In this podcast, Fr. Mike Schmitz discusses the profound faith displayed by a leper who trusted in Jesus' ability to cleanse him. He explores the transformative nature of faith and trust in God's will, emphasizing the importance of believing in Christ's power and goodness even when miracles don't happen.
Trust in God's will is the essence of faith, even when outcomes differ from personal desires.
Faith involves deep trust in God's goodness and sovereignty, enduring through challenges and uncertainties.
Deep dives
The Essence of Faith as Trust in God
Faith is portrayed as more than just intellectual belief or obedience, but primarily as trust in God. The interaction between Jesus and the leper in Mark's Gospel exemplifies this profound trust, where the leper expresses faith not only in believing and obeying but ultimately in trusting God's will. This level of trust in God's plan, even if outcomes differ from personal desires, is highlighted as a transformative and world-changing faith. The concept of 'if you will it, you can make me clean' symbolizes a deep trust that extends beyond mere requests, showing unwavering faith in God's goodness and sovereignty.
The Unwavering Faith to Trust God Regardless of Outcomes
The podcast emphasizes a deeper layer of faith that goes beyond seeking miracles or specific outcomes to a level of trust that remains steadfast even in adversity. It introduces the idea of trusting God wholeheartedly, not just when prayers are answered but also when faced with challenges, suffering, or apparent silence from God. This unwavering faith, encapsulated in the phrase 'if you want this, it can happen because I trust you that deeply, but if you don't, I still trust you,' underscores the importance of trusting in God's wisdom and goodness unconditionally. The narrative challenges listeners to embrace a faith that endures through hardships, embodying a profound trust in God's plan despite uncertainties and difficulties.
Fr. Mike Schmitz delves deeply into the profound significance of the leper's words to Jesus:
'If you will it, you can make me clean.'
This verse from Matthew's Gospel embodies the very essence of faith. Fr. Mike explains how this statement captures the heart of faith in two ways: the trust inherent in believing that Christ can purify us and the trust involved in believing in him even if he chooses not to. Fr. Mike says this is the faith you are made for. It is the kind of faith that can change the world.