When seen from a biblical perspective, faith is a precious gift presented to all by the Creator.
In this Year of Faith, which now comes to an end, we have been blessed with Pope Francis, whose authentic faith inspires the world through the language of love, giving a new dimension to what is contained in the Scriptures: “Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart” (Psalm 37:4); “Seek first the Kingdom of God and his righteousness: and all these things shall be added unto you” (Matthew 6:33).
In the Parable of the Sower (Matthew 13) God gives the gift of faith (the seed) everywhere. But it is the recipient’s response that is crucial in bearing fruit or losing the gift.
Abraham’s episode in the Old Testament is an outstanding example of faith as opposed to simply believing. One therefore has to be open to this gift, accept it and live it out, thus witnessing the joy of one’s constancy in serving and loving the Lord.
In his first encyclical Lumen Fidei, the Pope speaks of the urgency to see once again that faith is a light, for once the flame of faith dies out, all other lights begin to dim. The light of faith is unique, since it is capable of illuminating every aspect of human existence.
With his typical simplicity, at the end of his Angelus, the Pope recently offered “spiritual medicine” for pains and difficulties encountered in our daily lives – which form part of a grand design. Notwithstanding the confusion and disasters that trouble the world, the design of goodness and of the mercy of God will be accomplished, he said.
His ‘medicine’ was distributed in small boxes to the assembled pilgrims, saying: “Take it. It’s a rosary with which one can recite the Chaplet of Divine Mercy, as well as use for spiritual help for our souls and for spreading love, forgiveness and brotherhood everywhere.”
Pope Francis is bringing a certain joie de vivre to the Catholic Church and the rest of the world. It is up to every individual to grasp it while reaping the benefits of this Year of Faith more concretely.
It is precisely what Nirvana did – for instance – in this Year of Faith, on her way to eternity – advising us in her ‘lasting words’ to connect with God who has all things under control.