Perfection of Faith

Reflection on Today’s Readings, Monday of 7th Week of Easter, May 30th, 2022

Texts: Acts 19:1-8; Psalm 68:2-7ab; John 16:29-33

One of the questions dancing over today’s readings is this: ‘At what time is faith perfect?’ The first reading tells us about the faith of the believers in Ephesus. They only knew the baptism of John and this revealed the imperfection of their faith. They heard about Jesus but not yet accepted Him as object of faith. Their understanding of Jesus was imperfect. In the gospel reading, the disciples claimed the knowledge of Jesus and the understanding of His words. It is said of them thus:  “The disciples said to Jesus, ‘Ah, now you are speaking plainly, not in any figure! Now we know that you know all things, and need none to question you; by this we believe that you came from God.’” However, Jesus immediately notified them that the challenges ahead of them would soon reveal the imperfection of their faith. It is said, “Jesus answered them, ‘Do you now believe? The hour is coming, indeed it has come, when you will be scattered, every man to his home, and will leave me alone ...’”

The first reading shows that the faith in Jesus brings about the coming of the Holy Spirit on us. It is said, “On hearing this, they were baptised in the name of the Lord Jesus. And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Spirit came on them; and they spoke with tongues and prophesied.” Here the baptism into Jesus Christ happened alongside with the coming down of the Holy Spirit through the laying on of hands. Laying on of hands becomes the sacramental means through which the Holy Spirit comes down upon us. The coming of the Holy Spirit is meant to strengthen and perfect the faith of believers. We are enlightened and made strong by the Holy Spirit.  

The gospel reading shows that our faith in Jesus is strengthened and perfected by the victory He has achieved for us. Hence, it is said, “I have said this to you, that in me you may have peace.  In the world you have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” The victory of Jesus Christ over the world is also our victory over the world. This means our faith is made strong by the grace of Jesus Christ.  

May the power of the Holy Spirit come to us, we pray, O Lord, that we may keep your will faithfully in mind and express it in a devout way of life. Amen (Collect) 

Fr. Andrew Olowomuke