Mark 9:14-29 (NRSV)

When they came to the disciples, they saw a great crowd around them, and some scribes arguing with them. When the whole crowd saw him, theywere immediately overcome with awe, and they ran forward to greet him. He asked them, ŒWhat are you arguing about with them?¹ Someone fromthe crowd answered him, ŒTeacher, I brought you my son; he has a spirit that makes him unable to speak; and whenever it seizes him, it dashes himdown; and he foams and grinds his teeth and becomes rigid; and I asked your disciples to cast it out, but they could not do so.¹ He answered them,ŒYou faithless generation, how much longer must I be among you? How much longer must I put up with you? Bring him to me.¹ And they broughtthe boy to him. When the spirit saw him, immediately it convulsed the boy, and he fell on the ground and rolled about, foaming at the mouth. Jesusasked the father, ŒHow long has this been happening to him?¹ And he said, ŒFrom childhood. It has often cast him into the fire and into the water, todestroy him; but if you are able to do anything, have pity on us and help us.¹ Jesus said to him, ŒIf you are able! ‹All things can be done for the onewho believes.¹ Immediately the father of the child cried out, ŒI believe; help my unbelief!¹ When Jesus saw that a crowd came running together, herebuked the unclean spirit, saying to it, ŒYou spirit that keeps this boy from speaking and hearing, I command you, come out of him, and never enterhim again!¹ After crying out and convulsing him terribly, it came out, and the boy was like a corpse, so that most of them said, ŒHe is dead.¹ ButJesus took him by the hand and lifted him up, and he was able to stand. When he had entered the house, his disciples asked him privately, ŒWhycould we not cast it out?¹ He said to them, ŒThis kind can come out only through prayer.¹ Hear what the Spirit is saying to the Church.

The Word of the Lord.

Thanks be to God.