All of us are on what some term a “faith journey”. Every journey has a beginning and faith is no exception. The faith journey can start at any time of our lives, even the end of earthly life where I have seen a person re-joining the road of faith even at the very last moment. Like all journeys it can be interrupted. For me my journey seemed to start from the get-go of my life as a small child, the interruption was in my young adulthood, and then later back on the road. What was, or is, your journey like?

In Sunday's Gospel the Apostles are on a literal journey with Jesus who is travelling to Jerusalem for what he knows will lead to his death. Jesus wastes no time on this journey, he spends his time teaching his friends, and this passage is part of a narrative where he tries to tell them what the life of a believer looks like. Today they interrupt him with a request. They ask him to increase their faith; this implies that it is something they already have but they want more of. However, in some translations it is not a request but a statement, “give us faith” which implies that faith is something they do not have. I guess that in a sense both requests are true for them and for us – some people have faith and want it to be strengthened, others have no faith but their heart senses that they want and need it.

What about you? In my life at different times, I have asked for both things. Times in the past where my faith lacked deep foundations and where I sensed that it was something that I needed. Most recently, thanks be to God, the foundations are there but, like you perhaps, my soul needs constant strengthening through prayer and service. So how is your faith today? What can you do to help it grow? It has always been a question for all of the friends of Jesus.

Today Jesus gives us an answer, faith and action go together. This is echoed later in the New Testament in the letter of St James who, with his characteristic bluntness, tells us that faith without works is dead. The life of the Christian is not only about belief and faith but what we do, putting faith into action. It is in acts of service to God and each other that we encounter the Father. Jesus refers to this in Sunday's second parable where he links growing in faith and belief to doing our best to do our duty.

What is this duty that Jesus refers to? For me it is the duty of love, the love of God and each other; a sacrificial self-giving love shown to us by Jesus in his death as a ransom for our life. Love builds up those around us, it is the one thing that cannot harm another person. Love warms the heart of the lover and the one who is loved. Love strengthens the soul and kindles the spark of divinity which is present within us. By works of love we become a source of love for others and a beacon of light in our world. Doing the duty of love will save you, those around you, and help to heal our troubled world. Doing the duty of love will bring you to the eternal banquet of heaven where your faith will be complete.

As St Therese of Lisieux said, "Love is all that counts".

This week's bulletin is attached.

As always please be assured of my daily prayers for your needs and intentions.

Fr Chris