Word to the Wise
Saturday, February 18, 2023 - Saturday in the 6th Week in Ordinary Time
[Heb 11:1-7 and Mark 9:2-13]Faith is the realization of what is hoped for and evidence of things not seen. [Hebrews]
FEBRUARY 18 [Bl. John Fiesole OP - "Fra Angelico"]
[ The Letter to the Hebrews begins a chapter on the heroic faith of Old Testament figures with the words quoted above. A materialist view of life would say that the world of matter is all there is and such things as religious faith are, as Lenin is quoted as saying, the "opiate of the people." The existence of faith, religious or not, however, is not mere fantasy but a very real force in human life. Those who followed Lenin and continue to do so put their faith in his vision! Those who believe in Jesus put their faith in God. Jesus is not merely a visionary or prophet but the Son of God. The Letter to the Hebrews says a bit later in today's passage: "for anyone who approaches God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him." In the Gospel According to John, Jesus states that those who believe in him already experience eternal life.
There is an old Arab proverb: "Trust in God, but tie up your camel!" It could be instructive and revealing to ask ourselves how much effort and time we put into tying up our camels as we do in trusting in God! In what or whom do we place our faith? All close human relationships require faith! Civil institutions and laws require faith. Even "brand names" invoke faith in a product! A self-examination in regard to our faith is a healthy thing to do because it may just re-introduce us to God! AMEN