Universal Utterings

for August 8, 2026

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08-08-2026 Matthew 17 v1421 Except By Prayer And Fasting

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The Gospel of Matthew Chapter 17 Verse 14 thru 21

14 When they came to the crowd a man approached, knelt down before him, 15 and said, “Lord, have pity on my son, for he is a lunatic and suffers severely; often he falls into fire, and often into water. 16 I brought him to your disciples, but they could not cure him.” 17 Jesus said in reply, “O faithless and perverse generation, how long will I be with you? How long will I endure you? Bring him here to me.” 18 Jesus rebuked him and the demon came out of him, and from that hour the boy was cured. 19 Then the disciples approached Jesus in private and said, “Why could we not drive it out?” 20 He said to them, “Because of your little faith. Amen, I say to you, 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. Nothing will be impossible for you. 21 But this kind does not come out except by prayer and fasting”

In Matthew 17:14-21, we encounter a powerful narrative where the disciples are unable to cast out a demon from a boy who suffers from severe seizures, referred to as being "moonstruck" in some translations. This accounts for a moment of frustration for both the boy's father and the disciples themselves. They had previously been empowered by Jesus to heal and cast out demons, yet here they find themselves helpless.

The reason for their inability to perform this miracle can be understood from various angles. First, Jesus points out in verse 20 that their lack of faith was a significant factor. He compares their faith to a mustard seed, emphasizing that even the smallest amount of genuine faith can yield remarkable results. This suggests that the disciples may have been caught up in their own doubts, perhaps feeling overwhelmed by the severity of the boy’s condition or by the reaction of the bystanders.

Moreover, in verses 21 and in parallel accounts, there is an implication that some forms of evil spirits require deeper spiritual commitment and diligent prayer to confront effectively. Jesus emphasizes the need for prayer and fasting—spiritual practices that strengthen one's connection to God and enhance faith. The failure of the disciples highlights an important lesson about reliance on God rather than on their own power or previous experiences.

In summary, Matthew 17:14-21 teaches the importance of faith and spiritual preparation in confronting challenges. The story encourages readers to cultivate a deep, consistent relationship with God, nurturing faith through prayer. This passage reminds us that while we may face obstacles that seem insurmountable, genuine faith can bring about profound change, reflecting the transformative power of belief. Amen.

Join me as we pray our daily prayer of forgiveness. The Lord’s Prayer.

At the Savior's command and formed by divine teaching, we dare to pray:

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. Deliver us, Lord, we pray, from every evil, graciously grant peace in our days, that, by the help of your mercy, we may be always free from sin and safe from all distress, as we await the blessed hope and the coming of our Savior, Jesus Christ. For the kingdom, the power and the glory are yours now and forever.

I am sorry Lord. I believe You died and rose for me. Please forgive me as I forgive others. I share You as my Lord and Savior seeking to live your Will in all things. Prayers for wife Toni and my mother Betty pray for our children especially our two oldest Alexandra & Allen Son in Law Mark Stern; Julian, Gabriel and Jeffrey and our grandchildren Oliver, Julian and Elliott. We pray for those we’ve said we’d pray for and those who’ve asked us to pray for them. We pray for the dying as we do each day Lord give them peace in their last breath. We pray for Holy Mother Church. Our prayers for our niece Brittany. In Jesus Precious Blood by His Name we pray. Amen.

I am a poet obedient to Christ,


Catholic Evangelist Thomas Cruz†Wiggins


†Spirit led God inspired Christ fed†®


Ephesians 6:17-20

08-08-2026 Matthew 17 v1421

Except By Prayer And Fasting

In the valley low, where shadows creep, 

A father’s heart, in silence weeps, 

His son, tormented by a spirit’s claim, 

Desperate cries, he calls out The Name. 

“Lord, have mercy,” the plea rings clear, 

In the throng of the crowd, faith turned to fear, 

The chosen twelve, yet powerless they stand, 

For a spirit so strong, none could withstand. 

But Jesus approached, with compassion divine, 

“Bring forth the boy, let my love eternally shine,” 

With a word, He spoke, and the dark spirit fled, 

The chains of torment, finally were shred. 

The disciples wondered, confounded by doubt, 

“Why could we not drive this demon out?” 

With wisdom and grace, the answer He gave, 

“Faith like a mustard seed, can move what’s enslaved.” 

In mountains of struggle, and valleys of pain, 

It’s trust in the unseen that breaks every chain, 

For with faith’s quiet whisper, mountains can sway, 

A reminder in trials — to hope, to pray. 

So let our hearts stir with courage anew, 

For the trials we face, the mountains we view, 

With faith as our anchor, in God’s mighty hand, 

We’ll move every mountain, we’ll take His stand Amen.

© Thomas Joe Cruz†Wiggins

August 8, 2026 @ 04:44 AM EST

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