Sisters of St. Francis of the Holy Cross in Green Bay, WI
Reflection for Oct. 5, 2025

Reflection for Oct. 5, 2025

Faith in a chaotic world

Such a gift calls us to trust, live with courage, and fan into flame the Spirit that strengthens us

by Sister Jane Riha

My approach to reflecting on the Scriptures written so long ago is to read them from the perspective of today’s modern world. “Increase our faith,” the Apostles said to Jesus.  Faith and the role of religious belief are so diversified in our own country.   Our media is filled with proclaimers of faith intent on teaching us how to follow Jesus.   Some are self-righteous; some would split us into camps that oppose each other; some interpret the Scriptures literally and out of context; some are filled with rituals and devotions.   In a very chaotic world, this is a challenge.

A personal approach could be to say “Increase my faith.”  Faith is a gift in which we enter into a trusting relationship with God.  In the Gospel for today, Jesus seems to indicate that his followers’ faith is lacking.  He indicates that when we have done everything possible, “we have done what we are obliged to do.” 

Faith is nurtured by faith-filled persons and in prayer.   Faith is nurtured in the home through the example of parents, in church, school and the neighborhood.   In the second Letter of Saint Paul to Timothy, we see a faithful servant (Timothy) being encouraged by a faith-filled friend (Paul).   He shares an apt description of faithfulness.  It needs “fanning into flame” sometimes; it needs courage and a willingness to bear hardships to live the Gospel life.

We proclaim our faith by how we live.  In the Catholic Church, we proclaim our faith during the Mass by our presence with one another and in reciting either the Nicene Creed or the Apostle’s Creed.      

8 Comments

Sally Ann
10/03/2025 6:35 am

As members of a religious community, we have the privilege and joy of praying daily with faith-filled women who are companions on the journey. What a treasure we share as followers of Jesus!

Amy Zelten
10/03/2025 7:01 am

Thank you Sister Jane,

I needed to hear this today.

Debra Haven
10/03/2025 8:12 am

Your review of "Faith in the Modern World" is what we all need more to center our lives. It's the greatest gift our parents could share with us, trusting God is our friend. Courage and a Willingness to do the right thing is flamed during each Mass we attend.

Thanks Sr. Jane for this wonderful reminder.

Agnes M Fischer
10/03/2025 8:41 am

Yes, Jane.

Thanks for reminding us.

Mary Kabat
10/03/2025 9:02 am

What a blessing! We have our personal faith and the faith we share as a Church as a whole and with our local worshipping community.

SR ROSE JOCHMANN
10/03/2025 9:16 am

Thanks for reminding us of where and how our faith is nourished. We have many opportunities!

Diann Wimmer
10/04/2025 3:38 pm

Thank you, Jane, for this reminder of the need to "increase our faith". Indeed it is so needed today and it will take "courage and bearing hardships" at times.

Dianne Zirbel
10/05/2025 3:28 pm

As we walked for the 40 Days for Life a week ago Sunday, a man stopped and asked if he could pray for us.

What a blessing and a time when we need encouragement and help in strengthening our faith, God provides.

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