January 29, Saturday Weekday

Blessed be the Lord the God of Israel; he has come to his people. — Luke 1:(see 68)

Mass Readings: Hebrews 11:1-2,8-19 / Mark 4:35-41

What Faith Is 

Today’s reading from Hebrews begins with a famous verse about faith: “Faith is the realization of what is hoped for and evidence of things not seen” (11:1). It goes on to describe what happened to Noah, Abraham, Joseph, Moses, and other Old Testament figures because of faith. Hebrews describes faith in terms of what real faith does. 

In the Gospel reading, when the apostles are frightened by a storm, Jesus says, “Why are you terrified? Do you not yet have faith?” (Mk 4:40). They show their lack of faith by what they do — cower in fear. We see that faith isn’t a concept or an abstraction. It’s a way of life, an everyday experience of our relationships, work, and the other gifts God has given us. 

Prayer: Lord Jesus, show me the work You have for me to do so that I may walk in faith.