Reflection on the Readings

In our first reading we heard from the prophet Habakkuk. The prophet stresses the power of faith while also giving us a clearer idea of what faith is.

Habakkuk lived in the 6th century BC, when Israel had been conquered by the Babylonians and the majority of the Israelites had been deported and exiled. It was as if a hurricane had swept over the entire land. Habakkuk is in the middle of it all, he sees the devastated city and countryside, strewn with corpses, burned and barren. He feels the pinch of poverty and destruction. And he does the most human thing in the world: he complains to God about it: “How long, O Lord? I cry for help, but you do not listen!”

This teaches us an important lesson: a strong faith doesn’t mean we won’t suffer and be confused in life.

A strong faith doesn’t take away our crosses. A strong faith does show us where to turn when the crosses come: to God, our all-wise, all-powerful, all-loving Father. God does, indeed, answer Habakkuk’s prayer. He promises that he will act, that he will restore Israel’s fortunes.

Now, God doesn’t give all the details. In fact, he even seems to imply that it may take longer than Habakkuk would like: “If it delays,” God says, “wait for it.”

But God shows that he is not aloof from our sufferings. He is watching over us, no matter what. He promises that if we continue to have faith in him, in spite of suffering and hardship, we “shall live”.

Friends, too often we think that Faith is a problem-free philosophy. But Faith is STRENGTH WITH LENGTH.

It’s the power to persevere through difficulties – the power that comes from knowing that God our Father is in charge.

Fr. David C. Santos, Pastor