By ZOE CANNON
GRATITUDE FOR THE GIFT OF FAITH
“Faith is the realization of what is hoped for and evidence of things not seen” (Hebrews 11:1).
We can graciously accept the gifts of love, hope, joy and peace – but only through eyes of faith. It is sometimes challenging to appreciate these blessings without the role of the Holy Spirit in our lives. There is a reason for this: “We do not know how to pray as we ought” (Romans 8:26).
We cling to our own point of view as though everything depends on it, and we fail to understand that God’s plan has far more permanence than our own opinions. So relax; recognize that we have everything we need to engage in a thoughtful discussion about faith, hope and true love. Christ instituted seven beautiful sacraments to provide the grace necessary to empower us with confidence and strength.
Children express perfect, genuine love, unsullied by life experiences and disappointments. Their ability to trust and love is reliant on the truth we share with them. Teaching them about God’s love is essential. This natural gift is proof that we are created in the image and likeness of God. “You formed my inmost being; you knit me in my mother’s womb. I praise you, because I am wonderfully made; wonderful are your works! My very self you know” (Psalm 139:13-14).
Over the years, I’ve witnessed power in the Holy Spirit through the ministry of the priesthood and the sacraments of our beautiful Church. We have all the grace we need to sustain true love in our lives. We just need to accept the gift! Through the life of Christ, we know that sacrificial love helps us to grow spiritually in our own journey. Obedience and trust play roles in our cooperation with God’s plans. How often do we fail to recognize the Holy Spirit at work in our lives?
The angel Gabriel revealed the role of the Holy Spirit in the incarnation of the Son of God in response to Mary’s question, “How shall this be, since I have no husband?” (Luke 1:3-4). In her concern, she was seeking more information about the course of action to follow.
There is a similar story comparing Gabriel’s announcement to Zechariah in the temple, “How shall I know this?” (Luke 1:34). Zechariah was told that his elderly wife Elizabeth would bear a son named John. He would be the forerunner of the promised Messiah, but Zechariah wanted proof. The responses seem similar, but the difference is in the humility of Mary’s quest for more information vs. Zechariah’s doubt. The same is true of our hearts when discerning truth. Do we humble ourselves to God’s will?
I witnessed a perfect example of innocence and obedience to the will of God through the eyes and pure heart of a child. Our four-year-old granddaughter was visiting her great-grandmother; as she hugged her, she looked up into her face, eye-to-eye, and said, “I pray for you, and Jesus wants you to pray for yourself too because He loves you.”
The Advent Season is a time to prepare our hearts for genuine and absolute love. It is the very foundation of our Christian faith. It is the reason for the birth of Jesus, and it is all based on our ability to humbly forgive and repent.
If you have any need to forgive or be forgiven, please give yourself this precious gift of true love. The sacrament of Reconciliation, through the power of the Holy Spirit and the ministry of the Catholic priest, provides the best gift to us. This present requires no exchange of money or wrapping paper. It is the gift of peace! Be joyful like little children! Amen!