THE JOURNEY OF FAITH

Last week, Fr Howe wrote beautifully on the importance of faith, a theme which once again is front and center this week. In our readings, we have two unique stories highlighting this virtue.

In the first reading, we hear of a Syrian commander Namaan, who it is told in previous verses, had contracted leprosy. He had journeyed to the prophet Elisha with a royal retinue to obtain healing, and surprisingly, Elisha denied him an audience, refused to meet his expectations, and sent him away with the message: “Go and wash seven times in the Jordan, and your flesh will heal, and you will be clean” (2 Kings 5:10). Namaan is angry and confounded. He expected Elisha to heal him on the spot, and is offended at the idea of washing in the dirty backwaters of Israel. (2 Kings 5:11-12 ) Yet no other offer is made, just this one if he will have it.

Then in the gospel, we have the story of the ten lepers seeking healing. When Jesus approached, they stood at a distance and called out "Jesus, Master! Have pity on us!" (Luke 17:11). Like Namaan, they seem to have great expectation of healing, yet Jesus responds by telling them to leave! He says only: “Go, show yourselves to the priests.” (Luke 17:14).

In each story, the characters are healed as a result of their faith, an active faith which listens and follows Jesus even when they don’t yet understand.

This drama of faith is continually at play today as well. It can be easy to understand the basic dynamics: Those who listen and follow God even when it is difficult experience new adventure, growth, and blessings that pour out to others. Those who refuse him grow spiritually stale and selfcentered, with a little of God’s gifts to share.

But how about when the moment of faith is upon me personally? What happens when God is inviting me on a difficult or fearful path? Whether we are afraid, confounded, or even like Namaan, offended, God does not offer us another way, just the way of faith. It is a challenging way that tries our hearts again and again, yet He promises that this stretching of faith grows our capacity to receive Him and pour out His blessings to others.

So this week, take heart! The daily testing of our faith is not a curse but actually a profound gift from The Father who loves you and wants to heal you. He invites you not to run away or hold back, but to dive in head first and follow what He asks, especially where you are most afraid, most unsure.

Where is that stretch of faith the greatest for you right now? Is it with a particular teaching of the church that feels impossible? Perhaps it is a situation with family or coworkers where God is asking you to witness to His love and you are afraid? Or perhaps it is a prayer you’ve been making from your heart that God has not yet responded to in any discernable way.

Whatever it is, God longs to guide your steps into and through that fear. Each victory of faith demands everything from us, but it prepares us to receive everything from God, as we journey homeward.

This week, take a new step! Conquer a fear, choose active faith and receive the grace of God which moves you forward into the amazing plans He has for your life. I promise my prayers! ~Fr. Rumpza