I’m so happy to hear from those who attended my sister’s funeral about how impressed they were by my niece Ann’s composure, poise, and calmness while delivering her eulogy for her mom. “That’s just how she is,” I told them. “Her mom raised her to be strong, yet unafraid to be vulnerable; to demonstrate her faith humbly and authentically, without any air of boastfulness or false pride; and to articulate it beautifully.”
Those who listened could not also help but appreciate the central message of her eulogy: the greatest treasure her mom left her was not any material possessions, but a strong faith in God—faith that is not merely a set of creeds or answers, but a deep longing for and clinging to Someone who is big enough to embrace her questions, hold her doubts, heal her wounds, wipe her tears, remind her that she is not alone, love her unconditionally, give her hope, and assure her that she is on the right path and not losing her way.
Faith. It is the focus of this Sunday’s Scripture readings. It is what the Israelites and their forefathers demonstrated as they courageously left Egypt on the night of the Passover, trusting in hope for total liberation from slavery and for the land God had promised them. It is the virtue that Paul reminds us of in his Letter to the Hebrews, recalling Abraham’s faith in God’s promise of a land, a son with his wife Sarah despite their old age, and many more descendants. “Faith is the realization of what is hoped for and the evidence of things not seen,” Paul teaches us.
In the Gospel, Jesus instructs His disciples to rely on their faith in Him as stewards of the Gospel. He urges them not to worry about their personal needs but to trust in God’s providence. Yet, they must demonstrate an active faith by being always ready to serve the Lord and to account for how they have shown fidelity to His commandments of love, mercy, compassion, and service.
Faith is the greatest treasure we can have and pass on to our children. If we equip them with a strong faith in God, we need not worry about them, especially when the Lord calls us back to Him. Faith is an inheritance that lasts forever, unlike any material possession. Education is, of course, another important treasure we leave them, but it is the gift of faith in God that empowers them to face life’s challenges and despair. Thus, if we as parents are to show God how we have been good stewards of the gift of family and children, we must be ready to tell Him that we did our best to raise them with a deep love for Him and faith in all His ways.
Your loving pastor,
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The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff.