"Increase our faith," the Apostles plead. It's a cry that echoes in every heart that longs to believe more deeply, to trust more fully. Jesus responds not with a lecture, but with a gentle image: "If you had faith the size of a mustard seed ..." Even the smallest seed of faith, when nurtured, can move what seems immovable.

Faith is not measured by grandeur—it is revealed in quiet perseverance. The prophet Habakkuk speaks to those who wait in darkness, who cry out in confusion. And yet, he hears the Lord's promise: "The vision still has its time ... the upright shall live by faithfulness." Faith is not the absence of struggle—it is the courage to remain steadfast, to trust, to hope.

St Paul reminds Timothy—and us—to "fan into flame the gift of God." This gift is not fragile; it is Spirit-born. It carries power, love, and self-control. We are not alone in guarding it. The Holy Spirit dwells within us, strengthening what feels small, sustaining what feels weary.

Jesus' Word ought to console us: our faith does not need to be perfect—it only needs to be planted. God sees the seed. He waters it with grace. And in time, it will grow into something strong enough to lift burdens, heal wounds, and restore hope.