The Interconnectedness of Trust, Faith and Sacrifice
The readings this week carry a common theme of sacrifice, trust and faith. In the first reading we hear of the women asked by Elijah to provide him food from her final flour and oil. She trusted him when he made his request, she had faith that God would provide, and she sacrificed her small remaining food. In the Gospel, we hear of Jesus observing the widow at the treasury. She also sacrificed her few remaining coins showing her trust and faith in God to provide. And in the second reading, we are reminded of the ultimate sacrifice that Jesus made for us to take away our sins and inspire trust and faith that he will return to bring us salvation.
There is an interconnectedness with these three concepts. It is more difficult to make a sacrifice without trust or faith. Imagine Elijah asking the woman to give up her final jar of flour and her last jug of oil if he was a stranger. Imagine the widow putting her last coins in a fountain with no meaning. These actions might be viewed as foolhardy rather than sacrifices. A sacrifice is the act of giving up something precious because we have trust and faith. And the stronger our trust and faith, the easier making the sacrifice becomes. I am moved by the faith shown by the widow when the reading says, “She left and did as Elijah had said.”
How do we grow our trust and faith in God to enable us to make sacrifices? Here are thoughts for us to consider:
Seek answers to your questions. If your faith is weak, wavering, or just in need of reinforcement, spend time exploring your biggest questions. There are so many resources available via the radio (Mater Dei), online (Catholic Answers), or by visiting the parish library.
Spend time in prayer, listening for God’s intentions for you.
Surrender control. Acknowledge you do not have all the answers nor control.
Be patient. For many of us building our faith and trust is a lifelong journey.
Lord, help us to trust in you like the widow did. May our faith be sincere and our sacrifices real. Amen.
--Chris Hart
Send Us Forth are reflections written by St. Matthew parishioners and friends.