As we approach the Feast of Corpus Christi, I thought it might be a good idea to reflect again upon the reality that faith comes by hearing—faith is about what is unseen. This is especially important to remember when it comes to the Sacraments, since what our fleshly eyes see remains unchanged, but with our ears the Word of Jesus speaks of a new reality unperceived by our eyes: “I baptize you … This is my Body … Be sealed with the Gift of the Spirit … They are no longer two, they are one, and what God has joined must never be divided …” These words convey the truth of a new reality that our eyes do not see. And thus we must learn to believe our ears rather than our eyes.
Now our flesh demands to see by its own unregenerate power; only then will the flesh say that it believes. But the truth is, our flesh often does not believe even when it sees. We’ll say, “Oh, they must have some way of doing that” or perhaps, “This is a trick, an illusion.” And in fact illusionists can do some pretty amazing stuff! (See the video below.)
But Scripture is clear to say that Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God (Rom 10:17). It also says, Faith is the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things unseen (Heb 11:1). Even Thomas, who is said to believe only because he sees, is really professing something he cannot see: that Jesus is Lord and God (Jn 20:29).
For example, when it comes to the Sacraments we must believe our ears, for our eyes cannot see the reality that faith declares to be so. St. Thomas Aquinas’ beautiful hymn “Adoro Te Devote” contains the following:
- Visus, tactus, gustus in te fallitur, (Sight and taste and touch in thee fall short)
- Sed auditu solo tuto creditur; (But only the hearing is safely believed)
- Credo quidquid dixit Dei Filius, (I believe whatever the Son of God has said)
- Nil hoc verbo veritatis verius. (Nothing is truer than this word of truth)
And thus I must often remind people when it comes to the Sacraments:
- Eucharist – Though your eyes may still see bread and wine, believe your ears. This is my Body, This is my Blood … (Matt 26:26 inter al). The Bread I will give is my flesh for the Life of the world … (Jn 6:51).
- Marriage – Though your eyes may still see a newly married bride and groom as two separate individuals, believe your ears. They are no longer two, they are one. What God has joined together let no one divide (Matt 19:6).
- Baptism – Though your eyes may see a newly baptized baby as unchanged, believe your ears. This is my beloved son in whom I am well pleased (Lk 3:21). If anyone is in Christ he is a new creation (2 Cor 5:17). We who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death so that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of God the Father we too might live in newness of life (Rom 6:4).
- Confession – A person emerging from the confessional may appear to be just the same, but believe your ears. “I absolve you from your sins.” Whose sins you forgive, they are forgiven them (Jn 20:23).
As we approach the Feast of Corpus Christi, which are you going to believe … your eyes or your ears?
- [For] we look not to what is seen but to what is unseen; for what is seen is transitory, but what is unseen is eternal … for we walk by faith, not by sight (2 Cor 4:18, 5:7).
- And to the Pharisees who claimed they could see (but still refused to believe) the Lord said, “If you were blind, you would not be guilty, But you remain guilty because you claim you can see” (John 9:41).
- And to those who do believe, the Lord says through Peter, You have not seen him, yet you love him; and still without seeing him you believe in him and so are already filled with a joy so glorious that it cannot be described (1 Peter 1:8).
Which are you going to believe, your eyes or your ears?
Your flesh demands to see on its own terms. But I promise you, even if you do see, your flesh will explain it away. Consider this video. Illusionists can do some pretty amazing things. But notice how quickly your flesh is willing to explain it all away. And in this case it should, for these are illusions. But what if you saw a real miracle? What do you suppose your flesh would do? What do you suppose?
Faith comes by hearing.
Thank you; your posts help me every day!
This was so deeply insightful and helpful. Thank you.
I am “coming home to Rome” so to speak. I was raised Mormon and then explored non-denominational and evangelical Protestantism. What’s unique about Catholicism is how, yes, faith is still an interior matter and hope for things unseen. However, the sacraments allow us to experience divine realities in tangible ways. Also, the rich intellectual tradition of the Church gives the mind good reason to believe. I feel much more confident making the “leap of faith” so to speak because of the proofs supplied by the sacraments and intellectual tradition. In this way, my faith is not based only upon subjective thoughts, feelings, or emotional highs. Catholicism integrates the heart, body, and mind beautifully.
Thank you for your thoughts. I too am a convert. It is the I rich intellectual tradition that were very important to me; and the priest gentile answer to my child like questions, of “why”.
+Two Heavenly Wings . . .
As I read through the above dissertation by the Monsignor . . . I was reminded of St. John Paul II’s deep sharing with our Holy Mother Church in . . . “Fides et ratio” (Faith and reason) . . . wherein he also teaches Christianity is by no means a religion/way-of-life of human reason alone . .
The Pope’s profound blessed awareness in “Fides et ratio” brings into focus human reason from a rather unique perspective . . . and its incredible significance for the children of GOD re their . . . very much needed . . . daily . . . active participation . . . WITH . . . GOD . . . in the salvific nature of the Holy Gift of Christian Faith . . .
Quote:
“Faith and Reason are like two wings on which the human spirit rises to the contemplation of TRUTH; and GOD has placed in the human heart a desire to know the TRUTH—in a word, to know HIMSELF—so that, by knowing and loving GOD, men and women may also come to the fullness of truth about themselves (cf. Ex 33:18; Ps 27:8-9; 63:2-3; Jn 14:8; 1 Jn 3:2).”
(“Jesus saith to him: I am the WAY, and the TRUTH, and the LIFE. No man cometh to the Father, but by me.“ – John 14:6)
Continuing on in Fides et ratio, Chapter 1, Section #9 . . .
Quote:
“…Based upon GOD’S testimony and enjoying the supernatural assistance of grace, FAITH is of an order OTHER THAN philosophical knowledge which depends upon sense perception and experience and which advances by the light of the intellect alone.
Philosophy and the sciences function within the order of NATURAL REASON; while FAITH, enlightened and guided by the Spirit, recognizes in the message of salvation the “fullness of grace and truth” (cf. Jn 1:14) which GOD has willed to reveal in history and definitively through his Son, Jesus Christ (cf. 1 Jn 5:9; Jn 5:31-32).”
Link: http://www.vatican.va/edocs/ENG0216/__P1.HTM
. . . all for Jesus+
This is such an awesome post with such a helpful perspective and reminders – thank you so much!!