Pastor's Pondering 9/10
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September 12, 2023I have now been a priest during the reign of 3 popes, John Paul II, Benedict XVI, and Francis. Each of these popes has written encyclicals which are letters with catechesis and instruction for the faithful. While I should read all of them, I must confess that I have only read a few. Often filled with scholarly language and complex theology, most have, nevertheless, offered practical help to pilgrims on the way to eternal life. Each one that I have read has led me to seek a deeper understanding of faith and our of relationship with Jesus Christ.
A few years ago, I had the pleasure of reading Pope Francis’ encyclical letter Lumen Fidei (The Light of Faith). In this letter sent to all the faithful of the Church, Pope Francis speaks eloquently of the necessity of faith in our lives. He also speaks of the marriage of faith and intellect that is so essential for those who are seeking to live virtuous and righteous lives. In very easy to read prose, Pope Francis reminds us that the gift of faith allows us to recognize and to celebrate the many other supernatural gifts we receive from our generous and loving God.
As I read this wonderful work, it occurred to me that I, like many other people need to be reminded what faith is. Certainly, we need to know the theological definition of faith. We also need to be reminded what it means to say I have faith; that I believe in God; that I have faith in the person and promises of Jesus Christ; that I believe that I am saved; that I am a disciple of Jesus Christ.
Ultimately Pope Francis writes that faith is a light from God that dispels the darkness that can so easily block our journey to holiness, to extraordinariness, to eternal life. Faith is a supernatural gift from God, planted deep within us, that inspires us to seek the good and the holy. Faith is that gift from God that allows us to know, unending mercy, unfettered forgiveness, and unconditional love.
Along with lighting the way to perfect joy and eternal life, it is the gift of faith that opens the gate of heaven for us. It is our faith that longs for salvation. It is our faith that informs our desire for joy and peace. It is our faith that makes us long for the strength to resist temptation and for the courage to seek forgiveness. It is our faith that humbles us such that we become acutely aware of our need for a Savior. It is our faith that makes us ache for more than this world has to offer. It is our faith that allows us to place ourselves in the hands of God assured that fear is useless and holy hope will be fulfilled.
Over and over again Pope Francis tells us that the gift of faith has not been given to us simply to be preserved and protected. The gift of faith has not been given to us simply for our own edification. Instead, as disciples, you and I must give in to that innate desire to grow our faith. As people who claim to be followers of Jesus Christ, we must listen to the call of our faith beckoning us to share in word and deed the good news of God’s never-ending love. As people who receive our faith in the waters of baptism and whose faith is strengthened through our encounter with Jesus in the Sacraments, we are commissioned to serve as Jesus serves. Our faith compels us to go out and to make a difference by proclaiming, protecting, and preserving the dignity of every person especially those most vulnerable and those most in need.
Since I have not even come close to the eloquence of Pope Francis may I encourage you to read this document on your own. It is available for free on the internet, search for Lumen Fidei, or The Light of Faith. In these few pages you will once again discover the beauty of our faith and the grace, joy, peace, and hope that come from a living and growing faith in God…
