By Dr. Pamela Patnode

“Jesus said to his disciples: “Amen, I say to you, … whoever obeys and teaches these commandments will be called greatest in the Kingdom of heaven.” ~ Matthew 5:17-19

Years ago, my former pastor gave a homily about Jesus curing the paralytic whose friends had lowered him through the roof of the home. Mark’s gospel says, “When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralyzed man, ‘Son, your sins are forgiven.’” The title of my former pastor’s homily was “A Visible Kind of Faith.”

In today’s readings, we notice examples of this “visible kind of faith.”  In fact, the reading from Acts begins by stating that a “great number who believed turned to the Lord.” This turning to the Lord must have been dramatic because word of it spread to Jerusalem, causing Barnabas to journey to Antioch.

Turning to the Lord with a visible kind of faith

 What does it mean to turn to the Lord with a visible kind of faith? I believe that a visible kind of faith must include two important elements, and we see both in the readings for today.

First, a visible kind of faith is noticeable in its actions. In the reading from the Acts of the Apostles, the actions of these first Christians included teaching, prophesying, worship, prayer, fasting, and going out on mission. In the psalm, we are called to praise the Lord in song. And in the gospel, Jesus instructs the faithful to obey and teach the commandments.

The second necessary characteristic of a visible kind of faith is that it leads to ongoing conversion and love. Without question, prayer, fasting, worship, teaching, and learning can help us to better fulfill the commands of Christ. Above all, it is through our love that we can develop a visible kind of faith.

Prayer:

Lord, help me to live my faith, to obey your commands, and to do so in humility and love.

Call to Action:

Choose one day this week to pray and fast for the needs of another.

© 2025 WINE — All Rights Reserved