26th Sunday in Ordinary Time: Embracing Faith and Free Will

Tim Doppel
Sep 26
3 min read

Updated: Nov 9

Take firm hold of the everlasting life to which you were called…

A Heavy Heart

He is getting older and feels afraid. In his mind, believing in God seems pointless. There’s no joy in his life, and he sees no value in attending church or seeking God. “Thank you for wanting to talk to me about it,” he said, “but I’m really not interested.” With a heavy heart, I walked away.

If you know me, you know I don’t give up easily. On anything. So, admitting that I had done all I could with him, yet it felt pointless to continue, was a bitter pill to swallow. All I could do was place it back in God’s hands and pray for a change of heart. I continue to be his friend, but I respect his choice.

The Gift of Free Will

One of the greatest gifts God gave us is the gift of free will. We can form our own conscience and make decisions about how we will follow God’s will in our lives. This choice includes the option of NOT following God’s will. As frustrating as that choice may seem to me (and perhaps to you), each person must make that decision for themselves. If someone chooses to walk away, that’s not my responsibility.

I hope I am doing what I can to show that person—and all people—that there is an option to love God and accept the love of Jesus. As long as I am working hard at that, I am fulfilling my role. It is not my burden to bear if someone decides to turn away.

The Weight of Expectations

The frustrating thing is that much is expected of those to whom much has been entrusted (Luke 12:48). God gave each of us that great gift of grace when we were baptized. I feel a deep sense of frustration and sadness when I see someone seemingly throw that gift away. I am exasperated because I know how important the gift of faith is in my life. I wish everyone felt the same way.

Holding Onto Hope

So, although I walked away, I did not lose hope. One day, the Holy Spirit may speak to him in a way that allows him to respond. That will be between him and God. In the meantime, there are many others who may be open to hearing the Good News. It is for those individuals that I’ll persevere and continue the dialogue. God is always inviting us to come and follow, reminding us that we have been entrusted with so much.

I choose to accept the vast gift of God’s love. Every day.

Finding Joy in Faith

Faith can be a journey filled with ups and downs. Sometimes, we encounter those who are resistant or indifferent to the message of hope. It can be disheartening, but it’s essential to remember that our role is to share love, not to force belief.

We can find joy in our faith, even when others struggle. Reflecting on our own experiences can help us understand their struggles better. Have you ever felt lost or unsure? I know I have. Those moments can shape our understanding and deepen our compassion for others.

The Power of Community

Building a community around faith can be incredibly powerful. When we come together, we can uplift one another. We can share stories, struggles, and victories. This support can be a beacon of hope for those who feel lost.

In my experience, community is where we find strength. It’s where we learn to love and accept one another, flaws and all. We are all on our unique journeys, but together, we can encourage each other to keep moving forward.

Embracing the Journey

As we navigate our faith, it’s crucial to embrace the journey. It’s not always about the destination. Sometimes, it’s about the lessons we learn along the way. Each encounter, each conversation, and each moment of doubt can lead to growth.

I often remind myself that faith is not a straight path. It can twist and turn, bringing unexpected challenges and beautiful revelations. Embracing this journey allows us to appreciate the depth of our experiences.

Conclusion: A Call to Action

In closing, I encourage you to reflect on your own journey. How can you share your faith with others? How can you be a source of light for those who may feel lost?

Let’s continue to be vessels of God’s love, showing others that there is hope and joy in faith. We may not always see the fruits of our efforts, but we can trust that our actions matter.

Together, let’s embrace the gift of free will and the beauty of faith. Let’s walk alongside one another, sharing love and encouragement every step of the way.