Christian Art | Love Revealed By Jesus Christ | Increase My Faith
Faith is not merely a passive acceptance but an active trust in God’s promises. It is a dynamic and living aspect of our relationship with God. When we face life’s challenges, our faith can be tested. These tests are opportunities for growth, allowing us to deepen our reliance on God.
Gospel Reading: Luke 17:5 (KJV)
‘And the Apostles said unto the Lord, Increase our faith.’
Reflection On The Gospel
In this verse, the Apostles recognize their need for greater faith and turn to Jesus, asking Jesus to increase their faith. This expresses understanding that faith is a divine gift that can be nurtured and grown through God’s grace. The Apostles ’ humble plea is a powerful reminder that we can seek to strengthen faith by relying on Jesus in prayer.
Reflection On Failure Of Faith
There are moments in life when faith might falter. These times of doubt and struggle can make Christians feel distant from God. It is important to remember that experiencing doubts does not mean we have failed in faith; rather, it is a natural part of spiritual journey. Even the greatest saints have faced moments of doubt and uncertainty.
Pope Francis has spoken about the reality of doubts in our faith journey. He has said: ‘Who among us has not experienced insecurity, loss, and even doubts on their journey of faith? It is part of the journey of faith; it is part of our lives.’ Pope Benedict XVI also addressed this, stating: ‘The trials of life, while helping us to appreciate the beauty of faith, also enable us to experience moments of spiritual emptiness. This is a condition shared by believers and non-believers alike, and it can become a call to seek God.’
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I come to you today with a heart seeking deeper faith. I acknowledge the times when my faith has wavered, and I have felt distant from you. Just as the Apostles asked Jesus to increase their faith, I ask you now to strengthen mine. Help me to trust in your love and guidance, especially in times of doubt and uncertainty. Fill my heart with the assurance of your presence and the confidence that you are always with me. Thank you for your unending grace and mercy. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
Personal Reflection
I think about a time when my faith was tested. What circumstances led to my doubt or uncertainty? How did I feel during that period, and what helped me to overcome those feelings? Reflecting on these experiences helps me understand that doubt is a natural part of my faith journey and that seeking God’s guidance can lead me back to a place of trust and belief.
Meditation On The Prayer And Gospel
The Apostles’ request for increased faith in Luke 17:5 is a powerful example of humility and reliance on Jesus. They recognized their limitations and turned to Jesus for help. This act of turning to Jesus is crucial in my own life, especially when I face challenges that test my faith.
I consider the story of Peter walking on water (Matthew 14:22-33). Peter’s faith allowed him to step out of the boat, but when he saw the wind and waves, he became afraid and began to sink. Jesus immediately reached out his hand to save Peter, saying: ‘O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?’ This story illustrates that even in moments of doubt, Jesus is there to support me and strengthen my faith.
Reflecting on ways in which Jesus has been present in my life during times of trial, I can recall moments when I felt Jesus’ guidance and comfort. These experiences impact my faith, helping me understand Jesus’ role in strengthening my faith.
Faith is not merely a passive acceptance but an active trust in God’s promises. It is a dynamic and living aspect of my relationship with God. When I face life’s challenges, my faith can be tested. These tests are opportunities for growth, allowing me to deepen my reliance on God.
Consider the Apostle Thomas, who doubted Jesus’ resurrection until he, Thomas, saw and touched Jesus’ wounds. Jesus did not rebuke Thomas harshly but offered him the evidence he needed, saying, ‘Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing.’ (John 20:27 KJV) Thomas’ encounter with the risen Christ transformed his doubt into a profound declaration of faith: ‘My Lord and my God!’ (John 20:28 KJV)
Pope Benedict XVI wrote: ‘Faith, which sees the love of God revealed in the pierced heart of Jesus on the Cross, gives rise to love. Love is the light—and in the end, the only light—that can always illuminate a world grown dim and give us the courage needed to keep living and working.’
Pope Francis said: ‘Faith is born and reborn from the encounter with Jesus, from experiencing his mercy which illumines all the situations of our life. We need faith, a living faith, that makes us see the greatness of God’s mercy.’
Personal Application
As I reflect on my journey, I identify moments when my faith was particularly strong or weak. What external and internal factors contributed to these experiences? How did I respond, and what did I learn about myself and my relationship with God?
Faith is a journey marked by both certainty and doubt. By turning to Jesus and seeking His help, I can navigate the challenges and grow stronger in my faith. Let me continually ask Jesus to increase my faith and guide me through every season of life.
Our Blessing
May the love of Christ fill my heart and strengthen my faith. May Gos’s grace empower me to trust in Jesus’ promises and seek his guidance in all things. May I go forth in love, extending hope and compassion to all I meet. Amen.
O Lord, as I begin this journey through the Stations of the Cross, I ask you to be with me and guide me. Help me to open my heart to your love and to be present to your presence in each moment. May this time of meditation deepen my understanding of your sacrifice and strengthen my faith in your redeeming power. I ask this in your holy name. Amen [ … ]
The poem centres on a reflection of sin and redemption, using a natural metaphor to illustrate the poet’s spiritual journey. In the opening lines, the poet likens himself to someone who stands at the edge of a dark, shadowy grove but looks beyond it toward the sky. This image suggests the poet’s desire to move past his sins, as represented by the grove, and seek out the purity and grace symbolized by the open sky above. Rather than remaining fixated on his wrongdoings, he wishes to direct his gaze toward salvation [ … ]
Christian Art | Life Of Jesus In The Gospels | King James Audio Bible KJV The Gospel Of Saint John 14: 1-7 | King James Audio Bible YouTube: Connection With The Life Of Jesus In The Gospels | King James Audio Bible The Gospels are not just a collection of stories or teachings, but a window into the life of Jesus. By reading and reflecting on the Gospels, we gain a deeper understanding of who Jesus was and what he came to do. As we read the Gospels, we see that Jesus was a man of great compassion and love. Jesus showed mercy to the outcasts and the marginalized, and he offered healing and hope to those who were in need. He also taught with authority, challenging the religious leaders of his day and offering a new way of living based on love and service. But the Gospels are not just a history lesson. They are also an invitation for us to enter into a relationship with Jesus. By reading and meditating on the Gospels, we can come to know Jesus more personally and deeply. We can learn from his example and seek to follow in his footsteps. So we may be encouraged to read the Gospels, perhaps starting with the Gospel of Mark or the Gospel of John, as we read paying attention to how Jesus interacted with others and how he responded to different situations. We may ask ourselves what you can learn from his words and actions, and how we can apply them to our own lives. And as we read, we can allow ourselves to be drawn into a closer relationship with Jesus. There truly is an historical Jesus. May the Gospels be a source of guidance, inspiration, and transformation for us all. How Much In The Gospels Is Historical, And How Much Is Myth, Legend, Trope, Figurative Thinking? It is difficult to say with certainty how much of the Gospels is historical in the modern sense of the word and how much is myth, legend, trope, or figurative thinking. The Gospels were written some years after the events they describe, and they were written from the perspective of the early Christian community. This means that the Gospels may contain a mix of historical facts and interpretation, as well as elements of myth, legend, and figurative thinking. That being said, scholars believe that the Gospels contain a good deal of historical information. For example, the Gospels describe specific places and events, such as the places where Jesus preached and the events of his trial and Crucifixion. These details suggest that the writers of the Gospels had access to historical information and intended to provide an accurate account of what happened. On the other hand, the Gospels also contain elements that are not seen by all as historical, howsoever this goes to the root of the faith, such as the miracles performed by Jesus and the accounts of his resurrection. Some see these as legends or myths that were added to the Gospels to help convey the message of the early Christian community. The question of how much of the Gospels is historical and how much is myth, legend, or figurative thinking is complex. What is important is that we approach the Gospels with an open mind and a willingness to engage with the stories and teachings they contain. We are in the Gospels in conversation with God – and with the many people who have had such faith and conversations – as with the historical Jesus. Why Do The Gospels Say Were People Afraid Of Jesus? There are several reasons why people may have been afraid of Jesus, according to the Gospels. One reason is that Jesus was a powerful and charismatic figure who challenged the religious and political authorities of his time. He spoke out against corruption and injustice, and he called on people to repent and turn to God. This type of behaviour was seen as threatening by those in positions of power, and they may have been afraid of losing their influence or authority. Another reason is that Jesus performed many miracles, such as healing the sick and casting out demons. These miracles were seen as evidence of his divine power, and they may have made people afraid of him. Some people may have been afraid of being healed or possessed by Jesus, while others may have been afraid of what would happen if they did not believe in him. Finally, some people may have been afraid of Jesus because of the prophecies and expectations of the coming of a messiah. The Jews of Jesus’ time were looking for a saviour who would deliver them from oppression and establish a kingdom of God on earth. When Jesus arrived on the scene, he may have been seen as a threat to the status quo, and some people may have been afraid of what he might do. Might The Fear Be Related To The Fear Of God – The Injunction To Fear God? Yes, it is possible that the fear of Jesus mentioned in the Gospels may be related to the fear of God. In the Old Testament, the fear of God is often used to describe a deep reverence and awe for God, as well as a sense of humility and obedience in the face of his greatness. This fear of God is seen as a positive and necessary quality for a faithful believer, and it is often linked to the idea of fearing God’s punishment or judgement. In the New Testament, the fear of God is also mentioned, but it is often portrayed in a more positive light. For example, in the Gospel of Luke, Jesus tells his followers not to be afraid of those who can only kill the body, but to fear God, who can destroy both body and soul (Luke 12:4-5). This suggests that the fear of God is not just about punishment, but about a deep respect for […]
