By Fr. Earl Henley, MSC (California Community – St. Joseph Mission – San Jacinto, CA)
Father Earl professed his first vows on September 13, 1964, and was ordained on September 6, 1969. He is working in San Jacinto, California as Pastor of St. Joseph Mission.
FAITH…… (Habakkuk 1:1:2-3; 2:2-4, 2 Timothy 1: 6-8, 13-14, Luke 17: 5-10)
Faith is —a relaxed Relationship—-with God, overflowing with Trust and Expectation. Faith is a theme running through the three readings on October 7. As humans, our faith can have highs and lows: however, the One in whom we put our faith never changes. Faith is not a “pie in the sky” head trip concept, not something available to a select few or privileged few. Faith is a Gift God offers to all. The key is to accept it and use it to give glory to God.
Faith is served by patience. He, the prophet Habakkuk, grows weary from asking God to intervene and save the people from violence and destruction. God answers his prayers— however not in the time frame Habakkuk had expected. Can’t we all identify? God reminds the prophet to be patient in his faithfulness. Just as times of dormancy in nature have a purpose, so it is with God’s plan for salvation. Our patience will be rewarded. “The just one, because of our faith, will live” (Heb 2:4).
Faith is served by perseverance. Faith is a gift from God. As with any gift, the question becomes: “Do we accept it?” “Do we reject it?” or “Do we ignore it?” Accepting the gift does not mean there will not be any difficulties. It does mean that, with the help of the Holy Spirit, we will be able to bear the obstacles we meet. Through faith comes courage to share our beliefs in the name Jesus Christ.
Faith is served by action. The disciples ask that their faith be increased. Jesus makes the connection between faith and good works. In thinking of others and doing for them our faith in God increases; in doing so our relationship with him deepens. Results of faith are seen when faith is put into action.
In our coming to mass we come to the table of the Lord with faith that Jesus is present to us in the Eucharist. We come with faith that, by partaking of his Body and Blood, we will be strengthened to be his living Body in this needy world of ours.
And finally, let this dwell in your spirit going forward in your faith journey. “The quality of faith we need today is called gutsy faith, a faith that is full bodied and alive with a direct call of “deep calling to deep.” It is persistent, it is aggressive, it is simple, it is hungry, it is ernest, it is imperfect, but it is real.
Noshun Lovik- Peace to you