In both the readings for today the theme that stands out most is faith. In the first reading, the Lord tells Abraham that his wife Sarah will have a son. Sarah, being quite old, laughs and does not believe. The Lord reprimands Sarah for not believing all things are possible for God. This is the opposite of what happens in the Gospel where the Lord praises the centurion for His faith that He can heal his servant without even seeing him. The psalm is the Magnificat; the response Mary gives to Elizabeth when she recognizes Mary has Christ in her womb. Mary is the perfect model of faith in Christ. Even as Christ was dying on the cross, her faith never wavered.
What is Faith?
So, what is faith, and how do we practice it? The Catechism says faith is:
“Faith is a gift of God, a supernatural virtue infused by him.”
and
“Faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” -Hebrews 11:1.
Belief in Christ, the Church, Heaven, and Hell are all part of the supernatural gift of faith. Christ also desires us to have a childlike faith in Him. To believe that we are His children, that He cares for us, provides for us, and gives sufficient grace to be saved.
“Look at the birds in the sky; they do not sow or reap, they gather nothing into barns, yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are not you more important than they?” -Mt 6:26
Amen, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven. -Mt 18:2
If you are struggling to have faith, pray the traditional Act of Faith to ask God to increase your faith! And remember, faith is not a feeling. Faith is an act of the will! So even if your emotions say otherwise, what you actually do is what counts! And as you grow in holiness, your emotions will start to follow your will.
Act of Faith
O my God, I firmly believe
that you are one God in three divine Persons,
Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
I believe that your divine Son became man.
and died for our sins and that he will come
to judge the living and the dead.
I believe these and all the truths
which the Holy Catholic Church teaches
because you have revealed them
who are eternal truth and wisdom,
who can neither deceive nor be deceived.
In this faith I intend to live and die.
Amen.
