Fury of Faith

It seems like an almost daily thing that our faith comes into question. Recently for the Catholics, Medjugorje has been labeled a fraud. I do not have an opinion either way; however, it is important to note that many people have been healed by their pilgrimage to this place by the strength of their faith. Also, just this week we have seen the discovery of the so-called God Particle from the Higgs Boson. I saw on the news where if this is what the scientist thinks it is, it could rewrite religion and what we know about creation.

In my lifetime I have seen my faith be as strong as a blazing inferno and at other times as weak as an ember that barely has enough glow to keep the hope alive. Right now my fire is hot and I feel good about the direction I am going, but that does not mean everyone else does. I have seen the furies of faith and the smoke of gloom. My hope is that even with all the news of fraud, scientific discovery, religious warfare, etc., that we all remember that our faith in a better tomorrow is more important than the news of today.

Whether the world we live in was created with a big bang a giant jolt or a tidal wave does not matter. What does matter is that our God of love is behind it all. The big bang did not create the emotions of the heart or the soul of a saint; God created you and me, and no scientific discovery can change that fact.

I know that so many people who read this blog are dealing with some serious life circumstances that can challenge their faith in God to the very core. If you take the struggles of life and mix it with the assault of the news media, you can find yourself with a fire extinguisher that can blow out the hottest blaze of faith. It is crucial that at life's most difficult moments we who are strong in faith lift up those that are weak or struggling. I have personally seen this week the most amazing grace you could ever imagine. A person who was cast into the darkness of despair by the loss of her spouse has found the love and grace of God through reaching out to and comforting and being comforted by another person facing the same loss. It is truly remarkable how God works in and through each of us and brings us together at just the right times.

If your faith is growing cold, please do not allow outside elements to freeze it permanently. It is okay to have moments of doubt because that is when The Holy Spirit is hard at work. It takes us all to keep the fury of faith burning hot.

Today is a new day, a fresh beginning. Some people around you will experience loss and hardship while others find the fruits of joy. Whatever your day holds, please know that you, God, and your faith community can be the spark that brings your faith back to life. Do not give up or give in - instead dig deep and fight for the right to be the best you can be. Nothing is impossible when you believe in yourself and others.

Peace to all

Dale