Do we want to be "rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom" of God? Then we should decide to be "poor in the eyes of the world." Most everyone says they want to be rich in faith, but hope for a way to do it other than choosing to be poor. This reluctance shows that most people are giving "lip-service" when they speak of their desire for a strong faith.
"Faith comes from hearing, and hearing from the word of God" (Rm 10:17, our transl.). If we want to be rich in faith, we should devote time each day to reading, praying, and studying God's Word. Nonetheless, few people persevere in daily Bible reading, although all say they want a stronger faith. Faith in anyone, including the Lord, depends on building a strong relationship through frequent, personal conversation. In other words, faith implies daily, committed prayer.
Faith flourishes especially in the context of daily Communion. Yet how few people center their lives on prayer and Communion! "All depends on faith" (Rm 4:16), and faith depends on God's grace. The Lord has chosen to pour out the grace of faith in the contexts of Gospel poverty, Bible reading, and daily prayer. How to be "rich in faith" is no mystery. "But when the Son of Man comes, will He find any faith on the earth?" (Lk 18:8)
| PRAYER: | Father, may my relationship with You be more important than anything else in life. |
| PROMISE: | "I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall be ever in my mouth." –Ps 34:2 |
| PRAISE: | Bridgette goes to daily Mass and takes her eight children with her. |
Reprinted with permission from Presentation Ministries, a lay association of the Catholic Church that focuses on evangelization and discipleship through Bible teaching, daily Mass, the charisms of the Holy Spirit, and Small Christian Community. Their ministries include:
· One Bread, One Body
· Daily Bread Radio Program
· Annual Bible Institute
· Discipleship Retreats
· Guadalupe Bible College