Our Venerable Father John the Ancient Hermit (c. 800)
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Acts 8:26-39; John 6:40-44
Christ is risen! Truly, He is risen!
For many of us faith is an ordinary experience part of the background of life. Many of us raised in the faith as ‘cradle Christians’—although this reality in North America is shrinking—rarely take the time to express gratitude for the gift of faith; furthermore, we even take our faith for granted—as if we are the ones responsible for its inception. In today’s Gospel lesson, the Lord says, ‘No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him’ (John 6:44). The Lord gives us an insight into the mystery of faith. He reminds us that faith is first and foremost a gift, which is to be received with gratitude. The Lord reminds us that He is the one who reveals the depth of His presence in the fabric of creation. That God is the one who initiates the restoration of the life-giving relationship that is found in and through our life in Christ.
This gift, like any other gift, requires a willing, enthusiastic recipient. Our emphatic response starts with a willingness to be drawn into a relationship with the Son of God. God will not force or coerce us into something we are not willing to do. Love does not act in such a manner. Love waits patiently for the other. Faith is not so much an assent of the intellect, but rather a reciprocation of love for the other: ‘I have been drawn by the love of God and respond with love in return.’ Faith that is not lived out, where love is not reciprocated to God, is a faith that shrivels up and dies. This is why faith, like any relationship, must be nurtured with love, attention and sacrifice.