Fr. Mike's Homilies: Faith, Hope, and Love

In this homily series, "Homestretch," Fr. Mike discusses the virtues of Faith, Hope, and Love. It is of no use to say "I believe in Jesus" and then go back to life as usual. Faith is at the heart of our relationship with God. But our faith cannot simply be what we agree with or a mere belief. Our faith must move, act, and work. Like the early disciples, we must devote our lives to a "life of faith." Christian hope does not trust that all will be well if I get what I want, but that all will be well even when I don't. Sometimes the hardest part of the race is the last lap...and sometimes the hardest part of the race is the second to last lap. When the finish line is so far off that you can't see the end. In those moments, when all seems lost, hope declares that God can bring life out of death. Sometimes love is just showing up. At the twilight of our lives, we will be judged on love alone. And to love is to give. Love almost always involves sacrifice. Because there is no present like the time.