The Heights of Faith

Do you ever read the Bible and think, "man, this stuff is unreal!" Think about the time Peter walked on water, or when Jesus raised Lazarus, or maybe when Gideon took 300 men into battle and won! In our modern scientific age (granted I am a big believer in science) we have lost the radical faith of our forefathers. The author of the Letter of the Hebrews says, "faith is the assurance of things hope for, the conviction of things not seen." (Hebrews 11:1) What an amazing challenge from the Word of God! Lets dive into this.

First what does this NOT mean? This is not a rejection of reason or the rational. No! To do such a task would be a rejection of God, a rejection of humanity - God's greatest creation. To venerate reason is something truly human and truly divine. The gift of reason is the gift that makes men and women most like God. Without the gift of reason, we act solely from instinct, we have not control of what we are do, we are just mindless animals acting purely from emotions. Okay, maybe we do act from emotions sometimes, but then we feel bad, or we start to feel the effects of our actions. Okay - maybe you aren't convinced that you are made for something more. Think about this - why are you so darn unsatisfied in this world? Why do you yearn for something that you can't seem to reason? The awkwardness we feel in this world - could it be pointing that we are made for the next?

This is where faith comes in. Yes, believe in reason. I am amazed at many people in the world that did not know God added great things of value through the gift of reason. But what do they compare to the saints. Helen Keller is great, but compared to Mother Teresa, she just doesn't measure up. So its not about competition. You are right, that is not the point. But think about the faith of Mother Teresa. She served millions and millions. She prayed several hours every day! She was the most respected role models among little girls in the 90s in the US. What made her different? What made her so unique. She believed that God exists! She believed that He sent his only Son, Jesus Christ who lived, died and raised from the dead for all! She believed in the Holy Spirit who guides the Church and the hearts of every Christian! This is the motivation of a saint. Faith in the God-man, who is the center of time and space.

This faith will take men and women of great reason to new heights that only those who know Jesus Christ can go . Yes, Jesus is a real person and Yes Jesus is God! Have you battled with this thought with all your heart? Have you sought the truth will all of your being? Are you still unsatisfied? I know that my longing in this world will be answered in the next, because of the gift of faith! What a great gift we have in Jesus Christ and His Church!