The sermon delivered by John’s father during the regular Mass of the medical students' Catholic community at the Temple of Gierado, Thai Ha Parish, on May 11, 2017, reflects deeply on the importance of faith in Christianity and its role in shaping history. The Father begins his homily by addressing one of the greatest challenges faced by the Church and believers today: the crisis of faith. He asserts that a lack of faith, or a crisis of faith, leads to significant societal issues such as war, hatred, and death. He emphasizes that this crisis is not confined to the individual but affects the world at large.
In the sermon, the Father points out that trust in God is vital for facing the myriad challenges of life. He reminds the congregation that faith in God is not merely a personal journey, but something that impacts the collective well-being of society. He highlights that God has shown that faith is the key that allows humans to endure the hardships of life and navigate through adversities.
Drawing from the Scriptures, he references two readings that address historical prophecies and their fulfillment. He speaks about the prophecy in the Gospel where Jesus predicts betrayal, where the one who dips his hand in the same bowl as Jesus will betray him. This reference emphasizes that the Scriptures must be fulfilled and that, even in the darkest moments of history, God's plan was always in motion. Additionally, in the first reading, Paul discusses how David's actions fulfilled biblical prophecy, confirming the role of Jesus as the fulfillment of the Old Testament's promises.
Father also touches upon the importance of understanding that the foundation of Christianity is deeply rooted in history. He stresses that Christian faith is not based on abstract ideas or theological debates alone, but on a solid historical foundation. He quotes a French philosopher who said that Christianity is built upon a history that should not be forgotten. The problem, according to the philosopher, is that today’s understanding of Christianity often neglects its historical roots, focusing more on theological interpretations.
The Father continues by pointing out that Christianity is deeply intertwined with history, and its milestones are not just spiritual but also rooted in real places, real events, and real people. He recalls how even social holidays and religious observances have their origins in Christian history. To strengthen his point, he reflects on the apparition of Our Lady of Fatima, which occurred 100 years ago, underscoring that this event is not just a spiritual or mystical occurrence, but a historical event that holds significance in time, space, and for the characters involved. He reminds the congregation that true belief must be grounded in history, not in ambiguity or uncertain interpretations.
Looking back to the early days of Christianity, Father emphasizes that faith in God was a guiding force for the Apostles, who stood firmly on the foundation of their faith to demonstrate their belief in the divine plan. The Father laments that many people today, although they are familiar with history, do not truly know who Christ is because they are avoiding acknowledging Him. In his view, Jesus entered into history to reveal to humanity the true nature of life and God, strengthening and fortifying people’s faith through his teachings and prophecies.
Overall, the Father’s sermon calls the congregation to recognize that faith is not merely a personal sentiment but a historical truth, and that Christian beliefs are anchored in events that have occurred in history. The crisis of faith that is present today must be countered by a deep understanding of the historical roots of Christianity, the importance of God's presence throughout history, and the role of Christ in shaping human life and spiritual belief.