How is the foundation of your faith? Are there any cracks or other serious defects present? The Sunday Scripture readings focus on stewardship for a few weeks. These readings present an opportunity to reflect on our overall faith journey. While we can focus on the aspect of financial giving and the utilization of our material resources, it is also a splendid time to look at the foundation which propels the generous giving of our time, talent, and treasure. We are not simply humanitarians. Our faith in Jesus Christ drives our generosity.
First and foremost, are we people of prayer? How do we more fully unite our will to the will of God? It is through prayer that we discern God's will. It is through prayer that we are impacted by the power of the Holy Spirit with the gifts necessary to fulfill our mission. The gifts of courage and perseverance equip us to answer the call of God in our lives. If we are not being faithful in prayer there is a serious flaw in our foundation.
Are we celebrating the Sacraments of the Church with frequency and fervor? These outward signs are avenues of God's grace. Do we enter into these mysteries with full, conscious, and active participation? If celebrating the Eucharistic Liturgy each week is unimportant to us we have a serious flaw in our foundation.
Are we studying the faith on a regular basis? Are we reading the Scriptures and sitting quietly before the Lord to listen? If we are functioning on a level of knowledge that we had in elementary school it is time to bump it up a notch. If we are content with having minimal knowledge about our faith we have a serious flaw in our foundation.
The reflection questions for today are straightforward. Does your faith life need some remodeling? If foundation repair is needed where will you begin? The Lord calls each of us to a vibrant faith. How will we nurture this beautiful gift that has been given to us?