THE ROOTS AND FRUITS OF OUR FAITH

 
 
 
THE ROOTS AND FRUITS OF OUR FAITH
 
Homily for the Archdiocese of Lingayen Dagupan for August 13, 2017 to prepare for the Second Synod of Lingayen Dagupan
 
Pope Benedict XVI taught us that faith begins when we encounter something greater than what we can think of for ourselves.  Faith begins when we admit how small and tiny we are compared to the immensity right before us.
 
Faith begins with humility.
 
When the apostles saw the Lord walking on the water, they saw something greater than they have ever thought. They has never seen something like that before. Sinking down, Peter calls humbly “Lord save me!”
 
While Elijah the prophet in the first reading was expecting to encounter the Lord in the strong wind, in the earthquake or a blazing fire, the Lord came to him beyond his imagining as a tiny whispering sound. Feeling the presence of God, Elijah buried his face in his cloak in humility and gave reverence to the divine Visitor.
 
Paul in his letter to the Romans speaks too about being overwhelmed by the truth that Christ came forth from the chosen people who, instead of accepting Him, cursed him and cut themselves off from Him. The mercy of God is beyond human understanding.
 
True humility invites true homage.
 
The majestic steps of Christ over the waves and his superiority over the forces of nature led the disciples to render him homage “Truly you are the Son of God!”
 
The inexpressible gentleness of a tiny whispering sound made Elijah to hide his face. This divine encounter in faith led him to cover his face in his cloak and render God homage.
 
Paul shows us homage of God whom he has encountered in faith, not by an exclamation statement like the disciples; nor by hiding his face like Elijah, but wanting that his fellow Israelites be saved too.
 
True homage to Christ is shown by true love for humanity.
 
Paul lays down the passion of his heart—having met Christ, he desires to bring his brethren to faith and salvation. Faith must be shared. The salvation of Christ is for all.
The SYNOD of the Church in Lingayen Dagupan due to be held from September 2 to 9 carries the three fold message of the Word of God too.
 
The Synod is not just a human inspired and human powered meeting. The spirit of the Synod is the Spirit of God. It is the duty of the Archbishop and the Synod members to humbly listen to the tiny whispering sound of God. The research and analysis of the Synod come from prayer rooted in humility and solitude.
 
The Synod should lead us to true homage of God. Every session proclaims that truly our Lord is God and Him alone do we adore. All the decrees and sessions of the Synod must lead us to render God homage and true worship. God is worshipped not just in the liturgy but even more by the living out of Gospel mandates in our individual and communal lives.
 
The Synod is a Church event but it is not just for the Church. It is for humanity and for social transformation. We dream of a Church and humanity renewed and envision ourselves to be movers for reform.
 
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