Faith

[MichaelTDoyle]

I sometimes struggle with Faith, the infused grace, not the Church or dogma. It seems like it is a variable quality within me. At times I feel great certitude at other times it is only an assent of the will. Thank God I have never lost it, but I would love to increase it.

Is Faith wholly a gift of God. I mean do we participate in it? I don’t know if this is freewill or not. When I lived a sinful life I believed in God quite easily but now that I am actively trying to carry my cross (and failing sometimes a lot). But when I “feel” my faith is strong I feel my yoke is light too.

Does this make sense? Maybe I should worry less and pray more

peace

 

[Peggy_Frye]

Remember that faith is a grace not a feeling. Faith is a gift of God, a supernatural virtue infused by him (CCC 179). And, “Since it belongs to the supernatural order, grace escapes our experience and cannot be known except by faith. We cannot therefore rely on our feelings or our works to conclude that we are justified and saved. However, according to the Lord’s words “Thus you will know them by their fruits” - reflection on God’s blessings in our life and in the lives of the saints offers us a guarantee that grace is at work in us and spurs us on to an ever greater faith and an attitude of trustful poverty ." Catechism of the Catholic Church no. 2005

Again, remember that feelings are not a reliable authority. They’re transitory. They come and go. But the love of God is permanent. You can trust him to give you the graces necessary to overcome your weaknesses, because “No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your strength, but with the temptation will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.” (1 Cor. 10:13). God loves you so much! Frequent the sacraments, cooperate with the Holy Spirit, and follow his calls to love what is good and shun evil (CCC 1811). I will be praying for you!

I highly recommend you get a copy of the book Holiness: A Guide for Beginners by Dom Hubert van Zeller.
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