I have realised that my relationship with God depends on my faith and trust in Him. Constantly, I need to remind myself to be grateful for the many times the Lord has intervened in my life. In this light, I can understand the disciples' request: "Lord, increase our faith."

In other words, 'Lord, deepen our relationship with You; our understanding of You; our love of You; our quest for You!' This is because faith is a relationship. And this relationship is a trusting relationship born out of gratitude. And not surprisingly, we wait on Him in anticipation as faithful servants.

This deepening of faith has power. The grace that flows from it makes St Paul remind Timothy in the Second Reading of today: "I am reminding you to fan into a flame the gift that God gave you when I laid my hands on you."

This gift is "not a Spirit of timidity, but the spirit of power, and love and self-control." It is such faith that engenders God's blessings in us. It is an active faith.

How deep is your faith? How intimate is your relationship with God? To live without faith is to not have any personal relationship with God! Such a life is an abomination!