My reflections on Genesis this week have focused on the progression of sin in the world. Today’s reading from Hebrews shows me that where sin thrives faith grows. What a blessed lesson this is for all of us in the Church today; what a hopeful reassurance to end the week!
I must memorize the definition the author of Hebrews gives of faith: “the realization of what is hoped for and the evidence of things not seen.” Then I will reflect on his examples. God, who is love, is the creator of what is seen and what is not seen, and he gives vision to those who put their faith in him. That’s the definition of hope.
Using these same examples, I will reflect on how faith grows out of hope; how it energizes it, strengthens it. Next, I shall consider the state of the Church today: growing lack of belief on the part of so many; the implosion of marriage and religious orders; the acceptance of pornography, abortion and the lack of charity for the needy.
Finally, today being Saturday, I will bring my reflections to Mary, reminding her Elizabeth called her blessed “because she believed” and I will remind her I hope for the same grace. Can she help?