Faith Comes from What is Heard

On this, the Feast of St. Andrew, the words of St. Paul focus our attention on the simple truth that, whether for apostles in the first century of the Church’s life, or today, “faith comes from what is heard” (Romans 10:9-18).  Although for many of us, the moment of our baptism may be regarded as the beginning of our journey of faith, the growth in that faith comes from the experience of people speaking about the One whom they know and love.

St. Paul’s Letter to the Romans surrounds that truth with the wonderful words of the prophet Isaiah: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!” (Isaiah 52:7).  These words move us to celebrate the journeys and labor of Andrew and the other apostles.  Yet, the words are also an invitation to cherish those who have spoken to us about “the One whom they know and love.”

Today has been a great day for me as I did some serious prayer and reflection on the concrete individuals who have been “apostles” for me, those sent by the Lord to give witness by word and deed to the Lord Himself. 

I’m thinking of my mom, of course.  Without her lifelong example of steadfast faith, I’m not sure my own faith would be as strong as it is today.  The same goes for my grandparents, who never failed to be open about the Good News of Jesus Christ in everything they said and did.  I can’t forget my granddaughter Lily, with whom I’ve had many conversations of faith and who has strengthened my trust and confidence by her simple and uncomplicated faith.  Another big influence in my faith life has been the many priests and deacons I’ve encountered, who through their homilies have given me hope in the risen Christ. 

It was a good reflection, full of both joy and sorrow.  I recommend it for everybody!  In addition to marveling at the individuals who have most immediately brought us to deeper faith, we might pause to consider the long line of others who passed on the faith to them.  Perhaps we might even dare to imagine who in this long line of our individual faith lives was the first to hear the name “Jesus” and to put faith in Him.

At every turn, back through decades and even centuries, the reality is the same:  faith comes from what is heard.  We should give thanks for all that we’ve received and ask for the grace to be instruments to awaken faith in others in our own day.