"FAITH IS THE FATHER OF ALL GOOD WORKS"

Monday, April 18, 1994
Gospel Reading: John 6:22—29

“What must we do to perform the works of God?” the people asked. And Jesus replied, “This is the work of God: have faith in the One whom he sent.” That sounds like unusual work, doesn’t it?Faith in Christ!

We usually think of work as something we do for pay, or around the house to improve it or keep it in order, or a good deed done for someone. I’m sure you can think of many things you consider to be work. Jesus tells us that Faith is work. In fact, it is the work of God, and it should be our principle occupation.

To believe in God and Jesus Christ is not easy. It takes effort. There are many things to give us doubts, many things to discourage our faith. There are many things that lure us into depending on them for our happiness and welfare in place of depending on God and his Son. To remain trusting and patient and long suffering as we await the fulfillment of all Jesus said we would get if we kept faith in him, takes a lot of work. Not to waver, not to falter, not to give up our faith takes tremendous strength and effort.

But faith is even much more. Real faith moves us off our couches to doing the things Jesus told us that believers must do. If we believe, we are to forgive not only our friends, we are to forgive and pray, even do, for our enemies. We are to help the homeless, the hungry, the sick, the confused, the less educated -I get all out of breath just thinking about it. Faith is the Father of all Work. I wish you well with it. But remember, you are not left alone to do it.

“This is the work of God,” Jesus said. “Have faith in me.” Let God help you with your faith, and with all the many works that flow from your faith.