Faith is a gift which God freely gives to those who listen to his Word and who put their trust in him. Faith is a personal response to God’s revelation of himself. Faith is neither blind nor ignorant. It is based on the truth and reliability of God’s Word. True faith seeks understanding. Saint Augustine said, “I believe in order to understand, and I understand the better to believe.” The Lord Jesus offers all his followers freely this great gift of faith for being with him. We know that his life-giving Word and Spirit always help us to grow in our knowledge and understanding of God.

St. Paul the Apostle tells the Ephesians that it is the work of the Holy Spirit who enlightens the eyes of our hearts and minds to understand the truth and wisdom which come from God. Faith is the key to understanding and experiencing God’s action and work in our personal lives. Paul the Apostle tells us that “God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit which has been given to us.” We can know God personally, and we grow in recognizing his voice as we listen to his word and obey his instruction. St. Peter tells us that Jesus has the words of everlasting life and the power to change and transform our lives. Ask the Lord Jesus to increase your faith and serve him as your Lord and Redeemer.

The early Church Father St. Augustine says: “‘Unless you eat My Flesh and drink My Blood, you shall not have life in you,’ says the Lord. Eat life—drink life. You will then have life, and life is complete. Then the Body and Blood of Christ will be life for each person under this condition: what is eaten visibly in the Sacrament is spiritually eaten and spiritually drunk in truth itself.”

Therefore, let us pray: Dear Lord I surrender my whole being before you. Please do take care of my life and help me to believe in your Word, which is eternal and life giving. Lead me wherever you want me to go and do the
things that you want me to do. May there be nothing which hinders me from trusting in your love and following your will always. Amen.

Love and Prayers,

Fr. Charley