Live by faith (Saturday, Week 18, Year 2)

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In the main, our actions/thoughts are propelled and informed by rewards. Sometimes, we silently ask ourselves before we do anything: if I do this or that, what am I going to gain at last; what will be my reward? Our final decision to do something or to act or to live in a certain way will be informed by faith, faith in the fact that we will be rewarded handsomely, that we will gain at last if we choose a particular line of action or way of life. There is always a factor of faith.

In the first reading, Habakkuk (cf. Hab. 1:12-2:4) complained bitterly. He was disturbed by what was happening around him: evil people seemed to be progressing and the righteous seemed not to be rewarded for their righteous living. And then, God said to him, “Write this vision, for it will not lie. If it seems slow, wait for it; it will surely come, it will not delay. Behold, he whose soul is not upright in him shall fail, but the righteous shall live by his faith”. He was reminded that there must be some reward for the righteous and punishment for the wicked. The righteous then should continue to live by faith; he should continue to believe that he will be ultimately rewarded for his faithfulness. The righteous should always trust God for good ends, despite what happens around him.

It is all about faith. Just have faith; live by faith and everything will follow. And that is why Jesus, after driving out the demon from the epileptic boy, told the disciples that nothing would be impossible to a man of faith (cf. Matt. 17:20). A man of faith will never have a double mind as regards where he will be on the last day. A man of faith will continue to live righteously despite the evils that surround him. A man of faith will always make a good choice whenever he is presented with pleasing the world and pleasing God.

Let us learn to live by faith and not by sight. Possession of physical wealth is not a manifestation of spiritual riches. Don’t kill yourself in pursuit of material things; don’t compromise your faith because of things that will not last. God is the only true wealth that lasts forever. Even to know and accept this fact is an act of faith. Why can’t we then choose God, choose to live righteously and then expect some reward on the last day for the good choice we have made? 



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