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Faith

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Nasal and sinus congestion was restricting my breathing so much so that sleeping and even normal activity were severely hindered; prompting a hurried visit to the doctor. After examining me, the doctor prescribed some medications and advised me to use nasal spray to help alleviate the illness. Having faith in the doctor’s recommendations, without hesitation, I arranged for the medications and followed his advise regarding the nasal spray. I had placed my faith (and my health) in the doctor, a person whom I hardly knew. Similarly throughout our lives, all of us place faith in other people, institutions, and advisers. In many cases, this faith is not based upon scientific or concrete knowledge, but rather is a faith based upon the trust that the doctor or lawyer or academic truly possesses the knowledge that will result in the desired end being sought. Faith is an active part of our lives….every day. Faith is that which we give freely to friends, family, and even strangers. In fact, we cannot comfortably exist without faith.

With faith being such an important element in our lives, one has to wonder why Christians are subject to such sharp and deprecating ridicule when they profess their faith in God and in Jesus Christ. Yet the same critics who demonize the Christian faith, readily place faith in unproven theories, other humans, and in nature without the slightest hesitation. Those who do not believe in God demonstrate greater faith than any other group….they believe that the world was created out of nothing, without a creator. The universe just happened from nothing by nothing. Faith in nothing….that is faith in the extreme…or ????.

Over the centuries countless numbers of people have accepted the Christian Creed and have lived in the belief that the vision of the Creed would be fulfilled. Yet the question for many others is, “Why believe in such radical ideas as expressed in the Christian Creed”? There is only one answer– Faith. By a simple, sometimes soul searching, act of faith, people have come to believe in the mystery of God and His promises. Yes, a belief in God can be reached through human reason, but, in the end, it is the act of faith (trust) that is the conclusive evidence of one’s belief in God and His Son, Jesus Christ. Faith – the evidence of things not seen – is that which cements reason and the testimony of others in the belief in God.

When the eminent English philosopher and leader of the Oxford Movement in 19th century Britain, John Henry Newman, announced that he intended to join the Catholic Church and was harshly criticized by friends and others, Newman commented, “While I have an unfavorable opinion of many Roman Catholics, Catholicism is true.” Therefore, despite his objections to the actions of many Catholics, he had to be Catholic. Newman treasured truth more than friendship. Like so many others, he possessed faith in God and the Catholic Church.

“For the vision still has its time, presses on to fulfillment, and will not be late. The rash one has no integrity: but the just one, because of his faith, shall live.” The Book of the Prophet Habakkuk

Determining Importance

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The long lines wormed their way through the streets of the city in what appeared to be an endless wandering of a mass of humanity. The lines were 8 to 10 people deep heading to, as yet an unknown, destination. I meandered through the streets, attempting to understand the reason and purpose of this sea of humanity. “Watch out, get out of the way!” shouted the burly, hastening policemen and security guards as they dashed around the corner. As soon as I turned the corner after them, it became apparent where the police were going in such a hurry. A fight had occurred as individuals tried to regain their position in line after returning from a restroom or a food center….or were trying to cut into the line. Fortunately police and security personnel were able to prevent the confrontation and others like it from exploding into outright chaos and mayhem.

As I struggled through the crowds, seeking the reason for these multitudes, I witnessed individuals with sleeping bags and tents, suggesting that they had been positioning themselves for days. I wondered, “What can be so exceedingly important or valuable as to inflame so many with such enthusiasm, passion, and determination?” Then I saw it! The line culminated at the door of a store where an electronic tablet was going on sale that morning.I was shocked; all of this passion and determination for an electronic trinket! Why?

(It has been suggested that the worth of a society can be ascertained by observing that on which it places it greatest value. Electronic trinkets? What does that indicate about today’s postmodern society? It values trinkets, but ignores or downgrades truth and responsibility.)

As I attended Catholic Mass on the Sunday following my experience with the crowds clamoring for the new electronic device, it occurred to me that there were no long lines to enter church, nor was there a lengthy line to receive the Eucharist. On any Saturday when Confessions are being heard, often there is an eerie silence, punctured only by the sound of a footstep or two echoing off the walls of the church, proclaiming the emptiness within the church. Is the forgiveness of one’s sins so trivial and unimportant as not to be sought? While so many individuals seek the pleasure and novelty of electronic devices and will expend not only money, but also time and passion to obtain meaningless, temporary diversions, one has to wonder why they spend so little time and effort to obtain the necessary and permanent stables of eternal life. Have individuals lost their perspective on the valuable and lasting values of life? If so, why has this occurred? Have parents, as well as many bishops and priests, failed to communicate the absolute need to access the critical sacraments of Confession and the Eucharist…. on a regular and consistent basis? Unfortunately Yes! Jesus gave man the great sacraments of Confession and the Eucharist to help man regain his focus and direction when it has been lost, but man ignores them in favor of the transitory illusions of modern life.

God Himself….yes, God Himself…. is available to help men and women gain eternal life and real happiness, but many men and women are only interested in the latest trinkets that satisfy nothing and last for only a short time. God may have an unlimited supply of patience, but at what time will He decide that man needs to be shaken out of his stupor and be given a harsh wake-up call? Soon?