Why we need to believe?


WHY WE NEED TO BELIEVE?

Cl. Mario D’Couto SDB

            Salvation is for all. It is through our faith that we are actually saved. Faith in the Lord Jesus is the key element to our Christian living for if it were not for that, then the whole purpose of our Christian faith is meaningless. Why is it so?

            There are two reasons,

1. The first is in what St. Paul writes in Rom 8: 24 – 25, “For it was by hope that we were saved; but if we see what we hope for, then it is not really hope. For who hopes for something he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.

2.The other is found in Rom 10: 14 – 15, “How can they call to Him for help if they have not believed? And how can they believe if they have not heard the message? And how can they hear if the message is not proclaimed? And how can the message be proclaimed if the messengers are not sent out.”


            We could sum up the above two points in one word, ‘tellos’. The word ‘tellos’ is a Greek word which means “goal” and it is this that gives meaning to a person’s life. Without a goal in life, there is no direction. It is interesting to see how some atheists live their lives. They believe that life is a matter of chance and that each person living over here is just a product of natural circumstances. Hence, for them there is nothing beyond death. I wonder how such a life would be meaningful? Of course, I do not deny that there are many atheists who do a lot of social work and who are in the vanguard of many humanitarian ventures. Yet, it is very strange to think that if they do not believe in something, from where then do they draw their source of inspiration for all their good works? Perhaps, we could ask the question, “Why do some people not believe in God? Is it because His presence cannot be proved? Is it because of all the negative things that are going around in the world?” We can certainly draw up a list of questions but all the same, we need to believe because,

If we want to make a difference ....................... we need to believe.
If we want a better tomorrow ......................... we need to believe.
If we want a bright future ........................ we need to believe.

            Problems and obstacles are part of the process in this journey of faith. For as it is written in Sacred Scripture, “When you come to serve the Lord, be prepared to be tested.” (Sirach 2:1) I guess it is but obvious that we need to go on. We need to be tough for when the going gets tough, the tough get going.


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