By Zoe Cannon
Gratitude for the Gift of Faith
“In Him we also have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things in accordance with the plan of His will …” (Ephesians 1:11).
The inheritance Paul speaks of applies to us because we are members of the Body of Christ. We are the hands and feet in the mission of the Church today. Created in the image of God we are predestined with the gift of reason, the light of conscience and the free will to choose belief or unbelief. How do you recognize God and bring other people to believe in him?
Belief is not in opposition to reason, but a promoter of its true foundation. God is the reason we have life, and faith in our creator brings light and truth into the world. This is the mission of the Church! Faith is not a system of symbols where people make up their own construct. The rationality of faith in the Church is very transparent and is our reason for hope in a dark world. When faith and reason do not complement one another, both suffer.
There is confusion among believers, but Jesus knew this would be our challenge. In his earthly ministry, there was a sense of urgency to go out and spread the good news of God the Father. There is also an urgent need to appeal to faith and reason now. God gives us everything we need for the journey. When Jesus said, “Come follow me,” he added, “Do not be afraid!” Imagine having faith so strong that concern for the unknown did not stop you from accepting the invitation.
I asked my grandsons in our religion class if their faith was strong enough to accept an invitation to follow Jesus in a world that often opposes his teachings. There was an immediate yes and a firm resolve in understanding that sacrifices would be required. Full disclosure, they love watching the “Chosen” series, and as young boys, the intrigue of following Jesus in a rugged, camping setting with fisherman may be the reason for their zeal! It is a start to understanding the importance of evangelization.
People have endured battles between good and evil since the beginning of time. But in my lifetime of loving Jesus and his Church, I have never witnessed such confusion or vitriol to the message of truth. When you explain what offends God, even with compassion in the message, it is often rejected and divides people. However, we must share our reason to believe and trust in the providence of God.
Every Christmas we celebrate the birth of Jesus, the new covenant of salvation promised by God. I pray for the conversion of our world during this Advent and Christmas season. It is a precious time of year to celebrate hope. The Church offers a Jubilee for the year 2025: Pilgrims of Hope. Pope Francis announced the opening will take place Dec. 24 and will culminate on the Feast of the Epiphany, Jan. 6, 2026. Hope never disappoints!
In this upcoming holy season, embrace rationality of faith and the teachings of Jesus, and pray for the world to be enlightened. By our inheritance, we are predestined to follow him with a contrite heart. Do not separate faith from reason, and do not be afraid. Everything is guided by providence! Amen!