Each year Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams commissions a book for those in his fellowship, the Anglican Communion, to read during lent. Ruth Barrows, known as Sister Rachel in her Carmelite Community, was commissioned for the 2012 book. The April 4, 2012 edition of the Christian Century includes an interview of Barrows by Amy Frykholm.
Q: What is faith? What does it mean to have it or to lack it?
A: Faith is a profound mystery that we can never adequately explain. It is an interplay between divine grace and the human mind and will . . . The object of our Christian faith is the God revealed in Jesus Christ. Faith is never a mere intellectual assent but always involves commitment. It is always in action, more a verb than a noun. Faith cannot be one facet or particular aspect of my life, but my whole life (p. 10).
So What?
Faith is an important term for followers of the Way of Jesus.
- Write your definition of faith.
- What elements of Sister Rachel’s explanation resonate with you?
- How has your faith been enriched this Lenten season?