Homily

The command, “Do not be afraid” occurs 19 times in the Gospels. It is the opening statement of Pope John Paul II in St. Peter’s Square. It is a word that was heeded by the woman with the hemorrhage. St. Paul extols us to have faith. The Responsorial Psalm has this at the center of its message. It is the the gift that I hear more than others when asked.

Today, I think it would be a very good thing to simply recognize that we do many things out of fear, yet desire faith. So, let us ask for this simple, yet so important gift. It is not something you can work yourself into like an emotion. Faith is not an emotion. Faith can stand in contrast to emotions. In the face of fear, faith can win out.

Faith is a gift from God. It is not from yourself. It is something that has to be received. You can buy it. It is not for sale. You can’t earn it. It is undeserved. Sometimes we ask for this gift, yet we are ill prepared to receive it. We are too distracted, too busy, to angry, too self-consumed, or too afraid to receive it. My friends in Christ. If you want faith. More faith? Ask for it directly from God. Then prepare your heart, your home, and your life to receive it.

Turn off your television more often. Listen to silence for a while. Stop entertaining yourself and pray for the good of others. Slow down. Look around you. Notice the people in your life. Notice the sky, the flowers, the smells in the air. Stop talking to yourself and start listening to God. Turn off the music for a moment and focus on the gift of life and why you are here. Start counting your blessings. Find the greatness that resides in every person you meet. Decide to be grateful. Then you have prepared your heart for the gift of faith. It may not come all at once. It may take a while. Maybe years. But it will come. Trust it. Believe it. If you ask, you will be given it. If you prepare, you will be receptive to it.