Move Mountains

When they came to the crowd, a man came to him, knelt before him, and said, ‘Lord, have mercy on my son, for he is an epileptic and he suffers terribly; he often falls into the fire and often into the water. And I brought him to your disciples, but they could not cure him.’ Jesus answered, ‘You faithless and perverse generation, how much longer must I be with you? How much longer must I put up with you? Bring him here to me.’ And Jesus rebuked the demon, and it came out of him, and the boy was cured instantly. Then the disciples came to Jesus privately and said, ‘Why could we not cast it out?’ He said to them, ‘Because of your little faith. For truly I tell you, if you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, “Move from here to there”, and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you.’ Matthew 17:14-21

Last night we gathered at the cathedral to celebrate the life of Bishop Barbara Harris. It was a long overdue gathering. She was loved by so many and stood for so much. She was a larger-than-life character. Barbara could move mountains in the hearts and minds of people. Her faith was deep and strong. Barbara took Jesus at his word. And despite all the barriers and attitudes she faced, she knew Jesus loved her and was with her. May we all have faith like Barbara - faith that can move mountains.

Loving Creator, source of all power

you give us the strength to believe

and the capacity to move mountains.

Let not our fears nor our mistakes

keep us from believing your words

that if our faith is but a mustard seed

we could change hearts and minds

and move mountains for your love. Amen.