FAITH UPGRADE

Monday of the 4^th week of Lent

(Is 65:17-21, Ps 30, Jn 4:43-54)

“Go, your son will live.” This is what Jesus told the Official who approached him at Capernaum, begging him to heal his son. The man accepted the words of Jesus, relying on the authority behind them. He believed Jesus was capable of healing his son, and even so, through words uttered from such a distance. “The man believed the words Jesus spoke to him and went his way.” This sort of faith has self-interest attached to it. It can be exuberant, as we see the man trekking long distance looking for Jesus.  In the long run, such faith might not survive the ups and downs of life, especially when the prevalent self-interest is continually defeated. That is why there is need for an upgrade.

After the son was healed, the man believed for the second time. “He himself believed, and all his household.” This is a deeper and purer belief. This time, he believed not for anything that he would benefit, but he believed simply for Jesus’ own sake. A faith motivated by his interest in the one he believed in. This second level of faith comes as a testimony from the first level of belief. At this level, faith is recognized as a divine gift. And one learns total abandonment to the force of faith. Once ferried on the boat of faith, without anchoring our life journey on any prevalent self-interest, we must get to our ultimate destination.

Yes, there is growth in faith. But a testimony of faith is often necessary to push us forward. Nevertheless, if we remain only at the quest for testimony, our faith will shrink. So we begin by accepting the Word of God for what it is, and channelling our attention on Jesus. Then, the growth in faith will continually happen.

Fr Jude Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R
Our Mother of Perpetual Help Catholic Church,
Amowo-Odofin, Lagos.
27th March, 2017.