What is Faith — John 6:41-47

The Jews then murmured at him, because he said, I am the bread which came down from heaven. And they said, Is not this Jesus, the son of Joseph, whose father and mother we know? how is it then that he saith, I came down from heaven? Jesus therefore answered and said unto them, Murmur not among yourselves. No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day. It is written in the prophets, And they shall be all taught of God. Every man therefore that hath heard, and hath learned of the Father, cometh unto me. Not that any man hath seen the Father, save he which is of God, he hath seen the Father. Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me hath everlasting life.

Reflection:-

When Jesus said that He is the bread of life that came from heaven, people began to speak against Him. They knew the human parents and relatives of Jesus. On the basis of that knowledge, it was difficult for them to believe what Jesus said. To them Jesus tells that no one can come to him unless one is attracted by the Father. As fulfilment of the prophesies, only those who are taught by the Father and heard from Him come to Jesus. Those who come will have the faith and they shall inherit resurrection and eternal life.

Here we see the given nature or infused aspect of faith. As we know faith is one of the theological virtues. It means that it is not just of human origin. Faith has a given aspect. God gives or arouses it in us and our response to it realizes in the proper faith. If there is only a human basis, we will be like the Jews who spoke against Jesus as it was difficult for them to believe what Jesus said. From a human point of view what Jesus is and what He tells are confusing. It does not satisfy our mere intellect.

Jesus prays, “I thank you Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and intelligent and have revealed to the infants” (Luke. 10:21). In relation to faith it is not intelligence or intellect that matters. We need them to have a real understanding of faith. But faith is not purely intellectual knowledge where everything is based on reason or proof.

Faith is supernatural where everything is based on revelation. Faith is the obedient response to the revealing God. St. Paul says, “God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise” (1 Cor. 1:27)

This is faith. So in order to have eternal life, we have to give ourselves to the revealing God in total submission. God the Father teaches us and draws us to the Son who gives us eternal life. Unconditional assent and firm response is demanded from our part. So let us give ourselves to be taught and drawn by the Father who will give us eternal life in His son, Jesus Christ.

- – – reflection by Fr Abraham Muruppel

As I gazed up at the mountains, I was awed by their majesty; I bowed my head and asked myself, “Why should He care for me? I am not great like the mountains that tower so high above, What is there about me that God can find to love?”

“Father, I am not strong like the wind that makes your tall trees sway, I cannot sing sweetly like your birds; will you love me anyway? But most of all, I am simply me, and often have cause to fear, In spite of all my weaknesses, do you promise to be near?”

With eyes closed tight against my tears, I wished He could hear me pray. Then I felt His Spirit tell me, “Child, look up, I have something to say. “You are simply you, the spirit I love, a part of my great plan. I put you here to learn of life and to return to me again.”

“You are more beautiful to me than the loveliest mountain I made, And your strength exceeds that of the wind’s, so do not be afraid. I love you not for what you are, but for what I know you will be. I am always beside you watching you grow, you are very special to me.”

A smile touched my lips – I knew it was true, my Father had always been there Giving me comfort and blessings and love and my own special talents to share. So I do my best to make Him proud. I am not afraid, for you see, He loves me not for what I am, but for what He knows I will be.

My life contained many good memories,
as I fulfilled my heartfelt dreams of being a paramedic,
and for me life was good.

As I looked back with only a glance,
appreciating my accomplishments I had no regrets,
I was living my life the way I felt I should.

Remembering my father’s arms as a child,
as being always warm, strong and well meaning,
it’s without a doubt he was my best friend!

He taught me wisdom I would take with me through out my childhood days,
as I became an adult holding my hand right to the very end.

Time will pass and tears will fade into smiles when you think of me dad.

Memories will comfort you in your times of need, and the pictures you hold will define my peaceful existence, for you created me and I am glad. Comfort yourself in knowing that I enjoyed doing something I thought might make a difference.

Enjoy your life and surround your self in happiness,
as if I were still there, when you feel lonely, Dad look around you in remembrance.

No matter where my life had lead me I am a part of you,
and I will always remain “My Father’s Son.”

- – - written By “Cheryl “ Sherry J. Lassiter
EMT/Paramedic/Fire Woman/Red Cross Disaster Team Member

Tags: cross, father, son, thoughts