SATURDAY, June 11 Saint Barnabas

Acts 11:19-30; 13:1-3. A great number became believers and turned to the Lord.

“Faith is an island in the setting sun, but proof is the bottom line for everyone,” so sings Paul Simon on his album Rhythm of the Saints. The image of a tropical island with a leisurely sunset disappearing on the horizon brings a peaceful, if idealized, image to our minds. But proof, brass tacks, the bottom line—these conjure up the image of all that is hard and fast in the world.

There is a certain wisdom to Mr. Simon’s lyrics. Faith is the ability to see God at work, alive and well, moving in both the peaceful as well as the challenging moments of life. It brings life a richness, a depth, a meaning that echoes from, and into, eternity. But proof? It speaks of the present, the black and white, the cut and dried. Proof has its place, but I will take faith.

Faith and proof are not always incompatible, but they operate in different realms. I have faith that my family loves me. I have faith that my Lord is risen. I have faith that I am a child of God. I cannot prove any of these. But sometimes things accepted on faith are more true than things that can be proven.

PRAY for the Diocese of Ohaji/Egbema (Province of Owerri, Nigeria)

Ps 112; Isaiah 42:5-12; Matthew 10:7-16

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Proof vs. Faith

Jun 11, 2011 at 10:02 am

Written by John Ingrisano,

Excellent commentary. Just becasuse I can prove that a neighbor or relative exists has absolutely nothing to do with having a relationship with that person. I have friends who tacitly acknowledge the existence of God in an intellectual manner; however, they keep their lives firmly away from God.

Faith is an acceptance, a hope, a trust. So, I agree that proof has its place, but I too will take faith anytime. God bless. JRI

...

Jun 11, 2011 at 12:07 pm

Written by Mary kier,

Proof pigeonholes God. He/She is so much more than we are able to fathom. Faith to me is the seen the unseen, and our relationship with God.

Very interesting...I mostly agree

Jun 11, 2011 at 12:08 pm

Written by Sam,

I see the faith:proof dichotomy similar to the faith:deeds one. I prefer to take both, together - not one as more important than the other. For me, faith and proof are two intersecting circles. My ultimate goal is to make them concentric - that is, that every aspect of my faith is eventually proven - although I recognize it will not likely happen in my lifetime. But every proof of a previously faith-based position only serves to strengthen faith itself. So I take both.

The author ends with the statement "But sometimes things accepted on faith are more true than things that can be proven" and indeed that statement, I think, IS something that cannot be proven! However, I must say that I like how in Acts 11:29 FAITH (love of neighbor) was PROVEN by the DEEDS of the believers in Antioch: "The disciples, as each one was able, decided to provide help for the brothers and sisters living in Judea." God bless!

...

Jun 11, 2011 at 2:28 pm

Written by Steve Doutt,

If I am certain of something, even if it is unseen or unproven it rises to the level of belief. Faith is different than belief. Faith is about uncertainty and love.

Faith and love are intertwined. When I'm in love I go forward in trust that what I've heard is true, even though I am uncertain; even though my belief is mixed with unbelief; even though I am full of doubt.

I have faith in someone when I love them. I have faith that we will take care of each other; because they love me, and I love them.

From the writer

Jun 11, 2011 at 7:27 pm

Written by Tom,

One of the challenges of short meditations is condensing large ideas into small spaces. Faith and proof, in some ways, are two sides of the same coin; much the same way as joy and sorrow. I am not one to pursue either/or situations. I, being a good Anglican, prefer both/and situations. Having said that I still value faith above proof. Proof has its value and, living in a concrete world, it cannot be denied. But being a spiritual being I also have a deep sensitivity and awareness that proof can only take me so far.

To the writer

Jun 12, 2011 at 7:02 am

Written by Chris,

You have met the challenge of condensing large areas into small spaces, and succeeded. Thank God for your messages and teaching me more about the Word of God. In Jesus name, Amen

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