For us to firmly assent to that which is unseen is called faith. We have faith in what people tell us even though we don't see it for ourselves because we consider them trustworthy and believable. For example, believing how software works based on what a person is told without checking the source code is a kind of faith. This kind of faith that is called natural faith. We use natural faith on a regular basis, believing and even acting on what others tell us because we considered them credible witnesses or trustworthy people.
Typically, in the Church when we say faith, we don’t mean this kind of natural faith, we mean supernatural faith. Supernatural faith is different because it is about God and His promises, which are above and beyond but not opposed to reason. God is the one who bears witness to Himself, and with Supernatural Faith, we believe Him. We have our reasons to believe Him and He has His credible witnesses.
Listen to my homily to learn more! The audio is from the 5:30 pm Mass and the video below is from the 9:15 am Mass.
Readings: Dt 18:15-20; Ps 95:1-2, 6-7, 7-9; 1 Cor 7:32-35; Mk 1:21-28
Key Themes: Motives of Credibility, Reasons to Believe, Natural and Supernatural Faith
