Gospel (Jn 12,24-26) - At that time, Jesus said to his disciples: «Truly, truly, I say to you: unless the grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it produces much fruit. Whoever loves their life loses it and whoever hates their life in this world will keep it for eternal life. If anyone wants to serve me, let him follow me, and where I am, there my servant will also be. If anyone serves me, the Father will honor him."

The commentary on the Gospel by Monsignor Vincenzo Paglia

Jesus is approached by a man who asks him for mercy for his son. Suffering often becomes a cry for mercy, because it is unbearable both for those who suffer it and for those who have to be close to loved ones who are affected by it. The young person is not in control of himself like many young people who frequently fall prisoner to addictions that make them incapable of control. That father, not wanting to bother the master, had taken his son to the disciples hoping they would be able to heal him. But they hadn't succeeded. Jesus expresses himself first of all with a strong lament: «O incredulous and perverse generation! How long will I be with you? How long will I have to put up with you? These words appear as a rebuke to a generation that turns to him to receive healing, but does not agree to involve itself in the Father's plan of love. However, he has that boy brought immediately. Just one word is enough – “Jesus threatened him” – and the devil “went out of him”. The disciples, upon seeing the miracle, are both embarrassed and amazed. And when they find themselves alone with Jesus, they ask him for explanations as to why they were unable to heal that boy. Jesus responds with great clarity by saying that it is because of their little faith. It is not words or techniques that free men from evil spirits, but the love of God, the disciples' true and only strength. Jesus' words reveal that the disciples had not had faith and had looked for strength elsewhere. From that failure, Jesus opens up a future of hope to his disciples: "Nothing will be impossible for you." It is the Lord who continues to act in the world and in history also through his disciples.