“What kind of faith do we have? Is it a faith that looks for comfort or a faith that remains even when it is difficult?
Today’s readings challenge us to examine not only what we believe but how we live and witness that belief.
In the first reading, we hear about Stephen. He speaks the truth about God. He lives his faith courageously. But what happens? He is rejected. He is opposed. He is killed.
Stephen did not have an easy faith. He had a faith that was firm, courageous, and faithful—even in suffering.
We all want a faith that gives us peace. But are we ready for a faith that also demands courage? Because following Christ is not always easy.
Sometimes you choose honesty, and you are left behind; you choose what is right, and people misunderstand you; you stand for truth, and you are criticized. In those moments, we are asked: Will you still remain faithful?
That is the kind of faith Stephen had.
Then in the Gospel, the people ask Jesus: “What sign can you do, that we may see and believe in you?” They are asking for proof. They want something visible, something convincing.
And many times, we are like them. “Lord, give me a sign.” “Lord, prove that You are there.” “Lord, fix my problems first, then I will believe.”
But Jesus does not give them another sign. He gives something greater: “I am the Bread of Life.”
In other words: Faith is not just about seeing miracles. Faith is about encountering a Person.
So what kind of faith is asked of us? Let me offer two simple reflections:
A Faith that Trusts, Not Only When It Is Easy
True faith is not only for good times. It is easy to believe when life is okay, prayers are answered, and everything goes well.
But real faith is seen when life is difficult, prayers seem unanswered, and we do not understand what is happening.
Faith means trusting God—not because everything is clear, but because God is faithful.
A Faith that is Lived and Witnessed
Stephen did not only believe—he lived his faith.
Today, the Lord is asking us not only to be believers, but to be witnesses. What does this mean?In the family, it means to love, to forgive, to be patient. In work, it means to be honest, to be fair, to have integrity. In society, it means to stand for what is right, even when it is difficult.
Sometimes, witnessing does not mean speaking loudly. Sometimes, it means living quietly but faithfully.
A Faith Nourished by Christ
Jesus says: “I am the Bread of Life.” This is very important. If we want to remain strong in faith, we must be nourished through the Eucharist, prayer, and listening to God’s Word. Because without nourishment, faith becomes weak. We cannot live on our own strength alone. We need Christ.
Let me end with this: The world today does not only need people who say they believe. It needs people who live what they believe.”