This week we light the second candle of Advent; the candle which symbolizes Faith. It is not the size of your faith that is necessary to be successful in loving God and others. Quite the opposite, scripture tells us if you have faith the size of a mustard seed (which is the tiniest of all seeds) you can move mountains in your life through prayer!
"Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see (Hebrews 11:1)." This is a tall order and without the gift of faith we risk becoming cynical and blind to God's presence, especially when we are suffering or when we see our loved ones suffer. It is during these times our faith will be challenged and we may experience doubt that a good and merciful God exist. If you are human you will have doubts, but experiencing doubt does not measure or define your faith. Even Jesus struggled with doubt the night before He died for us when he prayed, "My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will but as you will."
During the last few weeks I experienced the loss of two very faith-filled friends; Loretta and Vicki. These two courageous women suffered for years with painful diseases leaving them isolated from others and deprived of the simple pleasures in life. Despite, their pain and suffering I was amazed and humbled by their faith and trust in God. Could I be so trusting if I was in their shoes? Yes, there were times of doubt regarding God's will and the healing that had not come. But, never did they give into the hopelessness and despair that wanted desperately to get their attention. Instead, they expressed gratitude and thanksgiving to God for the gift of life and the family and friends that surrounded them.
Vicki and Loretta's faith and example taught all who came in contact with them that we do not suffer in vain. Rather, it is in our suffering that we are transformed into His image and set free to love and be loved. In the presence of these beautiful women I encountered God and my life was changed. Now that they have completed their journey they have passed the paton to us! Let us continue to run the race with our eyes fixed on HIM echoing the words of St. Thomas, "Lord I believe, help my unbelief!"

Peace,

Mary