Truths of the Catholic Church series

Faith

Faith in God and Jesus, can at times be very hard.

And when it is hard, that is when you will know if you have true faith and trust in Jesus.

When we go through life and we have material success, money in the pocket, good home, happy family, new car, the respect and admiration of your friends and peers, it's easy to have faith in Jesus.

It is when the pocket is empty and the bills are due, when you have a debilitating illness, when you suffer the loss of a loved one, when in the middle of the night the fear of tomorrow is almost overwhelming, and when God 'hides his face' (Ps 13:1) and you don't feel God is with you while there are enemies all around.

When you can face these sufferings without blaming God, without asking why you are being punished, without trying to make a deal with God to get you out of this mess.... without believing that God has abandoned you.

And if you can still firmly believe that Jesus is still with you because he said he would be, then you have faith and trust in Jesus.

As a Catholic, we believe that God uses our suffering as a test of faith.


1 Peter 1:6-9 In this you rejoice, although now for a little while you may have to suffer through various trials, so that the genuineness of your faith, more precious than gold that is perishable even though tested by fire, may prove to be for praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. Although you have not seen him you love him; even though you do not see him now yet believe in him, you rejoice with an indescribable and glorious joy, as you attain the goal of (your) faith, the salvation of your souls.

When Jesus, the man, was suffering as they drove each nail into his hands and feet, He never lost faith in God.

Unite your suffering with Jesus' suffering, gain the strength of Jesus' faith, and stand firm in your faith and trust and give praise to the name and glory of God.

Look into your heart for the truth of what you believe, that is where God is looking.