Faith: what is it?Today's first reading, Hebrews 11:1-2, 8-19, shares Paul's reflection on one of those we can call our ancestor in the faith, Abraham. In the first two verses of these words from the great follower of Jesus, we have a clear definition of what faith is. "Faith is the realization of what is hoped for and the evidence of things not seen." The reality of faith is linked with HOPE. We truly hope that we will experience the fulfillment of what we desire. Abraham was a man whose life was built upon faith. His faith in Yahweh was extraordinary. Imagine how you might respond in today's world were you Abraham and asked by God to make sacrifices that would be beyond the seemingly human. St. Paul's faith definition also points to the mystery of faith: "evidence of things not seen." Through our faith, our belief, we express our trust in God. This is particularly true as we hope for what has not yet been granted to us. "Faith of Our Fathers," a hymn that reminds me of the great trust our ancestors kept in their hearts and lives. Think back just to the time of Jesus' public ministry: from that time forward the list of those who believed in God as revealed to us by Jesus. For the logical and scientific mind --- we should not be easily led to accepting what is unknown. But it is the faith we willing proclaim. As our many ancestors before us, we wait to learn the great mysteries of our faith. As we pray in the Mass the prayer after the Our Father: "... as we wait in joyful hope for the coming of our Savior." Also in the Profession of Faith we pray that we believe that Jesus, the Christ, "will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and his kingdom will have no end." This faith business, then, is a tall order for us. So quickly we give up on what does not happen quickly. Faith requires of us great patience and determination. Waiting and trusting and hoping.
