This line from the Letter to the Hebrews struck me in a new way today: “All these died in faith. They did not receive what had been promised but saw it and greeted it from afar…” (Hebrew 11:13). Faith is the theme of today’s reflection.
Pastoral ministry exposes a priest to the deepest human struggles. A man who has just lost his wife, grasping for meaning. A child who wanders the streets, fleeing a home of drug-addicted parents who beat him, finding his only solace in the church. The sick—young and old—battling hormonal disorders, cancer, or terminal illness, clinging to faith as they plead for healing. The poor, without food or clothing, seeking mercy from the parish. The burdened, tormented by past sins, yearning for absolution. The betrayed, the abandoned, the unemployed, those on the brink of losing everything. Those for whom life has no more meaning and hope is lost. These come. They trust. They pour out their hearts.
Their groans reveal the frailty of our human nature. We seek help. We seek answers. And sometimes, it feels as if God is silent.
I spoke with a woman who told me she no longer had faith. “God isn’t listening,” she said. “My prayers go unanswered. What I seek, I do not find.” This experience is more routine as I meet people struggling with various needs.
But true faith—deep faith—is believing even when we do not receive what was promised. It is seeing and greeting it from afar. It is trusting that the Lord, who has made the promise, is faithful and trustworthy (Hebrew 11:11).
Faith holds firm even when God seems absent—when He does not seem to see, answer, heal, provide, or console. Faith says The Lord, my God, is here. Right now. At the heart of it all.
Faith in the Storm
Perhaps you have read about Paul, our Gratia Vobis Ministries president, in his health update from January 30. His words were simple, yet they revealed a profound faith. Despite his struggles, he continues his mission, serving Gratia Vobis Ministries without pay. Whenever we speak about his condition, I am deeply grateful. His faith inspires me. He trusts. He believes.
We continue to pray for healing—his and so many others like him. Yet, the Good Lord does not promise a smooth journey when He calls us to cross over to the other side (Mark 4:35-41). Meaning the next place or circumstance His mission for us beckons. The Lord reclines, resting, even as the storm rages.
Storms will shake us, if not break us, if we rely only on our human strength, as the apostles did. They, too, thought they had everything under control until the winds howled, the waves crashed, and fear overtook them.
Trust
Faith is at work even when the Lord seems asleep. Sometimes, suffering, waiting, and silence feel unbearable. But even in that silence, God is speaking. Even in the darkness, He is present. Believe God in this and trust.
Faith is not about having every answer or feeling strong. It is about knowing that, even when the sea is rough and the boat is sinking, Jesus is still in it with us. When our confidence in God is unwavering, even when miracles cease to occur, it’s proof of deeper faith.
Therefore, in those moments when doubt tempts you to force your way—when trusting God feels foolish—pause. Surrender. Despite the struggles and the storms, victory is the Lord, who is right there with you in the thick of the storm. Right with you in the deep valley. Just all over you as the darkness seeks to overwhelm you.
Trust.
I pray for you today. I pray with you. May the Good Lord increase our faith. Amen.
God love you. God bless you.
[Readings: Hebrews 11:1-2, 8-19; Mark 4:35-41]
