Evidence of Things Not Seen

August 12, 2007

Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

For in secret the holy children of the good were offering sacrifice and putting into effect with one accord the divine institution, That your holy ones should share alike the same good things and dangers, having previously sung the praises of the fathers. Wisdom 18:13

Faith is the realization of what is hoped for and evidence of things not seen. Hebrews 11:1

And the Lord replied, "Who, then, is the faithful and prudent steward whom the master will put in charge of his servants to distribute (the) food allowance at the proper time? Blessed is that servant whom his master on arrival finds doing so. Luke 12:42-43

Piety

Oh loving and generous God, your deep and abiding love for us is made real and evident in the fragrances of summer, in the light of a beautiful day, in the sounds of the birds and the children playing and in the sacrifice of your Son for our sins. Please grant to us an obedient faith that will spur us to be prudent stewards working daily to build your Kingdom here on earth in return for these generous gifts that you bestow upon us. Amen.

Study

http://www.usccb.org/nab/081207.shtml

In this corner, “Faith alone.” In this corner, Good Works. In this corner, “Faith and her trainer Good Works.”

Today’s readings bring to mind the perennial debate in Church circles about faith and good works. Too many times, the debate is structured as an either-or argument. Faith versus Good Works. Which one do you need to do to gain eternal salvation? Today’s readings reframe the debate. They are not too different forces but two complementary forces.

St. Paul teaches that that “love is fulfillment of the law.” Clearly in the letter to the Hebrews, we see a story that shows faith alone will not save you. Good works…actions…doing so…these also are an essential element in our salvation story.

St. Paul describes what authentic faith does. It does not sit dormant. It does not ignore the needs of sisters and brothers. People with authentic faith are found “doing” something when the Master comes. Those with no faith are beaten by the Master. Those who do good without faith are beaten lightly. Those who act out of faith are rewarded.

The “faithful and prudent steward” takes care of others and provides to them food. Blessed is the servant when the master finds the servant in action. “Doing so.”

However, if right actions do not follow from faith, the servant is assigned a “place with the unfaithful.” Therefore, faith without works is like no faith at all. “That servant who knew his master’s will but did not make preparations nor act in accord with his will shall be beaten severely.”

We can not have a right relationship with God unless we also have a right relationship with the community of disciples who make up the Church. Being compelled to action is not a new concept in salvation history. The idea was advanced long ago in Ezekiel 33(7-10):

You, son of man, I have appointed watchman for the house of Israel; when you hear me say anything, you shall warn them for me.

If I tell the wicked man that he shall surely die, and you do not speak out to dissuade the wicked man from his way, he (the wicked man) shall die for his guilt, but I will hold you responsible for his death.

But if you warn the wicked man, trying to turn him from his way, and he refuses to turn from his way, he shall die for his guilt, but you shall save yourself.

As for you, son of man, speak to the house of Israel: You people say, "Our crimes and our sins weigh us down; we are rotting away because of them. How can we survive?"

If a person has faith, then she or he will act according to God’s will with obedient faith in God and responsible love toward neighbors. “Faith and works go hand-in-hand as one responds in trust and obedience to God.” It is faith that moves the mountain as it becomes “faith in action.” It is obedient faith that delights the Lord who “endures” those without it.

In the reading from Hebrews, note how unfailingly the people were motivated by faith to act out God's will. The realization of this principle motivated St. James to write (James 2:24-26):

See how a person is justified by works and not by faith alone. And in the same way, was not Rahab the harlot also justified by works when she welcomed the messengers and sent them out by a different route? For just as a body without a spirit is dead, so also faith without works is dead.

Faith is the realization of what is hoped for and evidence of things not seen. If our faith holds out hope for the Kingdom of God, then we will work to realize it right here and right now. Even though God may be invisible and Christ walked the earth 2007 years ago, loving our neighbors and going out into the world provides “evidence” to those around us of the Word and Works inspired by God.

Action

Some things we are compelled to do out of civic duty – driving the speed limit, obeying laws, paying taxes, voting.

Some things we are compelled to do out of duty to our employer – giving the organization a fair day of work for a fair day of pay, treating those around us with respect, acting with accountability and transparency, being good stewards of the organizational resources.

Some things we are compelled to do because we love our families – providing food and shelter for those too young and too old to handle their own needs, caring for people who are ill, taking part in family activities and having fun together.

What are you compelled to do out of faith?

Try not to think of a theological or moral answer like listing the corporal and spiritual works of mercy. Put down actual concrete acts that you will be “doing so” this week:

Clean out that closet and donate clothes not worn in the past year to charity.

Balance your checkbook and adjust the amount you give to charity. Can you consider giving at a tithing level?

Volunteer someplace where your skills are needed.

If you don’t have any fresh ideas, then pick up your parish bulletin and see what programs are looking for help? Or “fish outside the bowl” and volunteer someplace where you can reach out to touch someone who is not already participating in Church activities.