Believing by Faith

by Dina Balicanot

 

Jn 14:7-14

 

W
orking in an office with a multi-cultural environment due to the mix of staff coming from various countries has led me to really appreciate my faith as a Catholic. Most of the foreigners I work with are mostly non-practicing Christians (wedding and funeral church-goers type), Buddhists and Moslems, and with a large percentage leaning to agnosticism - those who believe that the existence or non-existence of a God is unknowable and unverifiable. It is our faith, I think, that most distinctly defines and sets us apart as Filipinos.  For this alone, we should be very thankful to God.


     Today's gospel features Jesus repeatedly explaining the value of faith to His disciples for them to understand the relationship and oneness of the Son with the Father.  For all its depth and mystery, believing and accepting it is just not possible without faith.  


     Believing is not enough. We have to be certain of what we have prayed for, and to keep them burning in our hearts even if we have not seen any of it coming to life.  Unlike the agnostics, a person with faith does not need anything as proof just to believe. Blessed are those who are born to it (thanks to our parents!). Blessed also are those who sought to find it themselves.  

 

     It is definitely not all about just believing in God. We have to have a faith that will give us the ability to step out of the boat just like Peter in the Book of Matthew.  Something forceful that will enable us to vividly see the miracles of God in our plain-looking lives. Something radical that will lead us to commit to live our lives in the same way Jesus lived His own, and look forward to doing even greater things.  


     Funny, but I just thought, given the scenario in my office, if there will be a beauty pageant and we are to introduce our faith individually onstage, how would we do it? How about, for me, "Hi! My name is Dina! I believe in God and my God truly loves me!"?

 

 

Prayer:  

 

Help us O, Lord that we may build our lives around You and Your great love for us! May every blessing we receive heighten the little faith that we have. Amen.

 

 

 

 
 
< Prev   Next >