Sermon blog by Fr Martin (Associate Priest)

"Increase our faith."

I wonder how many of us feel like we have enough faith. Or are you like me—sometimes wishing for just a little more? A little more trust that God really is in control of this fragile and broken world. A little more belief that it’s all going to be okay. We just have to have faith, right? Simple.

But if you’ve ever wished for a little more faith, I promise you—you’re not alone.

Even the Apostles Asked

In today’s Gospel reading (Luke 17:5–10), it’s Jesus’ apostles who ask for more faith. These are the people who walked with Jesus daily, who witnessed miracles, healings, and divine authority. And yet, even they struggled to believe and trust fully.

They had been listening to Jesus’ recent teachings—challenging, even troubling ones. Just before this passage, Jesus says:

“Occasions for stumbling are bound to come, but woe to anyone by whom they come! It would be better for you if a millstone were hung around your neck and you were thrown into the sea than for you to cause one of these little ones to stumble.” (Luke 17:1–2)

No wonder the apostles respond with urgency and desperation:
“Increase our faith!”

There’s no polite request, no preamble. Just a raw, honest plea. And that should bring comfort to anyone who’s ever whispered the same prayer.

How Much Faith Is Enough?

When the apostles ask for more faith, Jesus responds with a famous image:

“If you have faith the size of a mustard seed…”

The mustard seed is tiny—perhaps the smallest seed the disciples knew. And Jesus says that even faith that small is enough. Why? Because it’s not about how much faith we have, but who we place our faith in.

Faith isn’t the absence of doubt. As Anne Lamott writes:

“The opposite of faith is not doubt, but certainty. If we have certainty then we are missing the point entirely. Faith includes noticing the mess, the emptiness and discomfort, and letting it be there until some light returns.”

Faith means trusting Jesus—even when things seem dark. Holding onto that mustard seed-sized belief and trusting that it’s enough.

Trust Him

Jesus follows his mustard seed metaphor with a story about a servant doing what is commanded. It’s a reminder: we’re not in charge. We don’t need to have it all figured out. God is in control. Our job is to trust Him and keep going.

If you have enough faith to ask for more, then you already have enough.

Can Faith Grow?

But let’s return to the apostles’ question:
“Increase our faith!”

Jesus says a mustard seed is enough—but mustard seeds grow. In fact, earlier in Luke’s Gospel, Jesus compares the Kingdom of God to a mustard seed that grows into a tree, offering shelter to birds.

So yes—faith can grow. And here are three ways we can nurture it:

1. Ask for More Faith

Just like the apostles did. Turn their words into a prayer:

Lord, I’m struggling to believe. Help me trust you more. Increase my faith.

God already knows our hearts. So talk to Him. Ask Him. That’s the first step.

2. Come to Church

The apostles said, “Increase our faith.” Faith grows in community. Church is where we’re reminded of God’s goodness, where we hear His Word, and where we share in the sacraments. Don’t wait until you feel strong in faith—come, and be nurtured.

3. Share Your Struggles

Talk to a Christian friend. Or to someone in ministry. Don’t keep your doubts to yourself. Faith grows when we’re honest, when we’re supported, and when we walk together.

Closing Thoughts

So let me leave you with this:

Your faith—however small it may seem—is enough. Because it’s never been about the size of your faith. It’s always been about who you place your faith in.

No matter how little our faith, when we place it in Jesus, there is no end to what He can accomplish.

So let us pray together:
Lord Jesus, Increase Our Faith. Amen.