WITNESS OF FAITH
Whether we use modern day heroes or
heroines or saints and holy people, humanity needs a model on which to emulate one’s
life especially in difficult times. When our faith is tested, we as
Catholics should look to the witnesses of faith.
The Catechism of the Catholic Church
states:
"It is then (in difficult times)
we must turn to the witnesses of faith: to Abraham, who "in
hope... believed against hope"; to the Virgin Mary, who, in "her
pilgrimage of faith", walked into the "night of faith" in
sharing the darkness of her son's suffering and death; and to so many others:
"Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let
us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run
with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus the pioneer
and perfecter of our faith." (no 165).
Today is the Feast of the Birth of John
the Baptist. His parents obviously took an important role in his birth. I wish
to focus my thoughts on them on this feast.
Our model is Jesus Christ, but apart
from those witnesses of faith already mentioned by the Catechism, mentioned above,
we also might look to Elizabeth, a woman of faith who may inspire and
support us in our faith journey. In Luke 1:5-66, we are introduced to Elizabeth
who was remarkable in faith, and known to us as Mary's cousin.
ELIZABETH
Luke describes the spiritual lives of
Zechariah and Elizabeth as righteous, blameless and obedient to all the
Lord's commandments. This is important to realize because Elizabeth was
barren, and to have children was considered a blessing from God.It was indeed a
great pain for both Zechariah and Elizabeth to be barren.
However, Elizabeth responded to the
promptings of the Holy Spirit by trusting the workings of God and expressed her
faith loudly. She believed that Mary is the mother of the promised
Messiah ('mother of my Lord') and unabashedly proclaimed this truth with great
joy. Elizabeth also proclaimed Mary is blessed because of her faith in God's
ability to fulfil His promises.
ZECHARIAH
We are also told in this story after
Zechariah is struck dumb that the neighbours and relatives weigh in on what the
child is to be called- ' after his father', which was the tradition.
Elizabeth must have believed what Zechariah had told her about his experience
with angel Gabriel and in her own heart, believed the words of the angel even
though she did not have the direct spiritual experience.These aspects
demonstrated Elizabeth as a woman of faith because she:
- Believed God could reveal to her His truth
through the workings of the Holy Spirit.
- Believed that God was conceived in the womb of
Mary.
- Believed the words of the angel Gabriel spoken
to her husband.
What do we know about
Zechariah? He too wanted to have children and had obviously prayed about
it because we are told in scripture that the angel told him 'his
prayer had been heard'. Zechariah 's faith was tested. He wanted to know how it
could come about since he was an old man. When he was struck dumb, it must have
been difficult for him, but it provided an opportunity no doubt for reflection
on what he could not understand. Zechariah's doubt that he was to conceive a
child with Elizabeth was at a human level understandable. At another level, God
had given him many blessings and we are told in scripture that 'when much is
given, much is expected’. It seems that this was why he was struck dumb.
What lessons can we learn from
Zechariah and apply to our lives?
- Doubting what God has revealed to us is
unwise. God really does know and act in our best interests.
- God is patient with our doubting, and allows
us to communicate our feelings and concerns. We need to surrender
our doubts to Him.
- Reflect on our doubts and difficulties first
and then like Zechariah, do what God asks of you.
ELIZABETH AS A MODEL FOR TODAY.
How can Elizabeth be a model for us as
a woman of faith and be applied to our own lives? It seems to me that
Elizabeth's life was one filled with faith and hope. I can learn from her
to be sensitive to the workings of the Holy Spirit and to believe Him when He
works in my life. Elizabeth's example also teaches me to trust in the
wonderful power of God to accomplish what He has promised.
May both Zechariah and Elizabeth
support you in our journey of doubt and faith.
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