Today’s Gospel proclamation speaks to us about the faith one can possess, which is often known as “a gift in an earthen vessel”. The Lord Jesus said that our faith can even move mountains. From our childhood we have heard many phrases relating to the power of faith. Yet, what actually is faith? Faith is to have an attitude of expectancy and optimism even when there are setbacks, shortcomings and failures overwhelming us.

Faith is having hope and courage to glide through despite our circumstances and situations; because as Christians we are called to walk by faith not by sight. The letter to the Hebrews says that “faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen”.

Looking at our country and its present situation, the Covid crisis, the Easter Sunday attack, the 30 year ethnic conflict in our nation have taught us to have faith in the unseen future. We remind ourselves to stay positive, hoping that all these circumstances will ultimately work out for our good by God’s grace. Therefore we rely and depend on God and live surrendered to him, and it is another way to be possessing this gift of faith we have received from God.

As we believe and trust, “that the Lord will make all things work together for the good of those who love him”, we can be assured eventually that all things will have a positive outcome. Of course we know that some characters in the Old Testament like Joseph and Moses had difficult journeys in life. For there are no shortcuts to success in life and this is true even in our walk with God.

We are called to remain close to God in prayer and then God will open doors of opportunities, no matter how difficult the situation may seem. Thus as a nation we are called to implore God and stay connected trusting in him. When we wait upon God, sometimes it can be painful and frustrating. We have to focus on God’s goodness which will help us to develop an attitude of expectancy.

Just like Jesus’ disciples who came out of the darkest moments we too as a nation could expect a breakthrough. What we need to do is surrender in prayer, cultivate an attitude of expectancy, be courageous and hopeful in faith. We need to remain and rest with him in faith. What seems impossible will then be made possible by the God of the impossible.

“Faith is different from proof; the latter is human, the former is a gift from God.” Blaise Pascal (Catholic Theologian). Let us pray for such deep faith and trust in our loving God.

Prayer: Abba Father, increase our faith, show us the way, and guide us. Amen.