Fervent praise and thanksgiving prevent us from ever losing our sights on God. Fervency is tough, because it requires consistency. Consistency is tough because it requires tenacity. Tenacity is tough because it requires commitment. This is what Jesus is asking, are you up for it? Jesus wants fervency. He wants a commitment. This is the message of breaking open the Word this week. Just like Jesus asked us recently in a Gospel a few Sundays back, “will you be my disciple” This is not just an “at whim” question, but is one that requires our contemplation, because Jesus is asking us for a commitment. It’s a radical decision to be His disciple. He does not want us to be wishy washy, fence-sitting, or lukewarm. He wants us to be faithful to him 24/7/365/52. That’s it.

This week we reflect on faith, healing, gratitude, and God’s mercy. God’s love reaches everyone, no matter who they are or where they come from. Faith means trusting Him even when life is difficult or confusing. His mercy is freely given, and He cares for all who turn to Him. This Sunday we are reminded to give thanks. Many people receive blessings but forget to thank God. Gratitude is a sign of true faith because it recognizes that every good gift comes from God. Living with faith and gratitude helps us notice God’s care in our lives and draws us closer to Him. Do you really notice how God has blessed you? Not with material things but through healing, mercy, and the gift of faith. People wake up, go to work, eat meals, and live their lives without thinking about where these gifts come from. It is easy to take blessings for granted. Our faith grows stronger when we trust God and give Him praise.

This week we are reminded about the importance of faith in everyday actions and the power of even the smallest acts of service. We are encouraged to recognize the gift of human life as a sign of hope and to defend life in all stages and circumstances and to understand that nothing can separate us from God’s love no matter what we might do. It is not enough to be a part of a parish family because for our faith to be alive we must share it with others through service. We should see the image of God in our neighbor no matter who they might be. We are encouraged to help those who refuse God’s love even during their difficult times. Phoenix, our state capital, should be a reminder to us. The phoenix is a mythical bird that, when newly hatched from the ashes, has little tender feathers and it can only leap rather than fly.

Oh, to have the faith of a mustard seed! That would be some incredible faith! Is it possible to muster up such faith in the midst of our doubt, fear, or lack of trust? All eyes are upon Erika Kirk these days, due to the death of her husband Charlie Kirk, some may have known her, while many have gotten to know of her because of that horrific day. Faith requires hardship, and in the face of hardship, we either can fold or have faith to move mountains. That was the display recently as Erika Kirk was dealt an unfair blow, that had changed her course indefinitely as wife, mother, and now as CEO.