I recently met a man who is wrestling with his faith. He is skeptical yet wants to believe. He is reading a variety of religious texts because he fears making a wrong decision. He fears whether he is following the “correct” path. What religion should he choose when millions of people believe so convincingly in different paths and different gods, stories, and truths? 

One person told him all religions are like people looking at a car from a different point of view and each sees something that is a car, and they are all correct.  I disagree with this analogy. Not every religion is part of the same car. They are very different cars heading in very different directions with very different missions. This is my faith. 

In faith, I believe Jesus’ declaration of true faith. Jesus says our faith in God comes down simply to living, “Do I love the Lord with all my heart, mind and soul and do I love my neighbor as myself.”  This is the true proof. Love is attention. Love is relationship. Love is listening, adoring, and humbling oneself. This is what God asks of us in our relationship with Him and with other people.  

I imagine the beautiful picture Christianity offers of God dwelling in us, residing and communing with us. So much of Christ reminds me of this communion: the table of anointing and blessing from Psalm 23, the eucharistic wine and bread that infuses us with the very body and blood of Christ, the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. This Christian worship provides a picture of love as intimate, personal, and a true union. The fidelity of love equates to the fidelity of faith.  

It is tempting for me to judge why this isn’t so apparent or attractive to everyone on Earth. The mystery of faith, the courage, the hope, the wisdom – all are graces and gifts.  

Why was I allowed to experience the deep, safe, compassionate, full-hearted love of an earthly father? This was grace. Why am I allowed to experience the total devotion, fidelity, kindness, and radiance of an earthly bridegroom? Faith in love, faith in God as love becomes so much easier within a home of love. Woe to the Christian home that pronounces faith in God without love. Most of our questions about faith arise from examples of lovelessness. How blessed are the ones who love God and their neighbors wholeheartedly! 

Jesus answered, “’Love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind. ‘ This is the first and most important command. And the second command is like the first: ‘Love your neighbor as you love yourself. ‘ All the law and the writings of the prophets depend on these two commands.’” – Matthew 22:37-40

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