October 9, 2020

When anyone believes, the wrath of God departs and life comes. - ST. AMBROSE

Today, St. Ambrose made me think of this scripture verse. “…For truly I tell you, if you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.” (Matthew 17:20)

I have always heard that a mustard seed is really small. For the first time in my life, I looked it up. Wikipedia says a mustard seed is 1 to 2 millimeters (0.039-0.079 inches) in diameter. Yup, pretty small! And Jesus tells us in Matthew that all we need is a tiny amount of faith and we can move mountains! It is not us that will do the moving, sisters and brothers—it is God. We have to believe a little, get out of the way, and let God move the mountains in our lives. 

St. Ambrose assures us that as a result of our belief, our faith, God’s wrath will leave and life will take its place. I think that can mean situations in our day to day existence can turn from darkness and become life-giving, and I think it refers to life eternal, too.

Our God wants our love, our joy, and our peace, even more than we do. Let us believe it, let us be grateful for it, and let us trust that God does not abandon His children, ever. “…I do believe; help my unbelief!” (Mark 9:24)

Jesus, I trust in you.


©Mary V. Pribbenow