Does faith make a difference to one's life? How does it make a difference? For that matter, what is faith? Over the past couple of years, I have at times asked friends and acquaintances whom I have met, what does the word "faith" mean to them? More importantly what is the source of their faith? It has been interesting to hear different people's opinions.
In the Merriam-Webster online dictionary, "faith" means:
1a : allegiance to duty or a person : loyalty b (1) : fidelity to one's promises (2) : sincerity of intentions
2a (1) : belief and trust in and loyalty to God (2) : belief in the traditional doctrines of a religion b (1) : firm belief in something for which there is no proof (2) : complete trust
3: something that is believed especially with strong conviction; especially : a system of religious beliefs
To me, the best and most concise definition of faith is from the Bible - "To have faith is to be sure of the things we hope for, to be certain of things we cannot see." (Hebrews 11:1)
What I have experienced and learnt in my life and from a few people who have been true personal inspirations to me is that when our faith is rooted in God, there is a supernatural grace from God who helps us to transcend all obstacles in our lives and to believe that "What is impossible for man is possible for God." (Luke 18:27) I also know people who have stopped practicing their religious belief and are now agnostics - they prefer to have faith in themselves, in a person, or in a secular or political philosophy. I do not say that is totally wrong - however, in times of great difficulties or circumstances in their lives, I have often seen despair, depression, addictions and illness overwhelming them because there is one thing missing in their life - HOPE!
My life changed when I began to try to live the Word of God. I have always found St. Paul's definition of Love (1 Corinthian Chapter 13) to be one of the best guides in how to live my life. Indeed, there have been moments in my life where the following bible verse has given me much inner strength and perseverance- "Love never gives up; and its faith, hope and patience never fail." (1 Corinthians 13:7) Where can I place my trust in this type of love? After years of soul-searching, I have finally found it in Jesus Christ "for God is love." (1 John 4:8)
It is essentially two priests whom I met in India who are my personal inspirations to live with deep faith in God and to have hope that He will never abandon or forsake us - ever!
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| Fr. N. Gerard, sdb Founder of BALPART, Chennai, India |
Firstly, it is Fr. N. Gerard sdb, Founder of BALPART in Chennai, India, who more than any person in the world opened my eyes and my heart to the poor, the suffering, and the marginalized in January 1997. Father’s charitable trust took care of the destitute elderly and leprosy patients and their families. The leprosy patients and their families lived in such squalor in remote colonies that I felt traumatized mentally and emotionally initially for about 2 years knowing that human beings were reduced to live like that! I could never go back to being lukewarm or oblivious about our fellow human beings who cry out for help. What if I was in their shoes? Fr. Gerard built proper houses, ensured medical aid, education for the children, clean water supply and electricity for their homes. But more than that is the incredible love, the great warmth and joy in Fr. Gerard. He is literally mobbed at whichever leper colonies we went to – and children will be hanging on to him and chatting away non-stop. The adults always want to be blessed by Fr. Gerard. I have always experienced the complete feeling of acceptance and being loved for who I am when I am with Fr. Gerard. He is non-judgmental. I will forever thank God for bringing Fr. Gerard into my life. He is a greatly loved priest who is selfless, inspiring and courageous. Fr. Gerard is the priest who awakened my conscience to care "for the least of our brethren.” (Matthew 25:40)
In this past week, I truly saw the beautiful result of a great faith in God bearing much fruit! Ever since I came to serve here in 2004, I learnt of the Call of God placed in the hearts of the Directors of Divine Retreat Centre to start a 24-hour commercial-free Catholic Gospel Channel - Divine Television to be available worldwide. I also found that there were many people who were sceptical about the need to start the Divine TV ministry. I heard at times from these sceptics - our charitable works to care for 3000 sick and needy members of the Divine Family on a long-term basis was already a big financial responsibility. Why was there a need for a television ministry - was it a necessity? The answer is a resounding "YES!" I have seen countless messages written by people from around the world the past 3 years who are so grateful for the Message of God's Love, Hope and Joy that is being proclaimed by Divine Television. Lives are being transformed and people in despair have found hope in Jesus.
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| Fr. Augustine Vallooran V.C. Director - Divine Retreat Centre, Muringoor, Kerala, India |
Well, I have been working for Fr. Augustine for the past 7 1/2 years. More than any person, he is known as the "heart" and the "brains' of Divine Television. There were incredible obstacles: getting the licence from the Indian Government which kept dragging on, much needed long-term funding, skilled TV crews / staff, TV programmes in English and Malayalam currently. Yet, Fr. Augustine had the unwavering faith to persevere in the face of what seemed insurmountable difficulties to finally get the licence from the Indian Government to broadcast Divine Television - after over 8 years! There was a glorious, joyful and amazing India launch here in Divine Retreat Centre just last Sunday, 20 November 2011 when 10,000 people joined the Vincentian Fathers and all of us serving here on this momentous occassion which was graced by the Kerala Chief Minister His Excellency Oomen Chandy, many other Kerala State Government leaders, His Beatitude Mar George Alenchery, Major Archbishop of the Syro-Malabar Church, many Bishops, priests, religious, and lay people too. This joyous India launch was also seen live by thousands of Divine's friends around the world online through DVN Online TV
Practically every one of us who serve here fully agree - this was an incredible mission achievement for the Divine-Potta ministry largely because of the vision, determination and unwavering faith of Fr. Augustine Vallooran! Divine Television will now be seen soon across Asia-Pacific with the India launch. It was first launched on 24 December 2008 in UK, Europe and the Middle East. On 25 May 2009, Divine Television was launched in USA and Canada and on 3rd October 2009, it went online globally as DVN Online TV. The joy I personally feel is indescribable. You have to be here to know how small the village our retreat centre is located in - it is definitely not a bustling city! Yet the Word of God to the WORLD is being broadcast from tiny Muringoor, Kerala, India – a grace-filled and amazing feat!
This is the faith lesson I have truly learnt from Fr. Augustine in my ministry here. It does not matter if others have little faith and watch sceptically from the sidelines. What matters is the faith in God we have in our own heart…and to never waver or give up in answering God’s Call!
Our faith needs to be in our words. our deeds, our commitments, our feelings and in our thinking for it to be a real, living faith in God. The YouTube music video I came across below of bible verses and inspirational quotes "Faith in Action" is definitely worth a few minutes of quiet reflection in your heart.
Personally I am very sure of one fact - faith in God gives me true joy and hope that I can make a difference in this world. Yes - every one of us can do so too!
