From Living Faith Daily Catholic Devotions (Jan/Feb/Mar 2026)

Third Week in Ordinary Time

2 Samuel 7:18-19, 24-29 + Psalm 132:1-5, 11-14 + Mark 4:21-25

Faith’s Value

To one who has, more will be given; from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away. Mark 4:25

I have found this saying troubling, as it seems contradictory to Jesus’ teachings of giving to those who have little. He also says, “the measure with which you measure with which you measure will be measured back to you” (v. 24). What we measure means how we assign value to something. Now I consider these words in the context of faith: When we assign great value to faith, it will be measured back to us with still more given to us. When we have not valued faith, even what little we have will be taken away. Perhaps we may not have valued faith because we have opined God to be a remote God, one of sever judgement.

Yet, Jesus also says, “Take care what you hear” (v. 23). A negative opinion of God does not change the truth of God, who is all-loving and all-powerful. Let us gratefully deepen our faith, even when we may not fully grasp something.

God, help us to encounter you as you truly are: loving, compassionate and merciful.

□ Patricia Livingston