Monday of the Fourteenth Week in Ordinary Time
Above my computer in our study is a photo of the word “FAITH” spelled out in letters from pictures of objects in our everyday world. When writing this reflection, I was struck by how all of today’s readings speak about faith and our trust in God’s providence and protection. Through both the blessings and challenges of life, we are called to turn to God and believe that He is there leading us back to Him.
In the gospel reading, both the Jewish official and the woman with the hemorrhage turn in faith to Jesus. Through His word and His touch He brings each of them healing and wholeness. In the first reading, Jacob finds God speaking to him through nature. The rock upon which he lays his head allows him to hear God and see God speaking to him about his commitment to care and protect Jacob and his people. God tells Jacob, “Know that I am with you; I will protect you wherever you go, and bring you back to this Land.” Because of this, Jacob goes forth in faith knowing that the Lord is with him.
So as a disciple of Christ, where do we grow in our faith? Similar to the people in the gospel, we can deepen our faith through the touch and words of Jesus. We experience Jesus’ touch through prayer and sacrament, and through scripture God speaks to us His words of mercy and love. Sometimes the touch and word of Christ is offered through the compassionate words and deeds of a trusted friend whom God has placed in our lives.
Nature can also be a place to grow in our faith. Just like Jacob when we look at the world around us we can see the beauty and love of God all around us. Even the rhythms of nature, energy, and all of creation illustrate that although things seem to die and decay, God transforms and brings new life. When I see the recovery of a forest after a fire, or the plants that awaken with life in the spring, live abundantly only to die in the fall until they return again in the next season- I can see God’s Hand and I know this is all good.
Having faith when things are going smoothly seems straightforward, but when life is filled with struggles then finding God can be more challenging. Right now, I have 2 close friends dying with cancer and I find the world to be overwhelmed with violence, hatred, greed, and indifference for others and our world. How can I continue to believe in God’s providence in the midst of all of this? When I tell someone that I am praying for them where do I find the faith to know that God is holding them close to His heart? I think it is times like these that I need to rely heavily on those words and touches of Christ in my life.
My listening in prayer and reading His word are essential. Hearing God speak to me saying, “He shall call upon me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in distress,” gives me comfort and peace. Escaping to be in and with nature also becomes a source of solace and courage where God reassures me that He is still very much alive in this world.
Just like Jesus in the gospel reading, some people may ridicule us as we continue to place our trust in God’s unwavering love and mercy when there seems to be no hope in sight. In the midst of these challenging times, I need to become more keenly aware of the ways that God is speaking of His continued faithfulness around me. When I find God’s presence in all of the letters of my life, and realize that He is hiding me “under his wings”, then hopefully I can pray, “My refuge and my fortress, My God, in whom I trust.”
Loving Father, Jesus shows us how to trust in You even when all else seems lost. With the grace of Your Spirit, help us to deepen our faith in You as we find Your love and mercy throughout our daily lives. May our trust in You be a sign of hope and consolation for the world, so all people may recognize Your presence, know that You are God, and come to believe in You. We pray this through Christ our LORD. Amen.
- Marylynn Herchline