ACC ~ Luke 17 v5 - 6

TO INCREASE FAITH IS TO STRENGTHEN IT BY THE HOLY SPIRIT

CYRIL OF ALEXANDRIA: They ask, “Add faith to us.” They do not ask simply for faith, for perhaps you might imagine them to be without faith. They rather ask Christ for an addition to their faith and to be strengthened in faith. Faith partly depends on us and partly is the gift of the divine grace. The beginning of faith depends on us and our maintaining confidence and faith in God with all our power. The confirmation and strength necessary for this comes from the divine grace. For that reason, since all things are possible with God, the Lord says that all things are possible for him who believes. [1] The power that comes to us through faith is of God. Knowing this, blessed Paul also says in the first epistle to the Corinthians, “For to one is given through the Spirit the word of wisdom, to another the word of knowledge according to the same Spirit, and to another faith in the same Spirit.” [2] You see that he has placed faith also in the catalogue of spiritual graces. The disciples requested that they might receive this from the Savior, contributing also what was of themselves. By the descent upon them of the Holy Spirit, he granted it to them after the fulfillment of the dispensation. Before the resurrection, their faith was so feeble that they were liable even to the charge of being “little of faith.” COMMENTARY ON LUKE, HOMILIES 113-16. [3]

[1] Mk 9:23.

[2] 1 Cor 12:8.

[3] CGSL 462-63**.

THE GREAT FAITH OF THE CHURCH

AUGUSTINE: A mustard seed looks small. Nothing is less noteworthy to the sight, but nothing is stronger to the taste. What does that signify but the very great fervor and inner strength of faith in the church? SERMON 246.3. [1]

[1] WSA 3 7:104*.