Fullness of Faith

    

Fifth Sunday of Easter

07 May 2023

 

First Reading: Acts 6:1-7

Responsorial Psalm: Ps 33:1-2, 4-5, 18-19

Second Reading: 1 Pt 2:4-9

Gospel: Jn 14:1-12

 

Reflection

By: Fely C. Santiago

“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You have faith in God; have faith also in me..”

We live in a very troubled world. And our faith is always tested. Last December and the opening of the New Year 2023 our family went into these tests. My daughter was pregnant with our 3rd grandchild and her second child. She had a normal delivery of the first child so we thought she can also deliver by normal method with a breeze because I normally hear of story of 2nd child birth to be very fast. We had the scare of our life because the waiting took a while and during those moments all unpleasant thoughts came to my mind. And I really prayed so hard to the Lord for safe delivery of a normal, strong, and healthy baby. After what seems to be forever, we got the news that she delivered by Emergency CS (caesarian section) last December 10 and the baby was not breathing when he was pulled out from her tummy and had to be resuscitated for 10 mins. He was a blue baby. God put my faith to a higher level. I wanted to fly to Sydney where my daughter lives but was not possible at that moment. The baby had to stay in the NICU (Newborn Intensive Care Unit) for observation as his oxygen levels has also not stabilized. We really stormed heavens with prayers from family, friends, community, and finally after a week our new born baby Bennie was discharged. Then New Year came, my son-in-law tested positive for CoVid. Then my granddaughter of two years also tested positive afterwards, then our new baby Bennie and my daughter also tested positive for CoVid. The entire family with two babies had CoVid! Baby Bennie and my daughter spent the New Year in the hospital again! Our new born Bennie has been through a lot during his first few days on earth side but we’re just thankful that he’s strong, and he’s a fighter. His name Bennett Augustine Liam which means “Blessed Great Warrior” really suits him. 

I am just thankful for the grace of faith that God planted in my heart during those trying moments in our family. Today our baby Bennie is strong and healthy and gives so much joy to our hearts. We have finally carried and hugged him because we are here right now in Sydney. Every time I carry him and stare at him, I can’t help but Praise God for our miracle baby. He is a living testimony of God’s scandalous grace and faithfulness.  He really put our faith to a higher level. And truly God answers our prayers always. It may not be exactly what we prayed for but always the best for us. His grace never fails. It’s always new every morning far beyond what we expect and hope for. We can really experience the fullness of our faith if we keep our trust in the Lord. Stay in faith.

Prayer

Lord, I ask for the grace of complete trust in You. Give me a childlike faith in You. We may encounter all kinds of challenges and trials but there are lessons we can learn from them. You never fail us and You always give the best for us. Thank You Lord for everything. Guide me every day that I may share Your love to every person I meet. All this I pray in Jesus’ Name. Amen.