Second Sunday of Advent: Faith--What does it take to be Faithful?

Faith is a word too often taken lightly. Faith requires belief in things unseen, in full trust, needing no outward sign to keep the flame burning brightly. 

It's hard to muster faith when life is handing down some really troubling things. Child-like faith seems too trusting sometimes; but then, are we not all children of someone? Of God? Letting go of the reins to any given situation seems risky: the odds are not good, and we feel, somehow, that if we don't try to control it all, we will be accused of not caring enough. And our biggest and loudest accuser will be ourselves. That said, why do we think we have the strength, the intelligence, the ability at all to be in control? Point to ponder. 

That does not mean give up and let things go entirely. Instead, I think it's more aligned with the intention to grab your Faith like a trusty shield and wade into the messiness. Prayer is a formidable "weapon" as well-- we can fight the darkness with belief. But it takes action, as well-- we can't just sit on some proverbial stump and wait for things to right themselves. 

So what's the balance, then, between Faith and taking steps to solve a situation, even in small part? Faith can give us strength when we don't think we have any left. We still have to take care of the human person; food, rest, reflection are all necessary to physical and emotional survival. To have the courage and determination to go forward every day when things are dark and stressful takes Faith. To allow others to help and guide us takes Faith-- after all, many times we "entertain angels unawares" (Hebrews 13:2).

This is linked to prayer, too-- how do we know we are asking the right things? God knows our hearts, and he hears our unspoken prayers. I pray every day for the healing of my family: mind, body, and spirit. I'm just not sure which aspect is the most important in the bigger picture-- that's where Faith has to come in. What I want is not necessarily what I or others need, but I don't know that, not really. I have to trust that God knows, and trust is something that is hard to do, but is really critical to our survival.

All I can do, really, is pray hard, keep focused, and keep moving. If my actions are meant to be helpful, that will have to be enough. I pray God guides me every single day.

Yours faithfully,

C