Faith conquers all

It is sad how in the world today human reason or knowledge rather than faith in God is generally at the top of the order. Accordingly, people of faith are perceived as weak while those with worldly knowledge are celebrated. People with minds trusting in human agencies strut around as if they have seen it all, done it all. Thankfully, today’s Readings lend us a fresh perspective.

In the First Reading taken from the Book of Wisdom (18: 6-9), the writer refers to the fact that Abraham and his descendants were aware of the night when their people would be freed from slavery in Egypt. That night would mark the ‘deliverance of the righteous and the destruction of their enemies’. But then, did they acquire that knowledge on their own merits? No; it was revealed to them by God, because of their faith in Him.

In whatever we do, whether big or small, we must rely on divine providence; pray, and give thanks at all times. For their part, the Israelites offered sacrifices ‘in secret’, in the privacy of their homes. But that was not all. With one accord they agreed to abide by the divine law and were ready for ‘blessings and dangers’ alike. Life would be less stressful life if we too, as per the Ignatian formula, prayed as if everything depended on God and worked as if everything depended on us. ‘God knows best’ could well be our motto.

It is this type of faith that the Second Reading (Heb 11: 1-2, 8-19) defines as ‘the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.’ That is how our ancestors lived: always trusting in the Lord. That is how Abraham went out and lived in a foreign land, no questions asked; and Sarah, though sterile, received power to conceive. When a sense of adventure and openness is informed by a deep faith, God makes the seemingly impossible possible!

In fact, in chapter 11, the writer revisits the whole of salvation history from the faith perspective. He also introduces us to a number of individuals and events that bear out the power of faith. That is not to say that having faith frees us from trouble, sickness, criticism, attacks, danger, and the like. What it really does is strengthen us in the belief that, no matter what happens, we enjoy the benefit of God’s protection.

Similarly, all that we have prayed for or expected may not happen on earth. After all, we are exiles in this valley of tears. So, it is in Heaven, a ‘better country’, our final destination, that we shall receive our eternal reward. Heaven is the place God has prepared for us, just as He once prepared the Promised Land of Canaan for His Chosen People. Thus, setting our eyes on Heaven is not escapist but realistic; no wonder it ensures health of mind and body.

In that regard, the opening words of the Gospel text (Mt 12: 32-48) carry a hugely refreshing message to our world drowned in anxiety: ‘Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.’ So, let’s not to rely on what the world has to offer; let’s not to set our hearts on things that do not satisfy! Instead, ‘let your loins be girded and your lamps burning, for the Son of man is coming at an hour you do not expect.’

The said Gospel chapter has a series of parables on Our Lord’s exhortation to vigilance. We have to wait for the Second Coming, bide our time, and keep the faith. Such advice is ingrained in our religion. Therefore, however learned we may be, or no matter what we have achieved in life, there is nothing comparable to divine power and providence. As A. G. Sertillanges (1863-1948), the redoubtable French Dominican priest, philosopher, and apologist, puts it, ‘Reason ambitions only a world; faith gives it infinity.’ Indeed, faith conquers all.

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