Today we hear Jesus tell us “You have faith in God; have faith also in me.” We are called to commit our whole self to God, yet, He knows how we are swayed and side-tracked by our feelings and our doubt. The Psalm today says: “Lord, let your mercy be on us, as we place our trust in you.” We know that sometimes trusting is so very difficult, to have faith in the face of life’s hard moments, but we may be comforted this Fifth Sunday of Easter by Jesus’ words: “Let not your hearts be troubled.” He tells us that He goes to prepare a place for us, and he will come back and take us to himself. (Blessed assurance!)
We assume that, in order to be faithful we must rid ourselves of doubt. (Think about the story of Thomas…) In Thomas’ story Christ says to stop doubting and believe—this is not a condemnation of Thomas—but an invitation by Christ. We can trust the Lord enough to be candid with Him about our doubts, our lack of trust, our lack of faith.
Jesus is clear today: “I am the way and the truth and the life.” If we live in His way, we will know the truth, and we will live our human and eternal lives with him. This is blessed assurance in those moments when faith and doubt struggle. St. Peter reminds us today that we “are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people of his own, so that you may announce the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.” You announce God’s praises by your life and your choices in the face of hardship, temptation and doubt. Hmmmm…Or maybe you can just sing them…
There is a Brazilian hymn about faith that says:
“I believe, although everything hides you from my faith. I believe, although everything shouts No to me… I believe, although everything seems to die. I believe, although I no longer would wish to live--because I have founded my life on a sincere word, on the word of a Friend, on the Word of God.
I believe, although I feel alone in pain. I believe, although I see people hating. I believe, although I see children weep— because I have learnt with certainty that He comes to meet us in the hardest hours, with His love and light. I believe, but increase my faith.” I believe in the sun, even when it’s not shining…
Keep singing!
Elizabeth Dyc
We assume that, in order to be faithful we must rid ourselves of doubt. (Think about the story of Thomas…) In Thomas’ story Christ says to stop doubting and believe—this is not a condemnation of Thomas—but an invitation by Christ. We can trust the Lord enough to be candid with Him about our doubts, our lack of trust, our lack of faith.
Jesus is clear today: “I am the way and the truth and the life.” If we live in His way, we will know the truth, and we will live our human and eternal lives with him. This is blessed assurance in those moments when faith and doubt struggle. St. Peter reminds us today that we “are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people of his own, so that you may announce the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.” You announce God’s praises by your life and your choices in the face of hardship, temptation and doubt. Hmmmm…Or maybe you can just sing them…
There is a Brazilian hymn about faith that says:
“I believe, although everything hides you from my faith. I believe, although everything shouts No to me… I believe, although everything seems to die. I believe, although I no longer would wish to live--because I have founded my life on a sincere word, on the word of a Friend, on the Word of God.
I believe, although I feel alone in pain. I believe, although I see people hating. I believe, although I see children weep— because I have learnt with certainty that He comes to meet us in the hardest hours, with His love and light. I believe, but increase my faith.” I believe in the sun, even when it’s not shining…
Keep singing!
Elizabeth Dyc
RSS Feed
