NOTES for Mar 9:17-31

Today we read some of Christ's most difficult words, words that trouble the reader: "O faithless generation! How long shall I be with you? How long shall I bear with you?" A faithless generation is not about traitors, but about unbelieving and unsure people. About minds and hearts that, as soon as they take up a task, are already convinced that it cannot be done. About those who hide their weakness, coldness, and laziness behind constant accusation, criticism, and reproach. About those who cannot acknowledge their weakness and blindness and entrust themselves to people and to God. About those who have lost their connection with God and are always in depression and a bad mood.

In such a state, few people can even recognize this condition in themselves. But one of those struck by such despondency cried out: "I believe, Lord! Help my unbelief." He saw in Christ the One who has power, the only One who can help. And his "I believe!" is the words of a person who, in his suffering, seeks and finds support in Christ's eyes, words, and actions. And he knows that he asks Him to help because he knows no other way. He sees in his soul the absence of faith and trust. And he does not want to be an intermediary; he cannot stand on his own. But he asks not for himself, but for another.

And Christ heals the demon-possessed man at his request. And then He says that this kind is cast out by fasting and prayer. Here He is speaking about how to acquire faith, not about why the disciples were unable to heal.