There is no need to multiply examples of what is so patently an essential condition of the Christian walk. We are saved through faith–an unflagging, unwavering attachment to the person of Jesus Christ.
What is the depth and quality of your faith commitment? In the last analysis, faith is not a way of speaking or even of thinking; it is a way of living. Maurice Blondel said, “If you want to know what a person really believes, don’t listen to what he says but watch what he does.” Only the practice of faith can verify what we believe. Does faith permeate the whole of your life? Does it form your judgments about death, about success? Does it influence the way you read the newspaper? Do you have a divine sense of humor that sees through people and events into the unfolding plan of God? When things are turbulent on the surface of your life, do you retain a quiet calm, firmly fixed in ultimate reality? As Thérese of Lisieux said, “Let nothing disturb you, let nothing frighten you. All things are passing, God alone remains.” Does your faith shape your Advent season this year?
This is an excerpt from a book Reflections for Ragamuffins by Brennan Manning. If you would like to buy this book please click here.