The Virtue Series: Faith Part 2

 The Virtue Series: 

Faith Part 2

 In faith we are given the supernatural ability to believe what we cannot completely understand by the unaided powers of the mind.  The benefits of seeking to better understand the mysteries of our faith is highlighted in the following scripture passages:

·       Matthew 11:29: When we learn from Jesus, we will find rest for our souls. We are refreshed in our daily commitment to Him.

·             John 8:31-32: If we are steadfast in following Jesus, we will know truth and it will make us free.

·        Colossians 3:9-10: Our new nature is renewed in knowledge after the image of God.

·        Romans 12:2: The renewal of our minds will yield wisdom.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church also states:

"The first commandment requires us to nourish and protect our faith with prudence and vigilance, and to reject everything that is opposed to it. There are various ways of sinning against faith:

Voluntary doubt about the faith disregards or refuses to hold as true what God has revealed and the Church proposes for belief. Involuntary doubt refers to hesitation in believing, difficulty in overcoming objections connected with the faith, or also anxiety aroused by its obscurity. If deliberately cultivated doubt can lead to spiritual blindness'(CCC2088).

PERSONAL APPLICATION

In our lives therefore we need to:

·                     ask God for an increase of faith.

·                     build on the truths we do know. 

·                     nourish and protect our faith by frequenting the sacraments. 

·                     foster the gift we have been given by filling our mind with the truths of our faith found in the teachings of the Church (magisterial documents, the Catechism of the Catholic Church and many other good Catholic books, tapes and Catholic websites such as one recommended here.

·                     Read Holy Scripture and other spiritual writings to protect our faith by understand it more

·            respond to our own doubts by attempting to find answers to our questions from faithful sources.

·              avoid seeking out those who will simple agree with us even if we are wrong.

·              avoid those things that will make us waiver in our faith.

It is important to express our faith by good works.  The following Scripture passages highlight this importance:

·            Matthew 25:34-40: At the final judgement, our faith will be judged on whether it was express in action.

·             John 15:1-11: The parable of the vine and the branches demonstrates to us the need to bear fruit by doing good works or we will be cut off.  Our works and obedience to the commandments demonstrates our faith.

·               Romans 2:13: It is those who do the law, not just listen who will be justified.

·               James 2:14-23: It is by our works that our faith in God is proven.  We show our faith in God by our works.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church tells us that there are many good works that we can do.  The corporal works of mercy (feeding the hungry, sheltering the homeless, clothing the naked, visiting the sick and imprisoned, and burying the dead) and spiritual works of mercy
( instructing, advising, consoling, comforting, forgiving, and bearing wrongs patiently, are good places to commence.(CCC no 2447).

Let us ask God for an increase in our faith and be proactive in our efforts to do good works. God will hear our prayer and see our effort and reward us abundantly.