Shall the Son of Man Find Faith on Earth?

Saturday, November 16th Readings Reflection: Saturday of the Thirty-second Week in Ordinary Time

“But yet the Son of man, when [H]e cometh, shall [H]e find, think you, faith on earth?” (Lk 18:8 DRB).

This question, which ends today’s Gospel reading, is difficult to answer. In the midst of all the turmoil in our world and in the Church today, it is so easy to despair that there is no faith on earth. We see parishes closing due to dwindling attendance, the traditional Mass being restricted more and more, priests and bishops being persecuted for upholding the Truth, and an ever-increasing lack of reverence toward Our Lord in the Holy Eucharist.

In times such as these, it is important to revisit the fundamental truths of our Faith. The Baltimore Catechism defines faith as “the virtue by which we firmly believe all the truths God has revealed, on the word of God revealing them, who can neither deceive nor be deceived.” (Baltimore Catechism III, Q. 122). In other words, faith means that we trust God as the Source of truth. We must believe for the simple reason that God has revealed certain truths to us that are thus deserving of our belief.

The effects of Original Sin make it more difficult to have faith, but faith in and of itself has a childlike simplicity. Like St. Thérèse of Lisieux, we must recognize God as our eternal Father and divine Spouse Who can neither deceive nor be deceived. Even when it seems as though everything on earth is failing, God knows the truth in His infinite wisdom. Nothing can surprise or challenge God, for that would imply the presence of some imperfections within Him.

On a practical level, having faith means persisting in prayer despite the growing darkness around us. It means remaining faithful to what we know to be true, good, and beautiful, even when faced with opposition. We must have a childlike trust in God, turning to Him in the midst of our darkness and begging Him, like a Father, to protect and sustain us. If we do this, evil shall never fully prevail, and the Son of Man shall indeed find faith on earth. Where there is seemingly no faith to be found, let us keep faith in our hearts, living it in our lives so that we may spread the light of our faith to those we encounter in this dark world.

I want to end with the beautiful words of St. John Chrysostom on this passage, words filled with hope and consolation for even the darkest times:

He [W]ho hath redeemed thee, hath shewn thee what He would have thee do. He would have thee be instant in prayer, He would have thee ponder in thy heart the blessings thou art praying for, He would have thee ask and receive what His goodness is longing to impart. He never refuses His blessings to them that pray, but rather stirs men up by His mercy not to faint in praying. Gladly accept the Lord’s encouragement: be willing to do what He commands, not to do what He forbids.

Lastly, consider what a blessed privilege is granted thee, to talk with God in thy prayers, and make known to Him all thy wants, while He thou not in words, yet by His mercy, answers thee, for He despiseth not petitions, He tires not but when thou art silent (source: Catena Aurea).