Confidence Without Evidence
Hebrews 11:1-2, 8-19; Psalm – Luke 1:69-75; Mark 4:35-41
In Heb.11:1-19, the topic of faith is discussed through the examples of Abraham and Sarah. It started by defining faith as assurance about what we cannot see and assurance in what we hope for. Even though Sarah was infertile, God promised Abraham that he would be the father of a many nation.
Despite having no proof, they were certain of God’s statements. Faith is confidence without evidence. I have no proof that God will perform a miracle in my life, but I am convinced that He will. I confess it and I walk by it.
The woman with the issue of blood in Mark chapter 5 was so confident that if she touched the herm of Jesus’ cassock she will be made whole. She acted with that assurance, and she was thus restored.
We are taught to understand that one of the biggest threats to faith in today’s gospel is fear. When fear takes over, confidence is destroyed. Despite the fact that there was evidence of Christ being in the boat, the disciples were afraid. Despite the signs of Christ’s graces in our lives, are we self-assured enough?
Today the Church celebrates the memorial of St Thomas Aquinas, he spent much of his time discovering the light of Christ; when eventually he found it, he sustained it and transmitted it. He says it is “better to illuminate than to merely shine.” Many will grow in faith and confidence if we shine and illuminate their lives.
LET US PRAY
Lord, have mercy and increase our faith, calm the storm of our faithlessness and where fear creeps in help us to rise by faith and claim our rightful place. Amen.
