Friday, 21^st February – Friday of week 6 of the year

Reflection: James 2:14-24, 26

FAITH AND GOOD DEEDS

By faith man completely submits his intellect and will to God. This is called “the Obedience of Faith”. To obey in faith is to submit freely to the Word that has been heard, because its truth can be guaranteed by God, who is Truth itself. By faith, Abraham set out for a country that would be given to him as an inheritance, even without knowing where he was going, but rest assured that God is faithful. By faith, Abraham went out to offer Isaac, though he had received the promise that: Isaac’s descendants will bear your name… (Hebrews 11: 8, 17-19). Thus, faith is not hearing alone or limited to the heart alone, rather, it spurs the receiver into action. For faith is alive and active.

Faith comes by hearing the word of God (Romans 10:17). Our faith grows in the proportion with which we dwell in God’s word. The more we know about God’s promises, the more we can base our faith on them. However, our faith does not end on hearing the word alone, this word should move us into action (Matthew 7:24-27). Since faith is a gift of God, (Matthew 16:17) man needs the interior help of the Holy Spirit in order to believe. We cannot claim to have faith in God with no good work to show our faith. Our fathers in faith, in the Bible and Church history, have shown us their faith by their life.

Today, Christ calls us to examine ourselves; how well have I developed my faith in God by prayers and studying His word? How well have I stood for righteousness even when it costs me a lot? How well have I put my faith into action in my life, my studies, my work, or the challenges that comes my way? Having examined ourselves, let us pray for the grace to live out our faith.

PRAYER: Lord, please increase my faith in you and help me to daily live my faith. Amen

KNOW YOUR FAITH: CCC 142: MAN’S RESPONSE TO GOD

By His revelation, “the invisible God, from the fullness of his love, addresses men as his friends, and moves among them, in order to invite and receive them into his own company.” The adequate response to this invitation is Faith.

HIDE A TREASURE: “Remember what happened to your ancestors. Who has ever trusted in the Lord and been confounded? Who has persevered in fear of the Lord and been abandoned? Who has called upon Him and not been heard?” Sirach 2:10 CCB

Readings for today: James 2:14-24, 26, Psalm 112:1-6, Mark 8:34-9:1