Faith is more than something we offer God
Reflections on the readings for the Twenty-Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time (October 2, 2022): HAB 1:2-3;2:2-4; PS 95:1-2,6-7,8-9; 2TIM 1:6-8,13-14; LK 17:5-10
MISSIO offers “Mission In Scripture” to nurture a missionary heart, providing reflections on the missionary themes in the readings of Sundays, Feast Days and Holy Days.
Through our faith we open ourselves to understand the depth of His love for us now and always.
In St. Paul’s letter to St. Timothy, we can easily hear the great missionary’s concern for the spiritual welfare and development of the younger disciple of Christ and the problems that he has to handle. None of us can take our faith in our Savior for granted. It is far too easy to become lukewarm, to neglect our responsibilities as His followers. Like Paul, Timothy was called to particular duties in the Church. Each and every one of us needs to live up to the faith in Christ that we have embraced through our Baptism. More than that, we need to be willing to entrust ourselves to God’s merciful care in overcoming whatever obstacles or troubles we face. “For God did not give us a spirit of cowardice but rather of power and love and self-control. … Bear your share of hardship for the gospel with the strength that comes from God. … Take as your norm the sound words that you heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. Guard this rich trust with the help of the Holy Spirit that dwells within us” (2 Timothy 1:7-8,13-14).
Every Christian must expect challenges in the day-to-day life of faith that we are called to live. Whether these are large or small, they will always demand our patience, persistence -- and courage. It is can be helpful to recognize that this is true for all who walk in the way of our Lord. Both Ss. Paul and Timothy were martyred for their faith in Christ. While most Christians today do not face this possibility, some still do. Whether we have difficulties remaining loyal to Jesus and His Church because of changes in our own beliefs, because of outside attractions or forces, or any other circumstance, we have decisions to make. Like all those who have believed in Jesus Christ, the Son of God and our Savior for two thousand years, we choose to believe -- each day God grants us.
Suggested missionary action: Let us ask the Holy Spirit to guide us in understanding and loving our faith. Let us pay attention to the words of the Apostles’ Creed and ask for greater appreciation of all we profess and how we should live our faith each day.