can do anything", the father said in asking Jesus for help. In repeating that phrase "if you can", and saying that "everything is possible for anyone who has faith", Jesus seems to be critical of the man's weakness of faith. But he doesn't take offence. Rather, he speaks one of the most heartfelt prayers recorded in the Bible, one of the most consoling and helpful prayers for so many people: "I do have faith. Help the little faith I have!" And of course that was exactly what Jesus did. That man's statement is a model prayer for all of us. It's a prayer for help, by someone recognising his need for help. But he also recognises the gift he already has. A lot of people say that their faith is weak, or that they only have a little faith, implying that this is some kind of "excuse" for their not praying much or not being active Christians. As if somehow blaming God for not giving them more. Quite different from the father who said "I do have faith: help me!, help my little faith".