The opposite of faith is doubt, not certainty. Here’s today’s reflection from the daily Mass.
Readings for Saturday of Week 8 in Ordinary Time be found here
As we began to emerge from the Covid lockdown, sporting events were allowed under strict conditions. One such rule was that no fans were allowed in the stadium which much have made for a strange experience for the players—although watching at home, we had the clever addition of canned cheers. In the world of football, fans are often described as the 12th player, as they urge their side along. We all need encouragement, and the positive presence of others around us can make all the difference.
In his letter of encouragement which we heard earlier, Jude urges believers to defend the faith against false teachers. He also urges us to encourage one another, in particular, to “have mercy on those who doubt.” We often think of doubt as being the opposite of faith but Paul Tillich, the Lutheran theologian, in his book Dynamic of Faith wrote, “doubt is not the the opposite of faith. It is one element of faith.” Because requires risk, the true opposite of faith is certainty—the illusion that we can completely control or fully possess the ultimate truth. From this, Anne Lamott, a Christian writer, coined the phrase, “The opposite of faith is certainty.” In the gospel reading, those who question Jesus are looking for certain and definite answers from him, but he refuses to be trapped by their words. In a subtle way, he draws out their own sense of uncertainty.
As we live out our Christian faith, we should not be too worried when doubts come our way. It’s all part of being human, and growing in faith, grappling with the situations of our life, and with the reality of God, just like Jacob wrestled with the angel in the book of Genesis. We can be a source of encouragement for others, as others can be for us.
Mass today is in S Paul’s at 10am and St Mary’s at 1130am
If you would like more resources for daily prayer, check out our Day By Day pages.
South Cardiff Ministry Area 