Hebrews 11:1-7, Ps. 145:2-5,10-11, Mark 9:2-13
“Without faith, it is impossible to please God, for whoever would approach him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.” (Hebrews 11:6)
Faith is a supernatural pair of glasses that enables us to see beyond our immediate reality. Faith allows us to see things that are non-existent at the moment and in the process bring them into existence. Faith also controls our daily choices in life.
By Faith, Abel chose to offer the best of what he had to God out of respect rather than what was totally useless. (The offering most pleasing to God is not money but kindness shown to those in need). Feed the hungry around you especially in these hard times, with the scarcity of money, it would be a sin for a Christian to be found spraying money at parties today.
By Faith, Enoch so pleased God that he didn’t even taste physical death. There are some saints today whose bodies have remained incorrupt even though they died many years ago. This shows us that the closer we are to God, the more God manifests His power in us.
Long before the floods, when the earth was still dry, Noah’s faith enabled him to obey God; to start building the ark even when everyone around was making jest of him. Again, Abraham, prompted by faith agreed to follow God even though he didn’t know where God was leading him. Faith is what gives us certainty and calm when we face uncertain times.
In the Transfiguration event, Jesus opened the eyes of Peter, James, and John and they were able to see His Glory. The transfiguration goes to show that there is more to reality than what meets the ordinary eye. We need faith to see beyond our present circumstances; to get a full picture of where God is leading us.
Indeed, without faith, no one can please God. Many Christians today live as if there is no God, that is, they throw morality to the winds because even though they know God exists, they do not fear Him. They do not believe that God is watching over them even in the most secret places. They do not believe God’s commandments are worth obeying.
From the midst of the transfiguration came an instruction: “This is my beloved Son; listen to him.” It takes faith to listen to Jesus rather than the world around you. It takes faith to live on the Word of God rather than on bread only.
Let us pray: Heavenly Father, grant me a deeper faith in you that my daily choices may please you like Abel, Noah, Enoch, Moses, and Abraham. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you. (Saturday of week 6 in Ordinary Time. Bible Study: Hebrews 11:1-7, Ps. 145:2-5,10-11, Mark 9:2-13).
@Rev. Fr. Evaristus Abu