SCIC Triduum Day 3: Finding Comfort in His Faithfulness
In a world where promises are easily made and often broken, faithfulness is a rare and precious virtue. Deacon Wilson, in his homily, reminded us that “faith” and “truth” both stem from the same root, meaning firmness or stability. To have faith is to stand firm in the truth, trusting that what is true is also trustworthy.
God is the ultimate example of faithfulness. In Numbers 23:19, Balaam declares, “God is not a man, that He should lie.” Unlike us, God never breaks His promises. His word is unchanging and reliable, providing a firm foundation for our lives. Scripture frequently pairs faithfulness with truth, showing us that God’s faithfulness is inseparable from His unwavering truth. As Isaiah 25:1 says, “Thy counsels of old are faithfulness and truth.”
We often struggle to keep our word, influenced by changing circumstances or our own forgetfulness. Yet, God’s faithfulness is never in question. He remains deeply invested in our lives, His love compelling Him to act for our good, no matter the challenges we face.
Deacon Wilson shared an insightful example from his years of service: even after years of marriage, couples may still ask, “Does he still love me?” or “Does she still care?” This struggle with doubt can extend to our relationship with God. When we doubt God’s faithfulness, it prevents us from fully trusting Him. But God gives us no reason to doubt, He always keeps His word.
One of God’s most comforting promises is that He will help us overcome our struggles. He doesn’t leave us alone in our trials. His grace strengthens us to endure whatever comes our way, and He never allows us to face more than we can bear. He is faithful to forgive us when we fail, as he assures us in 1 John 1:9.
In times of suffering, when life feels overwhelming, we may find ourselves questioning God’s faithfulness. The Israelites faced this struggle in the Old Testament, often believing they had been abandoned. Yet, in Isaiah 49:15-16, God reassures us: “Can a woman forget her nursing child? Even these may forget, yet I will not forget you.” This is the promise we hold onto: God will never abandon us.
As we reflect on the lives of saints and martyrs who demonstrated unwavering faith, let us join them in affirming, “How great are You, O Lord, and great is Your faithfulness.” In every trial and triumph, may we find comfort in the unchanging nature of God, who promises never to abandon us.
“Faith is to believe what you do not see; the reward of this faith is to see what you believe.”
St. Augustine