The article reflects on the importance of relationships, drawing parallels from 'The Little Prince' and the concept of faith. It connects the story of the little prince and the fox to the Sunday's readings, emphasizing the loving relationship between God and humanity. The readings from Wisdom, Psalms, and Hebrews highlight the Israelites' hope and faith in God's love during their enslavement. The Letter to the Hebrews provides a meditation on Abraham's faith as the realization of what is hoped for and evidence of things not seen.
4 months ago
The concept of "taming," drawn from Antoine de Saint-Exupéry's The Little Prince, serves as a central metaphor for understanding faith as a process of building deep, patient, and faithful relationships 1. Just as the fox taught the prince that time "wasted" on each other binds them together, the article suggests that our relationships with God and others are strengthened through consistent effort and trust 1. This idea emphasizes that even very different entities can become friends by being patient and faithfully present 1.
This Sunday's readings explore faith as an act of trusting in God's loving relationship, even when the future is unknown 1. The enslaved Israelites in Egypt, for instance, awaited salvation with hope, convinced of God's love despite their misery 1. The Letter to the Hebrews defines faith as "the realization of what is hoped for and evidence of things not seen," contrasting this ancient understanding with the modern reliance on objective evidence and provable truths 1.
Abraham exemplifies this profound trust, embarking on a journey without a clear plan, relying solely on God's "vague and improbable promises" of progeny and a land "whose architect and maker is God" 1. His faith was not based on calculation or what he and his aged wife could achieve, but on belief in his creator 1. Similarly, Jesus' faith is presented as one without a safety net or calculation, driven by an unwavering conviction in God's call, even when it led him and his disciples into danger and ultimately to death 1. Despite moments of feeling God's distance, Jesus continued to move forward in faith, revealing a love not seen 1.
The scriptural message encourages individuals to "let ourselves be tamed" by God and those God loves, valuing the time spent in these relationships as a profound treasure 1. It invites believers to be unafraid of the unknown, to trust that God's offerings surpass human imagination, and to venture forth in faith, even when actions appear impractical or require letting go of perceived securities 1. This trust allows for the discovery of the kingdom God patiently offers 1.
How does faith tame the human heart?
Faith tames the human heart by transforming it through a deeper relationship with God, leading to a reorientation of desires and actions. This process involves several key aspects:
Faith initiates a profound change within the individual, often described as a "new creation". Through faith, individuals are converted, turning away from sin and towards God. This conversion is not merely an external change but an internal renewal of the heart, where the Holy Spirit begins to work, making the heart more receptive to divine grace and less inclined towards worldly desires. The Catechism of the Catholic Church emphasizes that conversion is a lifelong process, a continuous turning towards God that purifies and strengthens the heart.
Faith involves an act of obedience to God, a submission of intellect and will to Him. This obedience is rooted in trust, believing in God's truthfulness and His benevolent plan for humanity. When the heart trusts in God, it becomes less anxious, less driven by self-interest, and more willing to follow divine guidance, even when it is challenging. This trust helps to tame the heart's impulses, aligning them with God's will rather than purely human desires.
The human heart, affected by original sin, often struggles with disordered desires and passions. Faith, through grace, helps to purify these desires, redirecting them towards their proper end, which is God. As the heart grows in faith, it learns to love what God loves and to desire what is good and holy. This purification process involves a struggle against concupiscence, but with God's grace, the heart can be increasingly freed from the dominion of sin and self-centeredness.
At the core of faith's transformative power is charity, which is love infused by the Holy Spirit. Faith working through charity enables the heart to love God above all things and to love one's neighbor as oneself. This love is not merely an emotion but a theological virtue that shapes the heart's intentions and actions, leading to self-giving and compassion. When the heart is filled with charity, it becomes less prone to anger, envy, and other destructive passions, and more inclined towards peace, forgiveness, and generosity.
Faith is intrinsically linked with hope, providing a firm assurance of God's promises and the ultimate fulfillment of His plan. This hope helps to tame the heart by giving it a transcendent perspective, enabling it to endure trials and tribulations with patience and perseverance. When the heart is anchored in hope, it is less likely to be overwhelmed by worldly disappointments or to succumb to despair, maintaining a steady focus on eternal life.
In summary, faith tames the human heart by initiating a process of conversion, fostering obedience and trust in God, purifying disordered desires, infusing it with divine love, and anchoring it in hope. This holistic transformation leads to a heart that is increasingly aligned with God's will, capable of true love, and oriented towards holiness.