Faith is the Evidence of Things Not Seen"

Today's Mass Readings

Living by the word of God is, perhaps, the most challenging task before a Christian. I make this observation not necessarily because the demands that it makes are challenging, but because God demands action from us even before we can be sure of the results. The letter to the Hebrews says that, “faith is the realization of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen.” Living by the word of God is challenging because it demands that we do what is required of us from God and leave the consequences to God in faith. Both the readings today pose difficult situation for those wanting to live by God’s word. In the first reading, Joshua (the new leader of the Israelites) is asked by God to lead people to the banks of the river Jordan. To him is promised that the Jordan would part (just as the Red Sea had parted for Moses) at his command. In blind faith Joshua had to get all the people to the banks of the river. The Israelites were a stiff-necked people and if the river did not part, they would probably revolt against Joshua. In obedience to God, Joshua merely did what was required of him. God, being true to his word, led the people into safety.

In the second reading, Jesus asks his disciples to unconditionally forgive. One can never calculate the consequences of forgiving someone. One can hope that forgiveness lead to reconciliation but it also opens the door for us to be hurt again by the same person. Yet, if the parable of the unforgiving servant is taken seriously, then forgiveness is an important part of our Christian calling. As Christians we are called to forgiveness in obedience to Jesus. We must leave the consequences to God in faith.

“Faith is the realization of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen.” Let us reflect on this today.