Readings: Isaiah 26:1-6; Psalm 118; Matthew 7:21, 24-27
One of the phenomena that I find very disturbing is the rate at which people lose their faith today. Many who were hitherto believers, raised as Christians, received the sacraments of the Church, many who once participated and shared in the life of the Church have suddenly abandoned their beliefs and disengaged – disengaged from the Church, from the community of faith, from God. Many who once defended the Church no longer want the Church or religion, although many still want what religion offers – things like the good education, healthcare, works of charity etc.
The question is: Why is this?
What kind of faith do people have that can’t withstand storms or time?
This is what I shall be reflecting on today. The matters that I have raised can’t be exhausted in a five-minute homily but I believe the Lord will give us some good insight on this matter.
The Gospel of today tells us that some people build their houses on soil and so they can’t withstand heavy rain, flood, storm or gales. I think that this is also the same problem with the faith of many. It is built on soil and it can’t withstand inclement wind and weather.
We need to build our faith on rock. We need a good foundation for our faith to survive when tried and tested. Even the First Reading of today is a message on having a strong edifice that can withstand contrary forces. Isaiah tells us of the song that the redeemed people of God sang: “We have a strong city; to guard us, he has sent wall and rampart about us.”
Dear friends, what’s the solid foundation on which our gate or house of faith should be built?
A. Faith must be built on Christ and not a person.
Many people lose their faith because of the scandal of those they see as models of faith. They are disappointed in their ministers, in their Church leaders, in other Christians, in Church members. They are defeated by scandal and hypocrisy in the body of Christ. When they hear bad news or are affected by the bad example of a minister, their faith withers. Unless our faith is built on the person of Christ, any other foundation will sink (1 Corinthians 3:11; Hebrews 12:2).
B. Faith must be built on the cross, not on false hopes.
Many build their faith on the hope of a relationship without the cross, without tests and trials. This is why prosperity preachers are doing damage to the souls of people. Jesus made it clear that discipleship entails acceptance and courageous carrying of the cross. This wrong foundation is why the faith of many can’t survive grief, loss, persecution and the disappointments of life. Faith in God doesn’t exonerate us from life’s troubles; it only makes them meaningful and bearable.
C. Faith must be built on personal experience, not on a third party’s report.
Many people build their relationship with God on what the preachers preach, on what they do in Church, on what their parents or catechism teachers taught them. As we grow, we must seek to have a personal relationship with the Lord. Simon didn’t rely on Andrew to tell him all about Jesus. The Samaritans didn’t rely solely on the faith of the woman at the well; they drew closer to Jesus and found out for themselves.
Let us go beyond what we hear in a homily or are taught in classes, to try to establish a relationship with the Lord. We all have equal access to Jesus. Everyone is a firstborn child in God’s family.
D. Faith must be built on understanding, not presumption.
Many of us just do things and believe things without questioning or seeking understanding. When we lack understanding, we can’t withstand the sophistication of modern deception. Knowledge gives power and confidence. Many of those who have lost faith have done so because they were deceived by false teachings and arguments.
Lord Jesus, help me by the power of the Holy Spirit to build my faith strongly on solid rock. Let no test, trial or temptation, no scandal or falsehood destroy the foundation of my faith, Amen.
Sermon built by Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Baraka-Gukena Okami on December 2, 2021.