Faith Beyond Sight: Trusting God in the Unseen

Faith Beyond Sight: Trusting God in the Unseen Today’s readings present us with a fundamental question: What kind of faith do we have? Renowned theologian Roger Haidt describes faith as a universal human experience. He argues that everyone possesses faith in some form. For example, when you leave your home to come here, you have faith that you will find your parish or shrine. When you sit on a chair, you have faith that it will support you. Without such faith, you wouldn’t take these actions. Haidt emphasizes that the real question is not whether we have faith, but where our faith is placed. As Christians, we are called to have faith in the infinite, the absolute, the transcendent—the Almighty God. This is the faith described in today’s readings: “Faith is the realization of what is hoped for and the evidence of things not seen.” Faith Beyond Sight Often, we prefer to believe only after we have seen. Yet, true faith calls us to trust in God’s promises even when we do not see immediate evidence. The first reading gives the example of Abraham, who left his homeland because he trusted in God’s promise of a new land. Though he had not seen it, his faith moved him forward. So, what kind of faith do we have? Is it a faith that depends on visible signs, or one that remains firm even in uncertainty? The Gospel reading offers another profound lesson. The disciples, having witnessed Jesus perform miracles and teach with authority, still faltered when faced with a storm at sea. As the violent winds raged, they panicked and cried out, “Lord, don’t you care that we are perishing?” Isn’t this how we often respond in difficult times? We know that Jesus is with us, yet when life’s storms arise, fear overtakes our faith. We question Him, forgetting that His presence is our greatest security. Trusting God in the Unseen As we reflect on today’s readings, let us ask ourselves again: What kind of faith do we have? Is it rooted in the unseen promises of God? Do we trust Him even in the midst of life’s storms? May this meditation deepen our spiritual journey and strengthen our conviction in the faith we are called to live. Listen more to Faith Beyond Sight: Trusting God in the Unseen ************************************ Image The Storm on the Sea of Galilee: Dutch Painter: Rembrandt: 1633 Uniquely, this painting was in a Boston Museum for almost 100 years, until 1990. It was stolen that year and remains missing. ************************************ Gospel Reading: Mark 4: 35-41 First Reading: Hebrews 11: 1-2, 8-19