Feast of St. Andrew, Apostle

Today's Readings

This Scripture passage emphasizes the fundamental nature of faith. For we know that without faith it is impossible to please God as Hebrews 11:6 describes. The instituted Church of Jesus Christ, the Catholic Church, teaches the truth on how one reaches eternal life. The teaching can be summed up in the necessary factors of having Faith, Baptism, repentance and being in a state of grace when we depart from this earth. This passage is a reminder to all of us of the vital nature of faith not only for our ultimate God willed destination of Salvation but the foundation of our everyday works and actions no matter how great or small. As we reflect on this passage let us remember the beauty of faith and where it can take us. Faith is the source of our trust in God. Faith and trust go hand and hand. Trust is the “firm belief in the reliability, truth, ability, or strength of someone or something.” And faith is “complete trust or confidence in someone or something.” The beautiful fact is that Jesus is willing to be depended on at all times. He is who we must be rooted in in order to be placed on the path to eternal life and remain on it for salvation. For Baptism is a Sacrament from God, repentance is being led away from sin and to God and His will by guidance of Holy Spirit, and being and remaining in a state of grace is only possible with God. John 15:5 describes how Jesus is the vine and we are the branches, if we remain in Him we will bear much fruit but apart from Him we can do nothing. With this we see that faith is the source of all that is necessary for Salvation. Faith is your foundation, let God nurture it, and never let it go. 

Serene Arana, SFC '25