founded or unfounded faith?
"Your faith rests not on the wisdom of men but on the power of God." —1 Corinthians 2:5
Is your faith on a firm foundation? Many parents' hearts are broken when they see their children's faith collapse after the children leave home. Many Christians thought their faith was strong until they faced tragedies or even death. Many Christians think their faith is on a firm foundation, but the mass apostasy at the end of the world may prove them wrong (see 2 Thes 2:3; Mt 24:10, 12, 22).
If your faith is founded on:
- how you were brought up,
- your church being supportive,
- a particular priest or preacher (see 1 Cor 2:1), and
- "the persuasive force of 'wise' argumentation" (1 Cor 2:4),
your faith is not on a firm foundation and will collapse.
However, if your faith is founded on:
- hearing and obeying God's word (see Mt 7:24),
- the preaching "of nothing but Jesus Christ and Him crucified" (1 Cor 2:2), and
- "the convincing power of the Spirit" (1 Cor 2:4),
then your faith is on a firm foundation and will stand up to anything. "Unless your faith is firm you shall not be firm!" (Is 7:9)
Prayer: Father, this year may I move mountain ranges through my faith in You (see Mt 17:20).
Promise: "The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me; therefore He has anointed Me. He has sent Me to bring glad tidings to the poor, to proclaim liberty to captives, recovery of sight to the blind and release to prisoners, to announce a year of favor from the Lord." —Lk 4:18-19
Praise: Pope St. Gregory was the son of a deacon, a monk, and a great pope. He didn't allow disease or ailments to discontinue his work for the Church. Despite failing health, he cared for his people in every way he was able.
Rescript: †Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, March 30, 2012
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