Seeing is NOT believing!

by Susanna Mak
2019-08-11
Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Wisdom 18:6 - 9


Hebrews 11:1-2, 8-19


Luke 12:32-48


No doubt, we live in a cynical world filled with distrust and malicious deception. Many would feel that individuals or institutions are not to be trusted as promises are carelessly made but rarely kept. When politicians proudly proclaim a new tax credit or tax cut, citizens would often protest, “We’ll believe when we see it!” They live by the motto, “Seeing is believing”. Perhaps their faith has been misplaced? Could this severe deficit in faith ever be restored? This week’s readings remind us that faith, though intangible, is the iron-clad “assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen” (Heb 11:1). However, this gift of faith also demands our response. God invites us to participate in His salvific plan.

The faith of Abraham, Sarah, and Moses demonstrates that our God is ever faithful; He is infinitely loving and merciful despite our disbelief. Time and again, we, like the Israelites, turn away from God; perhaps due to fear, short-sightedness, greed, impatience, or simply our inflated ego. We trust our own instincts above God’s will; trading in genuine grace for short-term gains. The Book of Wisdom reminds us of God’s faithfulness. It is described that the forefathers of Israel are able to take courage on “the night of the deliverance from Egypt” because they have received “sure knowledge” of the Passover miracle (Wis 18:6). They believe, period, without seeing! This is because their courage is rooted in God’s “oaths” or promises. They place their trust and take courage in their faithful God who has journeyed with their ancestors throughout history. Indeed, “blessed the people the Lord has chosen as his heritage” (Ps 33:12).

Similarly, Abraham’s faith encourages us to have confidence in God. “By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to set out for a place that he was to receive; as an inheritance; and he set out, not knowing where he was going” (Heb 11:8). He and Sarah left the place of familiarity and comfort to live in a “foreign land, living in tents” (Heb 11:9). Equally impressive is Sarah, who initially laughed at the idea of bearing a child at her “old age” but eventually believed “because she considered him faithful who had promised” (Heb 11:11). In addition, when God asks Abraham to offer Isaac, “his only-begotten son”, he obeys without hesitation because he has faith in God’s promise, “It is through Isaac that descendants shall be named for you” and the fact that God is capable of bringing someone “from the dead” (Heb 11: 18-19). Finally, St. Paul explains that though Abraham would never set foot onto the Promised Land, he remains faithful to God as he “desire[s] a better country, that is, a heavenly one” (Heb 11:14). God has given everything to Abraham but at the same time, patiently awaits Abraham to freely respond. “From everyone to whom much has been given, much will be required; and from the one to whom much has been entrusted, even more will be demanded” (Lk 12:48). Indeed, not only do his conscious decisions exemplify true faith that focuses on “things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen”, he has also demonstrated the importance of collaborating with God - the ultimate “architect and builder” (Heb 11:1,10).

Indeed, as God unfolds His beautiful salvific plan through Abraham, Sarah, and Moses, God also invites us to collaborate with Him. Through their examples, we are reminded to believe and invest in God’s love and promise instead of the empty promises of the world. May our hearts be rested in God “for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Lk 12:34). Like the holy people of God portrayed in the Old Testament, we are tremendously gifted with God’s grace, therefore, “do not be afraid” to answer God’s call (Lk 12:32).

MORE ARTICLES