The gospel of this 13th Sunday in ordinary times, (Year B) tells the story of two faith journeys—Jairus, who by his faith in Christ was moved from a sea of storms to the shores of peace and a woman with an issue of blood, who, by her faith in Jesus, was moved from a life of unmitigated suffering to a life of healthy wellbeing.
The question then is: what kind of faith brought these changes to the lives of these two people? I call it, “Believing Faith”. Believing faith is a relationship; a kind of faith that causes one to trust and to put one’s life into the hands of God, with an assurance of God’s faithfulness, so much so that one is ready to risk death, a hundred times, trusting in it. It is a kind of faith that connects with Jesus and refuses to doubt, to give up, or descend into unbelief. Scripture says, “Whoever clings unto me I will deliver”. It is a kind of faith that believes that one’s adversity is God’s opportunity to glorify His Name. This is not a faith that is based on wishful hope. No, it is faith that is based on God’s Word, His promises., and His faithfulness. Remember that the glory of God is in the fulfilment of His promises, and Scripture says, “Listen to me, O house of Jacob, I have made, and I will bear; I will carry, and I will save…. Remember this and stand firm… I have spoken, and I will bring it to pass; I have purposed, and I will do it. (Ref. Isaiah 46:3-11).
Believing-faith requires certain behaviors. It requires overcoming the negativity of our environment and Nay -sayers. Neither Jairus nor the woman with the issue of blood cared about what the environment of their faith-seeking adventure could possibly hold out for them. Jairus, being a synagogue official, could have been sanctioned by the High Priest for putting his faith in Christ Jesus. The crowd could have had a lot to say about this woman, who, having suffered from an issue of blood for several years, was unclean in every aspect of human hygiene. Neither of them, though, cared. Our fears, what people will say, and our feelings about how peers and friends will react, can inhibit our journey to believing-faith. Believing faith also requires that we counter our doubts and negative self-talk because believingfaith is a surrendering hope; a hopeful hope that believes, no matter what. While Christ was taking care of the woman with the issue of blood, a message came from Jairus' family that her daughter was dead and that there was no need worrying the Master. Christ turned to him and said, “Do not be afraid, but keep believing”. Therein lies the key to “Believing Faith”—keep believing; to keep believing when we are at our lowest point; when nothing seems hopeful and there is no light in sight; when desperation sets in, and hopelessness abounds. It is in these moments that Jesus is nearest to us. Scripture says, “My faithful one shall live by faith alone and if he draws back, I have no pleasure in him” (Hebrew 10:38). So, “Believing Faith” urges us to live above our feelings, never despairing, knowing that by trusting in God, victory will surely be ours.
My friends, Scripture says, “No one, who puts his hands on the plough and continues to look back is worthy of the kingdom of God. Join me, therefore, as we continue to pray, “Father, into your hands, I commend my faith.
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