Introduction to Lauds (Week 3: Saturday) - Faith

Mass Readings:- Heb 11:1-2, 8-19 / Mark 4:35-41

The readings for the day spell out a theme of faith. Since we are celebrating the optional memoria of the Blessed Virgin Mary (BVM on Saturday), I would like to reflect on her faith.

It was by faith that Mary became Mother of the Son of God; it was by faith that she became blessed. “Blessed is she who believed that the promise made her by the Lord would be fulfilled.” (Lk 1:45)

It is by faith that we in our turn enter blessedness and life. “Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe.” (Jn 20:29) “These [signs] are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in his name.” (Jn 20:31).

The faith that makes human beings blessed is not primarily a set of formulas; it is a personal mysterious encounter with the living God. Abraham had this encounter; so as Mary. The disciples too had this mysterious encounter with Jesus at the calming of the sea as we see in today’s gospel.

We pray for the same grace of faith in all our mysterious encounters with God.

Mary, blessed because you believe, obtain for us the gift of faith.