A Few Words On "The Word"

December 24, 2006
The 4th Sunday in Advent, Year C

Luke 1:39-45

Faith in Motion

Have you ever heard the phrase, "Seeing is believing?" You probably have. People often use this phrase when skeptical about something's existence. Belief is not easy. It's often hard to understand or believe things that we cannot encounter physically with our senses.

Interestingly enough, many people seem to equate belief and religious faith in God - that's okay. However, faith is about more than just the belief in something's existence. Belief is often born of faith in motion. Let me explain.

In this week's gospel we hear of Mary's faith as observed by her cousin, Elizabeth. Overcome by the Holy Spirit, Elizabeth hails Mary as being full of grace (which she literally was!). Elizabeth also states, "Blessed are you who believed that what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled."

Mary's faith in God is a perfect example of faith in motion. It is this kind of faith that attracted Elizabeth's attention. Like laughter, Mary's faith in God was infectious. It acted like a lure to pull in those around her. For Mary this faith was deeply rooted in her Jewish ancestors, an upbringing through which she learned to trust in God's abiding goodness.

While most of us don't have angels visiting us, we too can trust in God even when it is difficult to fully grasp what God is up to. Why is this so? We, like Mary, are born into a world that, while marked by loss and tragedy, also reveals God's goodness. While we will never be able to capture and measure this goodness like a scientist, as Catholic Christians we are surrounded by practices, experiences, and insights that encourage and support our faith.

So belief in God is not necessarily the same thing as faith in God. Faith draws people in because they witness an outpouring of love and generosity. Overtime these experiences tend to develop into beliefs. In this week's passage we find faith-filled Mary "full of grace." The next verses in Luke's account find Mary full of belief: that God will exalt the lowly; that God will disperse the arrogant of mind and heart; that God will send the rich away; etc.

Mary had faith that God's goodness could be trusted even in the tense moments when such faith was under strain. This faith came from deep within, from an abiding sense that God was active in our world bringing about new things. May we, like Mary, root ourselves firmly in faith so we are prepared to witness God's Incarnation this Christmas.

Reflection Question

When has something or someone challenged your faith or beliefs?

In what ways do you respond when your faith is tested?

Join us in our Forum to discuss these questions!