In today's Gospel passage, the focus seems to be on the lack of faith, both on the part of the disciples and the father of the possessed young man. Concerned about meeting the need of the troubled boy and his anguished father, Jesus turned his attention to the boy's father. Jesus recognized the weakness of the father's faith and as such, challenged him to pray boldly with expectant faith: "All things are possible to him who believes!" Eventually the boy is healed.

At times, we too may have been approached by others to pray for a sick or troubled family member or friend. And as much as we pray, often it may seem that our prayers are not answered. In moments like this, we may feel we have disappointed those who have asked us for prayers as well as feel disappointed with ourselves for not having the faith to heal them.

Jesus teaches his disciples that anything is possible for those who have faith. Faith, says Jesus, comes through prayer. That is, through one's sincere, constant and close relationship with God the Father. Faith is that which flows from personally and intimately knowing a heavenly Father who is ever willing to answer prayers because we are His children.

The important question, as such, is not whether we have faith but whether we truly have a deep relationship with God. Asking something from someone we do not have a relationship may be a little awkward, don't you think?