Whether it is due to financial dishonesty, sexual abuse or some other wrongdoing, the scandal has hurt the Church deeply. Jesus knew that scandal could harm people and cause them to lose faith in God. So Jesus tells us, "watch yourselves" (Lk. 17:3); he warns us to be careful in our words and deeds. Choose what draws us closer to God.

Likewise, the first reading invites us to live with wisdom. When a person's heart is dominated by perverse thoughts, it is difficult for wisdom to enter (Wis. 1:3-5). However, when a person lives uprightly, wisdom, "the holy spirit of instruction," leads the soul.

Jesus gives us a specific way of living with wisdom-have faith. A mustard seed is small, and in fact, it is tiny. Yet even faith the size of a mustard seed is powerful enough to uproot a mulberry tree (Lk. 17:6). Jesus encourages us: even if our faith is imperfect, it can have great effects. When we pray and truly trust that God will bless us, good things happen.

The result and fruit of our prayer are affected by whether or not we have faith.

No matter what scandal, challenge or suffering arises in life, God's love is greater. Do I believe this?