Spiritual Hiccups - All Things?

Today's gospel contains the famous line, "I believe; help my unbelief!"  And I wonder if we wouldn't all do well to embrace the line as our own.  Mark's gospel tells of a man bringing his son to the disciples for healing.  The boy has was sounds like severe epilepsy, something attributed to possession in Jesus' day.  When Jesus comes on the scene, the disciples have been unable to help, and Jesus' exasperation is evident for all to see.  "You faithless generation, how much longer must I be among you? How much longer must I put up with you?"

Surely Jesus must feel the same way about me and about the Church from time to time.  Not that we don't work hard at this church thing, but I fear that many who come to us for help feel a lot like the father in today's gospel.  We talk a good talk.  We try hard, but where is the power of the risen Christ?  Where is the evidence of the Spirit's gifts and power at work in us?

Over the years churches and denominations have created all sorts of structures and systems to help us do our job.  Governing boards, mission agencies, seminaries, and so on have frequently contributed to the Church's ability to share the gospel in word and deed.  But it is easy for churches and denomination to become nothing more than the sum total of our structures, systems, and members.  And we can view as impossible anything that seems beyond the reach and power of these. 

After the father in today's gospel sees the inability of Jesus' disciples, his plea to Jesus seem less than confident.  "But if you are able to do anything, have pity on us and help us."  Jesus answers, "If you are able! - All things can be done for the one who believes." 

All things can be done.  Really?  Can we really accept such a possibility.  I think that father shares our difficulty.  He certainly wants it to be true.  He hopes it is true.  "I believe; help my unbelief!"

We believe, Jesus.  We think our faith makes a difference.  We feel the power of your presence.  But we know well the limits of our abilities, and our congregations' abilities. Please, please, help our unbelief.

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