Imagine if you were the father in today’s Gospel. Since childhood, his son has been plagued by an unclean spirit that makes him mute and throws him down, doing bodily
harm. The dad brings his son to Jesus’ disciples, and they are of no help. The father comes
before Jesus and asks him to help . . . if He can. Jesus responds, “If you can! All things are
possible for one who believes.” To which the father cries out, “I believe; help my unbelief!” (Mark 9:23–24). This father, who is at the end of his rope, cries out with faith mixed with desperation. Thankfully, his worthiness, and our worthiness, does not depend on the greatness or smallness of faith. Instead, it depends on Jesus, the object of our faith.  When we face desperate times, we, too, cry out in prayer and faith, “Lord, I believe; help
my unbelief!”