On being reminded of the gift of faith

As we each go through life, most of us will experience the sadness and discouragement, the sense of failure or unworthiness that comes from "not being chosen." The school yard is a wonderful place for learning that no one is good at everything and "you" are not as "good" as everyone else at something. Sometimes you will be too fat, too tall, too skinny, too slow, too smart, too female, too short, too Catholic... Being the last to be called by the team captain, and then only by default, is never a nice feeling.

Today I am reminded of the unique, precious and incomparable gift of God's calling to each of His children. No two will be called in the same way, or have the same journey. The light of faith is an amazing grace bestowed upon His chosen. A gift so beautiful. A gift so rare, that for some, it will shine from their whole person as it fills their soul so entirely that it cannot contain the light. And yet, a gift so abundant that many will not even stop to unwrap it. Perhaps they are so busy being "chosen" for lesser things; lesser gods... that they fail to hear the calling of their name by the Captain of Faith, Hope and Love, Jesus Christ himself.

This is the one faith of God's chosen people. We, who through Christian baptism and thereby, unbroken lineage to Jesus' Apostles and beyond, participate in Abraham's progeny. Together with the Israelites, we have heard the Word of God from fire; seen the Living God and we have lived. We are members of that great nation God has chosen for Himself out of all the nations of the earth. He has revealed Himself to us "by trials, by signs and wonders, by war, by a mighty hand and an outstretched arm, and by terrifying displays of power." (Dt 4:34)

This faith in God; in Jesus Christ, the Light of the World. The living Word of the Living God is the most powerful gift. Let it shine forth for all nations to see. If you hide it. If you cover the light and fall into darkness, you may lose your way and stumble. Beware those who find you in darkness. Many sheep are actually wolves in disguise. Remain in the light. Keep your faith alive "so that you may long remain in the land that the LORD your God is giving you for all time." (Dt 4:39–40)

Lord Jesus, thank you for giving me this superabundant light of faith. May I nurture it and share it wisely and freely.

I pray today that all your brothers and sisters; the Father's children through your Cross and Resurrection, who have accepted the gift of faith, may remain in you and share that same faith with the world. May we be a lamp, which is you o Lord, unto the footsteps of our fellows.

I also pray that you will continue to strengthen and guide Father Hyacinth on this day especially; the 5th anniversary of his Holy Priesthood. But for his most precious gift, I might never have had the courage to again write here for your glory.

Thank you for this day and all you have given your friends.

AMEN