FAITH

FAITH IS A Way Of Seeing(Three Levels)

WITH OUR PHYSICAL EYES

WITH OUR INTELLECT/MIND

WITH THE EYES OF FAITH

With our physical eyes

We see forms, size, shape, colour. This we do on the basis of physical

science

With our intellect/mind

See the meaning and use of thingsRationalizeMake use of Logic, Maths,We are able to draw inference, conclusions, frame

theories, philosophical reflection

With the eyes of faith

Go to deeper level of meaning Level of seeing reality (from god’s view point)This is not an imagination or dream. It is a reality much

stronger than what we see with our physical and mental eyes

Ramakrishna, Vivekanada asked show me that god exists

reply “ I see god more clearly than I see you”

Our faith is Nourished, strengthened and increased by

constantly reading, reflecting and praying over the word

of God.

Allow it to enter into us, to challenge us, and become part

of our life

God’s word may come to us, through

our parents (family) neighbours,

teachers, pastors, authors, etc.

Through our life experience. prayer,

sacraments and our conscience

God’s word

Challenges for faith

(testing moments)

Challenges for faithtesting moments

Suffering, failure, broken friendship, feelings

misunderstood, rejected, hopeless situation.

We have examples: Mother Teresa in way concentration

people who suffered in war:I believe in the sun even when it is not shiningI believe in love even when I don’t feel itI believe in god, even when he is silent

Faith is not unreasonable, though It is beyond reason. Beliefs are

what we have received from others. While we hold them, they may

exist with some doubt, which may let us down in a time of crisis

Faith – (Knowledge) comes from within the person, from our own

personal experience. They exist free of doubt and so, will not let us

down even in a crisis.

Beliefs have to become ‘knowledge’ or ‘faith’ this means some

thing deeply rooted in my being, which I am ready to live for,

suffer for and die for

Beliefs and faith

Christian understanding of faith

CHRISTIAN UNDERSTANDING OF FAITH

Faith begins with an experience of God in JesusAccepting Jesus an our savior; our personal surrender to

him.The effect of our surrender is to share Jesus’ vision reality

which is God’s eye – view of thingsJesus sees the reality as God sees

If your eyes are good, your whole body will be full of

light

Our attitudes are conditioned: towards our enemy –

inimical, defensive, towards friends amicable

THE FIRST EFFECT

OUR RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD

God is our father or mother

He loves us and respects our freedom

He gives us responsibilities (he is not the other worldly nor a

beyond our reach)

We accept God who is within us, infinite power. He helps us to be

co-creators. He gives us the world and all that are in it to make

them better.

The seven effects of faith

THE SECOND EFFECT

OUR RELATIONSHIP WITH OURSELVES

We see ourselves as God sees, as Jesus sees us.Jesus sees me as God’s beloved child, Sharer in God’s life. We are lovable, precious, good, dignified and love-able.It means to accept, to appreciate, to love and to be grateful

God’s loves us means – he shares his life, love and the love ability

We are carriers of God’s love. We who believe in Jesus can do greater works than that of Jesus (JN 14:12). We are completely transformed

But very often we see ourselves through the eyes of others. They see us externally, through our positions, achievements, group, actions, appearances and so on.

We should never forget that we are fallible, limited human beings, we are prone to make mistakes, Failures are part of our life.

THE THIRD EFFECT FAITH IS TO SEE OTHERS AS GOD

SEES THEM

Others too are beloved children of God

You are mine, I have called you by name says the Lord.

Hence we need to accept them as brother and sister.

We should not judge them on the basis of their

possession, positions, group they belong to, their qualities.

We are invited to respect, understand and accept them.

THE FOURTH EFFECT FAITH IS TO SAY YES TO LIFE

Faith

god spreads to me through life and every event

So much vital in life is beyond my choice it is freely

given to us

My parents, brothers and sisters, companies,

nationality, language, culture, religion, spirit, church

Faith is to accept them dynamically. It is a

creative acceptance of life.

Creative means to change a situation - needs

to be changed

Finding out solutions to problems

Every situation has some seeds for growth

Face the accidents of life and transform them

THE Fifth EFFECT BRINGING ABOUT GOD’S KINGDOM

Work for God’s reign defeating the forces of evil

There are demons which work against us. (hatred, pried, greed and so on.)

Never allow exploitation of children, woman and the poor

Work so that we live in freedom, love and peace

We try to remove all that dehumanize and enslaves us

THE Sixth EFFECT NO TO SIN

No to sin, to injustices and to exploitation greed, power, egoism

THE Seventh EFFECT SURRENDER ONESELF

Surrender oneself in intimacy with Jesus, spend time with Jesus for personal transformation

Faith is to live by our values, outlook. Priorities: as what Jesus did heal the sick, feed the hungry.

Give hope and life; to love as he loves and forgives.

THANK YOU

MAY GOD BLESS YOU