Faith is Life

March 28, Tuesday, the Fifth week of Lent
Numbers 21:4-9; John 8:21-30

Faith gives meaning to our life. There was a dangerous waterfall. In that waterfall, there was a dangerous cliff. On the cliff, there was a tree hanging down. In the tree, there was a nest. In the nest was a small bird feeding its young one. There was danger all around, yet the little one felt completely safe. The little one was safe in the mother’s tender loving care. The sound of the waterfall or the danger around it did not disturb its peace, because it was safe in its mother’s arms. It is faith that gives meaning in life even amidst life’s uncertainties.

In the gospel according to St John chapter 8 verse 21, Jesus said to the Pharisees “I am going away and you will seek me and you will die in your sin.”  Jesus is speaking to the Jews who did not believe that he was the son of God. Jesus tried to convince the people that he was the Son of God. He said “he who sent me is true and I declare to the world what I have heard from him. When you have lifted up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am He.”

Jesus is inviting us to believe in him and to seek him as the Son of God so that we will be saved. The gospel passage concludes by saying that many believed him.

It is faith in the Son of God that can lead us to life. Obstinate behaviour can lead one to hardness of heart. The Pharisees and scribes witnessed many signs and wonders worked by Jesus, yet they did not believe in him. So the result would be that they will not have life in its fullness. Like the bird that is safe in its mother’s arms even at the dangerous waterfall, faith can keep us safe to face the challenges of life and lead us to life eternal.

As Harold Kushner said, “He who loses money loses something, he who loses a friend loses something more and he who loses faith loses all.” May we believe in the power of God so that we find meaning in life.