Gospel of Luke, chapter 11:29

Have you ever noticed there are some people whose word you will believe but not others? This is nothing new. It is as old as the hills. Who are we to believe, who are we to doubt? Many people struggled with that question in regard to Jesus. Some believed Him when He spoke; others mistrusted His every word and tried to trip Him up. It is no different today. You have faith in Christ, whereas somebody in your neighborhood, maybe in your own house, may not. This is because faith is a gift. Not everyone has it. We cannot merit such a gift. It is a mystery why God gives this gift to some but not to others. As much as we might want to, we can’t buy it; we can’t earn it; we can’t make it happen. But when it does happen our lives are changed by it for the better.

Faith is what moves mountains. Of course, the Lord was talking metaphorically. The people of Nineveh had faith in Jonah when he told them to change their ways or their city would be destroyed (Luke 1:30). They believed, so they changed their ways and their city was saved. The Queen of Sheba had faith in the wisdom of Solomon and traveled many miles to see him and listen to him (Luke 11:31).

Many people were shocked when Jesus said His flesh was real food, and His Blood real drink, and they turned their backs on Him (John 6:55). Jesus asked Peter if he was going to do the same, and Peter responded: “to whom shall I go? You have the words of eternal life.” (John 6:68). Peter’s faith was rock solid.

Dostoevsky once said if someone were to offer Him a convincing rational proof against the divinity of Christ, he would still have faith in Him because of the words He spoke and the life He lived. That was a sufficient sign for the great Russian novelist.

Cherish the gift of faith! As it is strengthened in your life through experience you will find there is no longer the need to have a sense of control; that things will flow as God wills; and that you will flow with them to your great delight and benefit.

Fr. Hugh Duffy