Nineteenth Sunday of Ordinary Time

Today’s readings made me ask myself, “What exactly is faith?” How would you define faith? Christians often reference Hebrews 11:1 which offers this explanation: “Faith is confident assurance concerning what we hope for, and conviction about things we do not see.” This raises the question, “How confident is my assurance concerning what I hope for?” I know that I tend to “hope for the best and prepare for the worst.” While this could be a sure sign that I was raised by a very practical mother, could it also be an indication that in the back of my mind I doubt that the best is likely or even possible. Do I passively wait for God to provide? How willing am I to do all that I can to bring my hopes and dreams to fruition?

In the gospel reading from Luke, Jesus reminds us of the importance of being ready. “That servant is fortunate whom the master finds busy when he returns.” (Luke 12:43) Servants are to stay attentive to their responsibilities. What are our responsibilities as Christians? What does God expect of us? In Hebrews 11:8 we are reminded that Abraham “obeyed when he was called, and went forth to the place he was to receive as a heritage; he went forth, moreover, not knowing where he was going.” Abraham’s conviction about things he could not see is an example of faith in action. Perhaps Abraham’s most remarkable act of faith was his willingness to offer up his own son, Isaac — an account I think I will always find difficult to fully understand.

Faith requires more than sitting around, hoping that, God willing, things will get better. Faith requires action. It requires our full participation. We too are called to obey and go forth. In the Our Father we pray, “Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” Do our words and actions offer a glimmer of heaven to those around us? Do our prayer intentions extend beyond our own personal needs? Whose will are we doing?

The final line of today’s gospel reminds us that, “When much has been given a man, much will be required of him.” (Luke 12:48) Regardless of our situation, we are each given 24 hours per day, and the free will to use them as we may. We all have worldly responsibilities which we have taken on and must tend to. Can we fulfill these responsibilities in a way that reflects our faith? Can we carry out the tasks at hand with a trust that God is with us in all that we do? Are we aware of our role in the master’s plan?

The news media reminds us daily of the injustice, oppression, starvation, and violence faced by people around the world. It can feel overwhelming. But if we are people of faith, we cannot allow ourselves to lose hope. Abraham, Sarah, and countless other holy women and men have shown us that living by faith is not foolish. Faith is what enables us to face each new day with hope. Faith makes the impossible possible. Faith gives us the strength to fight the good fight.

I have spent the past 40 plus years in Tanzania in East Africa. The people I work with face many challenges including poverty, HIV, lack of opportunities, and gender-based violence. They are also some of the most faith-filled people I have ever met. They fully rely on God. They trust in God’s mercy and compassion. Even amidst immense challenges, they remain hopeful.

That hope reminds me of my favorite quote, from the activist Wendell Berry: “Be joyful, though you have considered all the facts.” And that, my friends, is only possible with faith.