Waiting in Expectant Faith

Faith is very important, especially as we serve God, as we live our lives. This is what the readings today remind me.

In the first reading, Abraham had faith in God, that despite his old age and Sarah being sterile, God can still give him a son, and his descendants will be as numerous as the stars. Alam nyang hindi stir, hindi OA si God. Then it doesn’t stop there. When God asked Isaac to be sacrificed up to him, Abraham obeyed. Hassle diba, after giving you a son in your old age, you’ll feel so happy because God was true to his promise and he will now have an heir. Tapos ipapa sacrifice. Labo, diba? However, Abraham still obeyed and had faith.

Then in the gospel, we see people having faith. Simeon had faith. We met him in the gospel yesterday. He has been waiting for the Messiah, and he had faith that what has been told him will come true. Then Anna, who worshipped night and day in the temple, had faith in the messiah as well. And I am sure Joseph and Mary had faith as well, that while Jesus was growing up, God’s promise would come true.

All of them were waiting in expectant faith. Abraham, kahit matanda na, waited that God’s promise will be fulfilled, and when God asked Isaac to be sacrificed, Abraham had expectant faith as well that God could raise him up even if he takes him. Simeon and Anna had expectant faith, staying in the temple and worshiping God. It may have not been easy, matagal din sila naghintay, but it was worth it. Joseph and Mary had expectant faith that God’s promises will come true through Jesus. Expectant Faith.

How about us? Do we wait with expectant faith? Do we have faith, that despite all possible natural and physical situations, God’s word will come true? Do we believe that God’s power is limitless, or do we doubt when we feel it is logically impossible? Do we patiently wait for God’s promises to come true in our lives, or are we too impatient and take matters in our own hands? How can we improve our faith?

This season, though Christmas day is over, may we continue to have expectant faith that God’s promises will come true. May we continue to prepare ourselves for his coming, having expectant faith that he indeed will come, and all will be worth it.

God bless!