Lack of Faith

Today’s readings are in contrast to yesterday’s gospel. Yesterday, we were reminded of how important faith is for Jesus to heal us. Today, we see what lack of faith can do.

David in the first reading ordered a census. That in itself is not bad, but the motivation behind it is what makes is bad. It was not read, but verse 3 of the reading says that Joab tried to warn David not to do it, but David did not listen. David wanted to know the number of people to see how strong he was, how strong his army was, not to be able to serve the people better. In doing so, he was becoming proud, relying on his army rather than God. This showed lack of faith in God.

In the gospel, Jesus was not able to do many things in his own town because of the people’s lack of faith. His power and love has not changed. It was the attitude of the people that’s different. Sabi nga nya kahapon, your faith has saved you. This lack of faith of the people prevented him from doing great things.

When we realize we lack faith, and worse, when we sin because of that lack of faith, we must quickly turn back to God. We must be humble and be truly sorry, and ask God’s forgiveness. Dapat kapalan na natin ang mukha natin at wag mahiya, kasi pag nahiya tayong bumalik at lumapit sa kanya, lalo tayong mapapalayo. 

David, although he sinned greatly, he was humble and quickly asked God for forgiveness, unlike the people in the gospel who did not realize what they had just done.

God loves us. God is powerful. May we always remember these things, and always remember that we need faith in order to experience God’s love and power. May we be sensitive enough to realize when we are starting to lack faith, and be quick to do something about it, before it’s too late.

God bless