Charismatic Gifts of the Holy Spirit
Trust is needed when Faith becomes a shadow of doubt
Photo by Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash
Trust is needed when Faith becomes a shadow of doubt
“Faith seeks understanding:” it is intrinsic to faith that a believer desires to know better the One in whom he has put his faith and to understand better what He has revealed; a more penetrating knowledge will in turn call forth a greater faith, increasingly set afire by love. The grace of faith opens “the eyes of your hearts” to a lively understanding of the contents of Revelation: that is, of the totality of God’s plan and the mysteries of faith, of their connection with each other and with Christ, the center of the revealed mystery. “The same Holy Spirit constantly perfects faith by his gifts, so that Revelation may be more and more profoundly understood.” In the words of St. Augustine, “I believe, in order to understand; and I understand, the better to believe.” (CCC 158).
Believing in God, the only One, and loving him with all our being has enormous consequences for our whole life. (CCC 222).
It means coming to know God’s greatness and majesty: “Behold, God is great, and we know him not.” Therefore, we must “serve God first.” (CCC 223).
It means living in thanksgiving: if God is the only One, everything we are and have comes from him: “What have you that you did not receive?” “What shall I render to the Lord for all his bounty to me?” (CCC 224).
It means knowing the unity and true dignity of all men: Everyone is made in the image and likeness of God. (Gn 1: 26). (CCC 225).
It means making good use of created things: faith in God, the only One, leads us to use everything that is not God only insofar as it brings us closer to him, and to detach ourselves from it insofar as it turns us away from him. (CCC 226).
It means trusting God in every circumstance, even in adversity. (CCC 227).
A prayer of St. Teresa of Jesus wonderfully expresses this trust: “Let nothing trouble you / Let nothing frighten you / Everything passes / God never changes / Patience / Obtains all / Whoever has God / Wants for nothing / God alone is enough.”
Through trust in God we shall find the faith we thought we lost.
Ralph B. Hathaway
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About the Author
I am an ordained deacon with the Diocese of Pittsburgh, since June 8, 1974. My current ministry is concentrated on writing spiritual reflections and poetry. I am married, with one grown daughter, and 4 grandchildren. I retired from the electrical industry after 58 years as an electrician, contractor, teacher in trade schools, and electrical inspector with a PA State license
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