SUNDAY, NINETEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
Wis 18:6-9 Ps 33: 1,12,18-20,22 Heb 11:1-2,8-19 Lk 12:32-48
THE GIFT OF FAITH
How blessed are we to have the gift of faith! Our Creator is kind to plant this gift in every human heart. The readings of today can encourage us in our life of faith. The Bible is full of amazing stories depicting strong faith and complete trust in God – stories starting from Abraham, Noah, King David, the prophets, Mother Mary, and Jesus Himself who had full faith in God the Father. Even today we still hear stories of faith from saints who lived and died for Christ.
What is faith?
“Faith is the assurance of what we hope for, being certain of what we cannot see” (Heb 11:1). Our faith is built upon the multitude of witnesses who have gone before us. Consider the many biblical examples of men and women inspired by faith who risked everything. Abraham’s obedience in leaving his homeland and being willing to sacrifice his son demonstrated his profound faith and trust in God. Similarly, Moses obeyed God in leading His people out of Egypt; Enoch walked faithfully with God; Noah prepared for the future despite the coming catastrophe. Some lived as strangers on earth without permanent homes, while others died as martyrs. All were certain that God had a purpose for them, that their lives would bear fruit in some way. Their faith did not waver despite facing numerous challenges.
Why is faith so important?
In a world filled with weakness, poverty, and trials, faith anchors us in the truth that we are not alone. God, our Creator, designed each of us with a divine purpose. By trusting His providence, we find strength beyond our own, knowing He guides and sustains us through every challenge. Faith transforms struggles into opportunities to witness His faithfulness, reminding us that our lives are held securely in His hands. Without it, we would falter, but with it, we overcome, resting in His perfect plan.
How can we stir this God-given gift of faith within us?
By reading the Word of God and obeying it by putting into practice what we have learned. Reflecting on Jesus’ words in the gospel today – “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” – we are reminded not to focus too much on worldly things lest our faith weaken. Our true treasure should be God’s Word. Like the faithful steward who remains alert for his master’s return, we too should keep our gaze fixed on our Lord and Master, ready to welcome Him into our lives at any moment. When things do not go our way, rather than becoming disturbed, we should surrender in faith and trust to God who knows what’s best for us. Furthermore, as we strive to share our faith with others, we ourselves are strengthened in it.
Can we make a commitment of faith today as we seek to live better lives?
Consider St. Thérèse of Lisieux, who lived the “little way” – a life of profound faith and total surrender to God. Though she never performed grand miracles in her lifetime, her simple, childlike trust in the Lord continues to inspire millions. To this day, she touches every soul that encounters her story, proving that even the smallest acts of love, offered in faith, have eternal significance. Can we, like her, leave a legacy of faith, atleast to our families and especially to our children? Scripture commands us to diligently teach our children the ways of the Lord (Deut. 6:7). This is a sacred duty. If we neglect it, we commit the sin of omission; i.e., of failing to pass on the greatest treasure we possess. The world may offer fleeting distractions, but only faith in Christ gives true hope and purpose. Let us, therefore, strive to model unwavering trust in God, sharing testimonies of His faithfulness, praying with our loved ones, and grounding them in Scripture. The younger generation must inherit not just material wealth but the riches of a living faith, one that sustains them long after we are gone. For in the end, faith is the only legacy that truly lasts.
Response: Blessed the people the Lord has chosen as his heritage.
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