As we approach the Year of Faith, I am trying to catch Benedict’s thoughts on the topic more. One note I am picking up on from him is the power confessing faith has to grow faith — not only when we recite the Creed in public liturgy (which is a powerful impetus to growth in faith), but when we articulate our faith to those around us day to day.
Articulating faith can be in reference to Jesus, the Church, prayer, our moral teaching, and so on. Many times people will say to me that talking about their faith is just not ‘them,’ but as with anything else nothing is ‘you’ unless you practice it, risk trying and failing and trying again. Most of all, though, it’s not you, but the Spirit dwelling in your baptized self who desires to confess in and through you.
And to remember Jesus’ assertion that He works best in your weakness, not in your strength.
Summa
By chance, I came across this wonderful quote from Aquinas regarding when one should confess one’s Faith.
It is not necessary for salvation to confess one’s Faith at all times and in all places, but in certain places and at certain times, when, namely, by omitting to do so, we would deprive God of due honor, or our neighbor of a service that we ought to render to him: for instance, if a man on being asked about his Faith were to remain silent so as to make people believe either that he is without Faith, or that the Faith is false, or so as to turn others away from the Faith; for in such cases as these, confession of Faith is necessary for salvation.
Necessary for salvation. Wow.
