People of faith have a great gift which no money or influence can buy. Even if you have few belongings, and still have faith, you have a precious possession , ‘a pearl beyond price’ as scripture puts it ( Matthew 13 : 45-46 ).
But what is a real faith?
Having a real faith asks for a special attitude. It requires you to set your heart on the things of God, on the example of Jesus, and it calls for specific, daily choices based on His example. St. John Henry Newman contrasts this kind of real faith with the “notional faith” of someone who gives lip-service to the truths of faith without putting one’s heart into it.
A reader of my blogs once asked me how I could have faith in a mere theory? In answer, I replied that faith in Jesus, for me, is no theory. It is a way of life which affects how I live, how I love, and how I treat others. This kind of real faith is what Jesus asks of us for He is “the way, the truth, and the life.”
St. Paul states that faith is “conviction about things we do not see.” We do not see God but, deep down, we intuit His existence and sense his presence all around us: in the wonders of nature, in the goodness of people, in our consciences, and, especially, in his living word in scripture. We do not see grace but we experience it in our personal lives when we live by the beauty of the Gospel. We do not see Jesus with our own eyes but we see him in the eyes of others when we treat them the way Jesus tells us. We do not see the Holy Spirit but we recognize the inspirations of the Holy Spirit when we are moved to follow the dictates of the truth of the Spirit instead of selfish desires.
It was because of a real faith, St. Paul tells us, that men and women of old “were approved by God.” God blessed Abraham’s faith, and protected him even when he did not know “where he was going.”
Faith is a gift. We do not earn it. We lean on this invisible support ourselves when we need help, and we reach out in faith to others when they need help. People of real faith do not hide it. They let it shine as a visible means of support, not only for themselves but for others, because they are bearers of good news, taking good care of each other at every opportunity.
Our daily lives reflect the gift of faith we bring to each other. It is through our daily experience that we live the real life of faith.
—Fr. Hugh Duffy
6 Comments
Selena
Father Duffy, as always, such amazing words and actions to live by!
John S Manna
Thanks for your words of wisdom. Always a pleasure to hear from you
Hugh Duffy
Great to read your first comment on my writings, John.
I’m glad you like them, but don’t be afraid to criticize or
raise some questions.
Tom Rooney
Thank you Father Hugh a great message ,a great gift
John
I have experienced the fruit of applying genuine, child-like faith in our Lord to circumstances in my life. It’s awesome indeed. I fall often but will never give up. Pray for me and I’m praying for everyone who reads this blog. Thank you Father D
Tom Walsh
Thank you Fr. Hugh for clarifying the Wonderful and Priceless Gift of Faith which we all possess and given to us freely by God. Thank you for reminding me of the Gift of My Faith . Amen