The Difference a Small Faith Can Do

Reflection Date: August 08, 2026 | Memorial of Saint Dominic, Priest 
Daily Readings: Habakkuk 1:12—2:4; Matthew 17:14-20

Children of God:
August 8 is the feast day of Saint Dominic, the founder of the Dominican Order or the Order of Preachers.

Saint Dominic is often affectionately associated with the Latin phrase “Domini canis,” which means “Dog of the Lord.”  

This is a Latin play of word, the Dominicans, Domini Canes is sometimes playfully pronounced Domini Canis, and the entire meaning is changed.

According to a well-loved tradition, before Dominic was born, his mother dreamed of a dog carrying a flaming torch in its mouth, running across the world and setting it ablaze with light. 

Christians later understood this dream as a symbol that her son would spread the light of the Gospel throughout the world. 

Thus, the playful interplay of Domini Canes and Domini canis suits well with the Dominicans.

Saint Dominic was born in Caleruega, Spain, around the year 1170 and became known for his deep prayer, love for the poor, and passion for preaching the truth. 

During a time when many people were confused by false teachings, Saint Dominic responds with patient dialogue, holiness of life, and sound teaching. 

He believed that people were won over not merely by arguments but by the witness of authentic Christian living. 

In 1216, Pope Honorius III officially approved the Order of Preachers, now known as the Dominicans, whose mission was to proclaim the Gospel through study, preaching, and service. 

Dominic spent his life traveling, teaching, praying, and encouraging others to know Christ more deeply. 

His legacy continues today wherever the truth of the Gospel is preached with both conviction and charity.

In the gospel of Matthew, a father brought his suffering son to Jesus after the disciples failed to heal him. 

Jesus rebuked the evil spirit, and the boy was healed. 

Later, the disciples asked why they could not cast it out. 

Jesus answered, "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.”

What lessons can we draw out from the gospel today?

First, real faith depends on God more than on ourselves. 

The disciples failed not because they lacked experience but because their faith was weak. 

Jesus reminded them that even faith as small as a mustard seed can accomplish what seems impossible because its strength comes from God, not from the believer. 

Many of our struggles begin when we rely only on our abilities instead of placing our confidence in the Lord. 

When we rely solely on our own abilities, we limit our potential to the scope of human weakness.

Placing confidence in the Lord shifts our focus from human limitations to divine strength, allowing us to find peace and purpose in our daily lives.

Real faith depends on God more than on ourselves.

Second, impossible situations are opportunities to trust God's power. 

The father saw no solution for his suffering son after the disciples failed. 

Yet Jesus showed that what appears impossible to human eyes is never impossible for God. 

Every problem, burden, or unanswered prayer invites us not to surrender to discouragement but to deepen our trust in the One who can move mountains. 

These two lessons also fit beautifully with the Feast of Saint Dominic: First, Saint Dominic depended completely on God through prayer, preaching, and holiness rather than on human wisdom alone. 

Second, he believed that even widespread error and unbelief could be overcome because God's truth is more powerful than any obstacle. 

His life showed that one person with deep faith can indeed "move mountains" in the Church and in the world.

Impossible situations are opportunities to trust God's power.

As we reflect on this gospel, let us ask ourselves: Do I truly rely on God's power when I face problems, or do I depend mostly on my own strength and abilities?

When my prayers seem unanswered or my efforts appear to fail, do I lose hope easily, or do I continue trusting that God is still at work in ways I cannot yet see?

Children of God: 

May the faith of Saint Dominic inspire us to trust God more deeply each day. 

Even if our faith seems as small as a mustard seed, when it is placed completely in the hands of the Lord, it becomes strong enough to overcome fear, endure trials, and move the mountains that stand before us.