http://ccc.usccb.org/cccradio/NABPodcasts/16_08_07.mp3
Hebrews 11:1-2, 8-19
Wisdom 18:6-9
Psalm 33:1, 12, 18-22
Luke 12:32-48
Faith is the realization of what is hoped for. (Hebrews 11:1)
Famous people who excel in their field can also be considered authors. People like Frederick Taylor and Peter Drucker “wrote the book” on modern management. People like Bach, Beethoven, and Mozart “wrote the book” on classical music. People like Abraham Lincoln and Václav Havel “wrote the book” on leadership in government.
In his own way, Jesus “wrote the book” on life with God. Scripture tells us, “We have been consecrated through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all” (Hebrews 10:10). On the cross, Jesus gave us everything we need—once and for all. Still, we will grow in faith only to the extent that we continue to embrace that “offering of the body of Jesus Christ.”
When the author of Hebrews calls faith the “realization of what is hoped for,” he is talking about an ongoing, ever deepening realization of all that Jesus has won for us (Hebrews 11:1). Our faith is meant to be living and active, capable of growing as we welcome the Lord into our lives.
Every Mass presents us with an opportunity to do just that. When we receive the Eucharist, we are asking Jesus to open our eyes to his love and his wisdom in a new and deeper way. We are asking him to help us realize his mysteries more fully. And loving Savior that he is, he does just that.
At the same time, our response to Jesus should extend past the moment when we receive Communion. It should move us to follow him throughout the day, trying our best to stay close to him in good times and in bad.
So how should we respond to God’s grace today? By looking at the cross during Mass and saying, “Thank you, Jesus.” By asking Jesus for the faith to help you enjoy life’s blessings and get through its demands. By telling Jesus, “I trust that you have prepared a heavenly city for me.”
“Jesus, help me to put my faith in you each day, every day.”~Word Among Us
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