Homilies

19th SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME: FAITH AND DEPENDENCE ON GOD

The Second Vatican II teaches us that the Church is a pilgrim Church; she is on a journey toward the Father’s kingdom or home. This journey may not be an easy journey because it is filled with doubts, fears, and anxieties. What helps us in this journey is faith. Faith becomes the guiding light which helps us see what is to come, and helps us understand and clear whatever doubts we may have. Let us reflect further on this faith which is a theme of our readings today.

First, let us try to reflect on the definition of faith according to the Letter to the Hebrews, the passage being read in the Second Reading. The author says that “Faith is a realization of what is hoped for and of evidence of things not seen. Because of it the ancients were all attested.”  Faith is understood here in terms of confidence and hope. It is quite interesting that the “ancients”, like Abraham, were recalled not because they believed in Christ. This is New Testament, but the faith is not directed toward Christ. Rather the faith of these ancients serves as an inspiration of the Hebrew community to endure and to remain steadfast in the trust of the God who remains true to his promises. This is one way of encouraging them, and also us, to endure in the midst of trials and difficulties. So, faith here is a trusting faith. It is a dimension of faith we most of us often fail to develop.

Second, in the gospel, we heard another idea of faith. Here, Jesus told his disciples, “Provide money bags for yourselves that do not wear out, an inexhaustible treasure in heaven, that no thief can reach nor moth destroy.” At that time, the community was still small, and as a minority, the tendency of the community was to look for security. But the security is focused to wealth so that it could gain and maintain influence. Jesus saw that and there, he invited them to look for security, not through acquisition of many things, but in the treasures of God. The invitation for them is to sell the possessions, and instead, depend only in God. This point has something to do with the last Sunday’s gospel, that is, the Parable of the Rich Fool. When God becomes the real treasure in life, this faith-relationship with God would also grow.

Thus, the readings today give us two different ideas on faith. First, in our journey to the unknown, and in situations through which we experience trials and difficulties, what is needed is a mature faith which knows how to trust God, even if the odds do not show positively. Like Abraham, we must cling to that promise that God will not fail us, that God remains faithful to his promises, and that God remains good to us. Second, we are reminded that our own security and treasure is God. Therefore, we should learn always to depend on him, and not in things that the world constantly allures us. Faith in God can be seen in our constant dependence on him.

« Back to Homilies Index