We find ourselves in a very interesting time in the life of the Church. Beginning tomorrow at 11:45am the College of Cardinals will gather to elect a successor to the seat of Saint Peter. We also know that we are near the fiftieth anniversary of the Second Vatican Council and even the twenty-fifth anniversary of this diocese. With these many new chapters of life that we head into we know that there will be a constant demand for renewal. In the life of the man in our Gospel there was a need for renewal as he faced the reality of a sick son. In our world we to are in need of this renewal and with that in mind His Holiness Benedict XVI gave us the "Year of Faith." Had his papacy continued onward he would of released an encyclical letter concerning faith. Despite this not taking place he did leave some hints with us in his letter "Porta Fidei" "Door of Faith" which kicked off the "Year of Faith."
It was his hope that during this year we would find a renewal of faith. We live in a time where there is a crisis of faith because it has been separated from our daily life. It has been segmented away from our social life, our culture, and the way that we look at politics. As Christians we must have renewal in order to have faith placed at the center of all the stages and activities of our life. We must allow ourselves to draw near the well of faith like the Samaritan woman because here we will find Christ. Through faith we will arrive at the food that never perishes and all of our needs will be comforted with the hope of salvation. The "Year of Faith" is a renewed conversion to The Lord who is the Saviour of the whole world.
May this "Year of Faith" transform the way that we look at the Creed and the Liturgy. These are not just words and actions that we rush through, but they should instead be words and actions that we enter into allowing transformation to begin to take place. This transformation requires an understanding of the Gospels and the wealth of teachings found inside of the Catechism. In order to grow in this love and appreciation we must take time for prayer and mediation upon the words found within. To have knowledge of our faith is to a open a door which we can behold the fullness of the saving mystery that is revealed by God. Through faith we see the example that has been extended into our lives through the many martyrs and saints of the Church who give hope that we can walk this same path triumphantly.
With a rediscovery of our faith we will be able to join with Isaiah in the understanding of the new Heaven and earth that we have given ourselves over to. Faith is not something that we can allow to become idle and content with, but is something that we must continue to nourish each day. As we enter into this new chapter of the Church where we continue to build up and understand the Second Vatican Council upon its fiftieth anniversary and enter into this joyous occasion of the anniversary of our diocese may we do so through faith. As the College of Cardinals begin to gather tomorrow in Rome may we in faith pray for the guidance of the Holy Spirit to be upon them. May we use this year that lies ahead to continue to journey towards to Christ through a renewed understanding of the faith that we share.
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