We know that God tells us that with it we could move mountains. The image that best characterizes it is that of a mustard seed, small but destined to grow into a tree where birds can nest in its branches. When it falters, our life crumbles like a house of cards, losing energy and melting our lights. How is, at this moment, the health of your faith with the circumstances around you?
Following the example of the parable of the talents, faith is not meant to remain hidden or sheltered, but to grow and develop deep in the soul, sustaining life in the face of hurricane winds. A static faith becomes a dead faith. Dynamism and vitality define the Christian faith.
Faith also acts as a beacon in times of difficulty, providing an illuminated path to move forward when we lack strength. We face problems and setbacks, armed with the faith that allows us to fight against selfishness, laziness and envy, diverting us from paths that do not lead to Jesus of Nazareth.
Sometimes, we run the risk of confusing faith with substitutes, wrapping it in experiences of personal growth, coaching or mindfulness. Our faith must be exclusively centered on Jesus, in whom we place our hope. It is essential to avoid empty formulas that do not lead to Jesus, although some techniques can be useful if they are framed in the richness of prayer.
This is an opportunity to ask ourselves: How do we care for and nurture our faith? What dangers do you face? What measures do we take to prevent it from rotting or skimming? Is it vigorous and fruitful, or small and closed? It is time for reflection and action. I propose to pass an ‘antivirus’ to our faith, not as mere information, but as an opportunity to renew our personal commitment and follow up. Are our eyes, and our hope, firmly fixed on Jesus?
Recall a life event that you overcame by relying on faith. Appreciate how faith helped you in adversity and re-experience how you came closer to Jesus. Faith, that tiny mustard seed, is a gift from God for all of us, which can be developed or not according to our disposition. Do you really live your faith as a gift?
Faith also implies the submission of our will to God’s will. Jesus shows us this ultimate example in the Garden of Olives, accepting the Father’s will over his own. Abandoning ourselves in faith is an exercise of trust and surrender in what God wants for us, interpreting our life from his perspective.
In Mark 6:45-52, after the multiplication of the loaves and fishes, Jesus walks on the water toward the weary disciples in the boat. He tells them: ‘Courage! It’s me, don’t be afraid’. These words filled the apostles with astonishment, and they invite us to trust fully.
Do not be afraid’ is the expression of Jesus that accompanies us always. If He says so, how can we not have faith? Confidence does not lie in our human strength, but in the power of God. This vital attitude, nourished by faith, is the true motor of our life. Courage. It is time to abandon ourselves to his will, in faith.”