What Is Faith?
Dear Parishioners,
Our Catechism teaches that faith is a supernatural gift of God which enables us to believe without doubt all that is revealed by God. Today’s scripture readings refresh our minds again on the importance of faith in our Christian belief. With the examples of Abraham and Sarah, we see it as unwavering confidence in the Lord’s promises. The author of the Book of Wisdom recounts how God came to the aid of those who had faith in Him and how he allowed misfortunes to fall on the enemy.
There are three aspects of Abraham’s life that demonstrate faith in action. The first, Abraham was obedient to God’s request to move with his family to an unknown destination. Second, he and Sarah had faith in the promise of a child in their advanced years. Finally, there was obedient faith in his willingness to sacrifice his only son, Isaac. So strong was his faith in God that we now learn the implication of believing in God, the only One, and loving Him with our being. With these examples, faith was made visible and understandable. Abraham’s faithfulness becomes a model for all Christians whose aspirations are the same.
“Faith in God leads us to turn to Him alone as our first origin and our ultimate goal, and neither to prefer anything to him nor to substitute anything for him” (CCC 229) It was God who first revealed himself to us as the one “abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness.” Jesus encourages us not to be afraid and assures that God is ready to grant his kingdom to anyone who has faith in him. How can we possess the kingdom? We can do so by undergoing the interior conversion and be faithful to it. Unlike the story of the greedy rich landowner who wanted to possess all material goods without having a space for God in his life, as he was too busy figuring out how to enlarge his granaries to store his rich harvest.
It is absurd for anyone to live as if there is no God. Therefore, it is essential that we devote all our energy and all our resources to possess the kingdom that God has given to us. Jesus warns, “Wherever your treasure lies, there your heart will be.” With selected parables, Jesus expands the meaning of his teachings. He talks about vigilance, about a master who returns from a wedding and finds his servants on the watch for him; and talks about the thief who always comes unexpectedly.
It seems to me that the Lord has laid out for us a spiritual map to follow. He recommends vigilance because his return will come unexpectedly. God made us for himself and loves to have us with him at the end of our earthly journey. Let us not be like the wicked servant who abused his fellow servants, eats and drinks and get drunk. Our faith demands exemplary life and commitment. The more generous the Lord is with his gifts to us, the more we are obliged to distribute them to others in turn.
We cannot take our faith for granted. It is still a precious gift that must be cherished and put into good use. He is calling us to be attentive and on the alert. “Our treasure will lie with him, and we will then share it with others.” If we abuse this gift, in turn it will destroy us. The kingdom is given to us, but we can refuse it. If we do, we see how absurd life is. Remember the cry of despair we just read last Sunday in the Book of Ecclesiastes, “Vanity of vanities! All things are vanity!” Have faith!
Sincerely Yours In Christ,
Rev. Vitalis Anyanike
Pastor
