Faith

Today was a busy day.  In the morning I presided at a funeral for a parishioner who was a woman of very deep faith.  She had kept a diary for most of her almost 90 years.  I have never been a 'diary person', though they had been recommended numerous times in my seminary years.  It had always seemed too personal, for some reason.  But now that I think about it, is it really any different from blogging?

Anyway, the entries this woman made, including one from 1945 when she was almost 23 years old that was shared at her funeral, were deeply inspiring.  She had entered into a conversation with some acquaintance who did not believe in the things she did - the divinity of Jesus, the divine revelation that is the Bible, a personal God, etc.  She wrote, 'When I told him he didn't know what he was missing, he said, 'Well then, what's the difference?''  And she ended the entry saying, 'Thank you God for giving me faith.  Help me to keep it!'

Indeed she struggled at times to keep that faith, especially in her later years dealing with numerous medical and illness issues.  But, she always knew the Lord was there with her, leading her and guiding her.  What a remarkable legacy she has left for those privileged to have shared life with her.

Then this evening Archbishop Mansell came to confer the sacrament of confirmation on our young people.  As he prayed over them and for them, invoking the gifts of the Holy Spirit, I couldn't help but think these were the very same gifts of faith that this woman nurtured and utilized in her life.  And, hopefully, this same Holy Spirit will allow these young people to go forth as people of faith as well, and truly make a difference in their corner of the world.