The exhortation the Church gives us this weekend is found in the theme that emerges from the two readings. The theme deals with the fullness of life (salvation) which is given to those who have faith and trust in God. This is quite evident in the Gospel which relates a story about the disciples being unable, when asked, to cast out a demon. Jesus, it would seem, expected that they would be able to cast out such demons. The reaction of Jesus seems to indicate that they were unable to do so because of their lack of faith and prayer.

As I look at it, this story is a continuation of the story we heard last week. That story’s theme is that faith is essential if we hope to have a relationship with God.

The idea of having faith in the goodness of God, I believe, is critical if we are to realize the meaning and purpose of this present life. I takes, however, an assessment of our idea of who God is in order to achieve such an understanding. Many people, I have found, never really spend time thinking about their idea of Who God is and what He is really like. They just seem to think that He thinks like they do, having the same kind attitudes about what is right and wrong and what is the truth. These attitudes are: punish wrong-doers; disregard those who do not believe in Jesus Christ; and reward those who do good. In other words, God thinks like them. He has the same ideas as they do about life and its meaning and purpose. I find that many people what to put God in a box of their creation. They definitely want to eliminate the mystery of Who He is so that they can always predict how He will react. They love living in a world that is black and white. They cannot tolerate a grey world, requiring them to live with faith and trust in God.

Throughout the New Testament we hear Jesus calling people to believe and trust in God. Our Eastern Christian faith repeatedly tells us to not attempt to define Who God is and how He works. Rather, it calls us to just stand in awe before the great mystery of a God Who loves humankind so very much that He actually took on human nature so that He might show us how to live in a world filled with real mysteries and challenges. Living with faith in the goodness of God without definite proof is truly the beginning of salvation. Why? Because it requires that we place our hope and trust in God.

We know one thing to be true. God unconditionally loves and forgives us and we can do nothing to alter His love for us.                 Alleluia!