2nd June

You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that - and shudder. James 2, 19

All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name. Acts 10, 43

Not a belief, but faith

The Gospel is presented to somebody. This person answers: "You know, I respect your belief, but everybody has their own belief and all have their value".

"Sir, answers another person, you speak to me as if I were irreligious; but I have my belief, like everybody in my family."

Belief is a convenient and elastic word, a word which does not compromise anybody, so vague that it is ambiguous and even dangerous. There is only one word to indicate the fact of receiving what God says because it is God who said it, and it is the word faith. The Bible does not use any other word. It implies that the human creature is in front of its almighty, righteous and holy Creator, whereas itself is weak, ignorant and guilty.

Faith recognizes the rights of God. It listens to his Word and it learns from him, not from a human tradition, that he is the supreme Judge, but also God of grace, light and of love.

Faith is a personal knowledge of God who revealed himself, who speaks and who also listens. The Gospel, which is preached today, introduces Jesus Christ as the full revelation of this invisible God, who was made known to men by the gift of his Only and beloved Son, Jesus Christ, our Saviour.