Since, then, we have the same spirit of faith, according to what is written, “I believed, therefore I spoke,” we too believe and therefore speak,
Joan Rivers the comedian and television star loved bees. Among other things she has a women’s clothing line and one of the products her company sells were pins in the shape of bees. Many bees for all occasions. She loved bees because aerodynamically they shouldn’t fly. It was impossible but the impossiblle can happen. Bees do fly.
Saint Paul writes today, But if Christ is preached as raised from the dead, how can some among youay there is no resurrection of the dead? If there is no resurrection of the dead, then neither has Christ been raised. And if Christ has not been raised, then empty [too] is our preaching; empty, too, your faith. Then we are also false witnesses to God, because we testified against God that he raised Christ, whom he did not raise if in fact the dead are not raised. For if the dead are not raised, neither has Christ been raised, and if Christ has not been raised, your faith is vain; you are still in your sins. Then those who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished.
Saint Cornelius, a Pope and Saint Cyprian, a martyr had faith in the impossible. They could not stop preaching Christ risen from the dead.
Something impossible for the world but through our faith and the grace that flows from that faith, we can preach to others that the impossible can happen.
Last year I volunteered at a Knights of Columbus Oklahoma State convention. I helped transport a lectionary that was held by an Oklahoma martyr, Blessed Stanley Rother. The lectionary was used at one of the convention Masses. Last month, I met one of Stanley Rother’s cousins. Just like our saints for today, they believe that the impossible can happen.
All saints past and present believe in the impossible, because they had faith and used it to spread the Gospel.
Why?
Because grace flows from the faith of the saints of the past who also believed in the impossible. 2Corrinthians 4: 7-15 But we hold this treasure in earthen vessels, that the surpassing power may be of God and not from us. We are afflicted in every way, but not constrained; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying about in the body the dying of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our body. For we who live are constantly being given up to death for the sake of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may be manifested in our mortal flesh. So death is at work in us, but life in you. Since, then, we have the same spirit of faith, according to what is written, “I believed, therefore I spoke,” we too believe and therefore speak, knowing that the one who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us also with Jesus and place us with you in his presence. Everything indeed is for you, so that the grace bestowed in abundance on more and more people may cause the thanksgiving to overflow for the glory of God.
Jesus told not only to love one another but to encourage one another. The impossible grace that comes from our faith spreads throughout the world. It spreads in our family, neighbors and workplace. Your faith in the impossible is not in vain. Your faith and the faith of your mother’s and father’s are a witness that grace is alive in this world.
What would happen if faith stopped?
Our world would be dead.
Since we have faith we know that grace is alive. We know that Jesus is alive, the saints are alive, our relatives in faith are alive. The impossible is happening all around us and in Heaven.
Jesus journeyed from one town and village to another, preaching and proclaiming the good news of the Kingdom of God. Our live should be a witness and proof positive that the naysayers are wrong. The impossible is happening in the Kingdom of God here on Earth. Our mission if we accept it is to spread our faith throughout the Kingdom of God and watch it spread. Jesus is counting on us to spread that faith to others.
God Love You Always
Bob Burford
