Christian faith is not just a set of opinions or doctrines that we have come to espouse because they were originally taught – or at least implied – by Jesus Himself. Faith is a new power of the soul that we receive at Baptism. Having faith is one thing – using our faith is another thing altogether. We use our faith the same way we use our mind to think or use our heart to love. Putting faith in Christ unites us with Him – it unites us with the Truth. That unity sanctifies us as it inspires our heart to prayer and works of Charity. The Word of God – the Word of the Father – is Truth, and it is the second person of the Trinity: Jesus. When we use our faith on the Word and in the Word we are released from the slavery of this world and the enemy of our souls. When we band together as a community of believers with our sights set on Christ beyond this present life, we are empowered by the Holy Spirit to liberate the world from evil.
Thirty-First Sunday in Ordinary Time
CYRIL OF ALEXANDRIA:
Zacchaeus was leader of the tax collectors, a man entirely abandoned to greed, whose only goal was the increase of his gains. This was the practice of the tax collectors, although Paul calls it idolatry,4 possibly as being suitable only for those who have no knowledge of God. Since they shamelessly, openly professed this vice, the Lord very justly joined them with the prostitutes, saying to the leaders of the Jews, “The prostitutes and the tax collectors go before you into the kingdom of God.”5 Zacchaeus did not continue to be among them, but he was counted worthy of mercy at Christ’s hands. He calls near those who are far away and gives light to those who are in darkness.
Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time
FULGENTIUS OF RUSPE:
We defeat the adversary only if we fight with tears and with prayers, in continual humility of heart. It is written, in fact, that “the prayer of the humble penetrates the clouds and is not withdrawn from God until it is answered.” The weeping of the humble is therefore a great antidote against carnal concupiscence. Tears that spring from compunction of heart defeat the enemy and gain for us the gift of a victorious happiness. In fact, those who “go out weeping, scattering their seeds, will return rejoicing, carrying their sheaves.” How wisely the holy prophet teaches that the seeds of good works must be watered with rivers of tears! Indeed, no seed germinates without being watered. Nor does a seed bear fruit if it has been without the benefit of water. We also, therefore, if we wish to harvest the fruits of our seeds, should not cease watering them with tears, which should spring from the heart more than from the body. This is why we are told through the prophet to rend our hearts, not our garments.