Lack Of Faith

The WORD today reminds me that not having faith in God affects what he can do to and through us. 

When the pandemic started this year, a lot of people started to work from home. They were forced to. And during the early part of the work from home process, I read an article that people at home were surprised to see how their spouse / partner were at work. During meetings and video calls, they were surprised on how serious, organized, and well respected their partners were. Maybe they did not see that side of their partner. Or maybe they were surprised because due to familiarity, they did not expect their partner was like that at work. This is probably similar to what Jesus is saying in the gospel. 

A lot of times, we see Jesus telling people that their faith has saved them. In a number of times, Jesus even said that a faith so small like the mustard seed can do great things. They say that God supplements our faith, so just a little amount would do. God fills up what we lack in terms of faith. However, in the gospel today, we see the power and importance of faith, ironically through the lack of it.

“And he did not work many mighty deeds there

because of their lack of faith”

Jesus went to his hometown, and the people, instead of being proud that Jesus came from there, belittled him and took offense at him. They did not believe that someone from their own could really be God’s Child. They felt they knew Jesus, that he was normal just like them. This lack of belief, this lack of faith, was the reason why Jesus did not do a lot of miracles. Yes, Jesus needs our faith. His love and power does not change, but our hearts and our lack of faith limits his power over us.

Our lack of faith limits God’s power over us.

I believe we are challenged by God. We are asked to look at ourselves and see what our heart says. There is no need and no benefit to doubt God. He is all loving and all powerful. We should always remember and believe this, no matter what situation we are in.

This pandemic may be testing our faith. There are a looooot of reasons to lose faith. With what is happening. With how people in authority are responding. With corruption and greed still rampant despite people dying. However, we are reminded to trust in God. There are a lot of things we cannot control, but we can control how we react. We can still do good. We can still spread God’s love in this world. And we should. 

Is my faith strong, or am I like the people who do not trust in God? When we pray, do we really have complete faith in God and his love and power, or do we just pray just in case God hears us? Is our faith strong enough to be willing to suffer for God? When God does not seem to hear us, do we have a humble heart and will still continue to serve Him, or do we walk away from him when we don’t get what we want?

May we work on our faith and build it, so we can have and develop a strong faith in God no matter what the situation may be. 

Father God,

Thank you for today. thank you for another day to live. Thank you for the reminder. Thank you for the gift of faith. Sorry for not having enough faith in you, especially when situations are difficult. Sorry for not working on improving my faith and relationship with you. Lord, I ask that you help me strengthen my faith. I know faith is such a powerful and important aspect of my life, and I ask that you help me develop it. Kahit maliit, kahit mala mustard seed, I know it is enough, that it is a good start. May I have faith and may I be willing to suffer and still serve you because of that faith, knowing that your name will be glorified in everything. May i have faith in you especially during challenging situations. Your love and power are greater than anything.  Amen.

Blessed Day!

In Christ,

-g-  

July 31, 2020

Friday of Week 17; St. Ignatius of Loyola

FIRST READING

Jeremiah 26:1-9

In the beginning of the reign of Jehoiakim, son of Josiah, king of Judah, this message came from the LORD: Thus says the LORD: Stand in the court of the house of the LORD and speak to the people of all the cities of Judah who come to worship in the house of the LORD; whatever I command you, tell them, and omit nothing. Perhaps they will listen and turn back, each from his evil way, so that I may repent of the evil I have planned to inflict upon them for their evil deeds. Say to them: Thus says the LORD: If you disobey me, not living according to the law I placed before you and not listening to the words of my servants the prophets, whom I send you constantly though you do not obey them, I will treat this house like Shiloh, and make this the city to which all the nations of the earth shall refer when cursing another.

Now the priests, the prophets, and all the people heard Jeremiah speak these words in the house of the LORD. When Jeremiah finished speaking all that the LORD bade him speak to all the people, the priests and prophets laid hold of him, crying, “You must be put to death! Why do you prophesy in the name of the LORD: ‘This house shall be like Shiloh,’ and ‘This city shall be desolate and deserted’?” And all the people gathered about Jeremiah in the house of the LORD.

RESPONSORIAL PSALM

Psalm 69:5, 8-10, 14

R. (14c) Lord, in your great love, answer me.

Those outnumber the hairs of my head who hate me without cause. Too many for my strength are they who wrongfully are my enemies. Must I restore what I did not steal?

R. Lord, in your great love, answer me.

Since for your sake I bear insult, and shame covers my face. I have become an outcast to my brothers, a stranger to my mother’s sons, Because zeal for your house consumes me, and the insults of those who blaspheme you fall upon me.

R. Lord, in your great love, answer me.

But I pray to you, O LORD, for the time of your favor, O God! In your great kindness answer me with your constant help.

R. Lord, in your great love, answer me.

ALLELUIA

1 Peter 1:25

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

The word of the Lord remains forever; this is the word that has been proclaimed to you.

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

GOSPEL

Matthew 13:54-58

Jesus came to his native place and taught the people in their synagogue. They were astonished and said, “Where did this man get such wisdom and mighty deeds? Is he not the carpenter’s son? Is not his mother named Mary and his brothers James, Joseph, Simon, and Judas? Are not his sisters all with us? Where did this man get all this?” And they took offense at him. But Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his native place and in his own house.” And he did not work many mighty deeds there because of their lack of faith.