Faith, Despite Not Knowing

  

The WORD today (see http://usccb.org/bible/readings/011517.cfm) reminds me that I should have faith in God, despite not knowing a lot of things. 

I like to be informed. I like to know what is going on, what the situation is, so I would have a clearer understanding of the situation. It also helps in making decisions and actions. And I believe a lot of people are like that. We want to know things. We want to understand things. It is easier to make sense of what is happening if you can see a bigger picture. However, a lot of times it does not work that way. 

God wants us to have faith and trust him, even if we do not understand what is happening. 

In the gospel, we again see an account of John the Baptist. What is interesting to note is his statement: "I did not know him, but the reason why I came baptizing with water was that he might be made known to Israel.” So inspiring. Such great faith. He did not know Jesus specifically, but he knew God wanted him to work and prepare the way for Jesus. And that is what he did. 

This should be an inspiration to us. Especially when we do not understand a lot of things. Especially when we do not know a lot of things. Just like John the Baptist. As we start the year, we have a lot of doubts and concerns. What will happen this year? What is in store for me? What has God planned for me? And we may not know the answers to these questions. However, just like John, we should have faith in God. We should trust in him. Even if, and especially if we do not know and understand. We just need to out our faith in him and obey whatever he is telling us and asking us to do. For we know that whatever that is, it is for our good. That it will be great. 

May we learn to have faith in God, especially during times we do not know a lot of things.

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for another Sunday. Thank you for the reminder. Lord, sorry for the times I want to know a lot of things before I act. Sorry for the times I get stressed and bothered by the fact that I don't know a lot of things. Sorry for worrying too much. Increase my faith. Help me live like John the Baptist. May I be contented in doing what you want me to do, in living right, even if I do not know and understand a lot of things. Use me for your purpose and your glory. Amen. 

Blessed Sunday!

In Christ,

-g-

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

January 15, 2017
Second Sunday in Ordinary Time
Lectionary: 64

Reading 1 Is 49:3, 5-6

The LORD said to me: You are my servant,
Israel, through whom I show my glory.
Now the LORD has spoken
who formed me as his servant from the womb,
that Jacob may be brought back to him
and Israel gathered to him;
and I am made glorious in the sight of the LORD,
and my God is now my strength!
It is too little, the LORD says, for you to be my servant,
to raise up the tribes of Jacob,
and restore the survivors of Israel;
I will make you a light to the nations,
that my salvation may reach to the ends of the earth.

Responsorial Psalm Ps 40:2, 4, 7-8, 8-9, 10

R. (8a and 9a) Here am I, Lord; I come to do your will.
I have waited, waited for the LORD,
and he stooped toward me and heard my cry.
And he put a new song into my mouth,
a hymn to our God.
R. Here am I, Lord; I come to do your will.
Sacrifice or offering you wished not,
but ears open to obedience you gave me.
Holocausts or sin-offerings you sought not;
then said I, "Behold I come."
R. Here I am, Lord; I come to do your will.
"In the written scroll it is prescribed for me,
to do your will, O my God, is my delight,
and your law is within my heart!"
R. Here am I, Lord; I come to do your will.
I announced your justice in the vast assembly;
I did not restrain my lips, as you, O LORD, know.
R. Here am I, Lord; I come to do your will.

Reading 2 1 Cor 1:1-3

Paul, called to be an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God,
and Sosthenes our brother,
to the church of God that is in Corinth,
to you who have been sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be holy,
with all those everywhere who call upon the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, their Lord and ours.
Grace to you and peace from God our Father
and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Alleluia Jn 1:14a, 12a

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
The Word of God became flesh and dwelt among us.
To those who accepted him,
he gave power to become children of God.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel Jn 1:29-34

John the Baptist saw Jesus coming toward him and said,
"Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world.
He is the one of whom I said,
'A man is coming after me who ranks ahead of me
because he existed before me.'
I did not know him,
but the reason why I came baptizing with water
was that he might be made known to Israel."
John testified further, saying,
"I saw the Spirit come down like a dove from heaven
and remain upon him.
I did not know him,
but the one who sent me to baptize with water told me,
'On whomever you see the Spirit come down and remain,
he is the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.'
Now I have seen and testified that he is the Son of God."