Lack of Faith in God

 

Faith obtains for us what we do not deserve.

Reflection on Today’s Readings, Wednesday of 18th Week in Ordinary Time, Year I, August 9th, 2023
Texts: Numbers 13:1-2.25-14:1.26-29.34-35; Psalm 106:6-7,13-14,21-23; Matthew 15:21-28 

Today’s first reading borders on lack of faith in God. The question today is this: For how long are we to live without faith in God? The spies gave the true report of the land they had gone to spy. But they made their judgement without considering God’s involvement in their life. Their judgement was reasonable from human point of view while that of Caleb was rash. However, the judgement of Caleb is reasonable from the people’s memory of God. He was just in his judgement while the others were unfair to God in their judgement.  

The other spies showed loss of memory of God’s wonders in their life. In the words of today’s Psalmist: “But they soon forgot his deeds, and would not wait upon his counsel. ... They forgot the God who was their saviour, who had done such great things in Egypt, such wonders in the land of Ham, such marvels at the Red Sea.” Being slaves in Egypt they were also like grasshoppers to themselves and  the Egyptians. But God still saved them. Without weapons and chariots, God saved them at the Red Sea. God also provided food in the desert.

 They forgot the God who was their saviour, who had done such great things in Egypt

They forgot that their victory has not always depended on their human capacity but God’s power. God has always been the one fighting for them and keeping them alive. They failed to acknowledge God’s involvement in their life by their refusal to go and take over the land. If they had always known that their victory was from God, they would have been no fear in them. They had fear because they looked at the people against themselves, not God who fights for them. 

The story of the people of Israel is also the story of our lives. We make plan and decision as if our lives are dependent on our human capacity! We pay nonchalant attitude to God’s presence in our lives. This attitude hinders the release of our potential. It is faith in God that brings out the best in us. Dependency on our human capacity alone is a way to sins against God and one another. It hinders the love for God and neighbours and also limits us.

Faith opens door for God’s intervention in our lives

Today’s gospel reading shows us how faith could gain for us grace. Grace is an unmerited gift of God. Grace, therefore, comes through faith. Faith opens door for God’s intervention in our lives. In the gospel reading we read, “And he answered, ‘It is not fair to take the children's bread and throw it to the dogs.’ She said, ‘Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters' table.’ Then Jesus answered her, ‘O woman, great is your faith! Be it done for you as you desire.’ And her daughter was healed instantly.” Faith obtains for us what we do not deserve. 

Prayer

God our Father, help us to keep the memory of You and always have confidence in Your power to save; increase our faith that we may take our possession and also obtain Your grace. Amen 

Fr. Andrew Olowomuke