Manifestations of Little Faith!

Monday, August 3, 2026

Jer 28: 1-17; Mt 14: 22-36

Today’s Gospel highlights the dangerous manifestations of little faith. 

Three such manifestations can be identified. 

1. Our Own Vision of Jesus Distorted: The problem with little faith is that our own vision of Jesus gets distorted. For instance, though it was Jesus who came walking on the water, his disciples were terrified that he appeared to be a ‘ghost’ to them. Fear becomes such a hindrance that even Jesus becomes the source of greater fear. Little faith can make God appear distant or even absent.

2. Our Own Fears Magnified: Another danger of little faith is that fear becomes louder than faith. The text shows that even when Jesus speaks to them saying, ‘Take courage; it is I; do not be afraid,’ the words of the Lord do not enter the fearful hearts to give them peace. Little faith allows the heart to be overwhelmed by fear in such a way that Jesus’ disciples, even after witnessing many of his miracles, still falter. Little faith hides the Lord from our eyes. 

3. The Lord’s Identity Questioned: What is even more surprising is Peter’s statement, which seems to doubt even the Lord’s identity. This is why he says, ‘Lord, if it is you…’ If Peter had truly recognized Jesus, he would not have made a conditional statement, ‘If it is you…’ It is as if Peter were demanding proof before he believed that it was the Lord. Little faith weakens us so badly that we even suspect the Lord’s identity and His accompaniment. 

While his disciples suffer from such little faith, Jesus employs his miraculous walk on the water to heal them. And Jesus succeeds in his effort. This is why Peter, who said in doubt, ‘Lord, if it is you…’ now cries out in certainty, ‘Lord, save me.’ The disciples who thought of Jesus as a ghost now confess, ‘Truly, you are the Son of God.’

When little faith leads to fear, genuine faith results in transformation. 

Let us pray that the Lord’s interventions in our lives may guide us to a deeper faith in him. 

Fr. Dhinakaran Savariyar