Where there is doubt, faith
Existential doubts about whether there is God or whether we’re loveable or capable or worthy cause untold suffering. Since childhood, I’ve been graced with the gift of faith in God. It was faith in myself that was my struggle; not in everything but in enough to give me compassion for the suffering of those who doubt.
Doubt, I believe, is part of the human condition. I’m guessing it stems from a fear of not belonging in some way. And as social creatures, belonging is one of our most basic needs.
If we’re lucky, faith grows as we have enough experience and gain enough knowledge to recognize that there is a God and that we are indeed loveable, capable and worthy. Until faith emerges, sometimes you just have to fake it and act AS IF you believed there is God or that you’re loveable, capable, and worthy. When you act AS IF, an amazing thing happens. Faith—in God or in yourself—happens.
As we reflect on how to be instruments of peace who sow faith in the world, we can feel the weight of that challenge. How do we respect the suffering inherent someone’s doubt without being dismissive or appearing to be a know-it-all?
St. Francis, again, has the answer. He advises to speak the gospel at all times and when necessary use words. In other words, we need to let our compassionate actions speak for us. This is a real challenge since it is easier to tell someone God loves them than to BE the face or the hand or the heart of God for them.
What doubts about my capabilities or worthiness do I need to work on?
Do I doubt God’s presence in my life?
Do I preach the good news of Love with my life rather than words?
The musical version of today’s Prayer of St. Francis is an original tune written and sung today by tenor Denis Sorenson.
Novena for Peace opening and closing prayer and more questions for reflection.