Faith and Trust go hand in hand

    

  Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God

01 January 2023

 

First Reading: Nm 6:22-27

Responsorial Psalm: Ps 67:2-3, 5, 6, 8

Second Reading: Gal 4:4-7

Gospel: Lk 2:16-21

 

Reflection

By: Cristine Aye Balla

 

We may often hear the phrases: "Have Faith." "Trust in the Lord." As I was starting to write this reflection, I found it hard to clearly differentiate the two, but at the top of my head, I thought there was a subtle difference there, but I just couldn't clearly express them. So, I explored it further and the easiest way I could think of to distinguish them from each other is by the phrase: "having faith and giving trust."

From my perspective, Faith stems in oneself –your belief system – and is closely related to spiritual concepts and not based on proof. While Trust, leads to action and is an important concept in relationships that may be based on past experiences and credibility.

Faith in God is something you possess. It is your confident belief in God without conditions. To trust  is the willful choice to act that stems from the faith. I found a story on the net about people having faith that a tight rope walker can complete his travel from one end to the other carrying heavy load; but they do not trust him ro carry them if given the chance to be carried on the tight rope walker's shoulder from one end to the other.

The shepherds trusted the words that have been told to them by the Lord's angel who appeared to them, which led them to act. They then had faith on the words told to them about the child – who He was – a Saviour, is Christ the Lord.

Mary had faith in God, even before the angel informed her that she would be the Mother of God. She trusted God which allowed her to accept and live into her role. Similarly, she also had faith on what the shepherds told them about her child and treasured their words.

The name Jesus itself means that God is salvation. As what the angel told the shepherds, Jesus is our Saviour. He is God's only Son, the Saviour who was promised to us.

Like the shepherds and Mary, our Mother, let us keep the faith and trust that Jesus is truly our Saviour. And we must also remember that being Christians or followers of Christ, we shouldn't stop by just believing because from the start to the end of days, nasa tao pa rin ang gawa.

Prayer

Lord, You are mighty and gracious. Please let us stand strong in our faith in You and keep our hearts open in trusting You as we walk our ways in our lives. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Cristine, is an IC Physical Design Engineer working at Analog Devices, Inc. Her name actually means 'follower of Christ.' It probably reflects what her parents want her ro be and their wishes for her. She is thankful for her name.