Faith Is Person to Person

Deep within every human heart is the desire to love and to be loved, a desire to know and to be known, a desire for true intimacy. But even more glorious and mysterious is the movement of God toward us human beings.

This is the encounter between the infinite God who takes the initiative to approach humanity and the creature who receives this gift in faith. This Word, sent from the Father, is not sent merely to announce or to declare information. The Word is sent to reveal the Trinity itself. This encounter takes place in a powerful way in and through the Incarnation. The fullness of revelation is thus the encounter on the deepest level between creator and creature, and lived within the context of the whole ecclesial character of the Church.

At the very heart of the Vatican II document Dei Verbum (The Word of God) is the mystery of this encounter. Hearing is the first word of the prologue of Dei Verbum. It is a striking and provocative point of departure that signals the posture of the creature in relation to Creator who seeks to reveal himself. It is a posture that invites the creature into an intimate relationship with the Creator who, by means of revelation, embraces the creature in love. Here we recognize that the living God has actually spoken to humanity. God takes the initiative and reveals the mystery of the Trinity to humanity through humanity.

The mystery of divine revelation is thus a deeply transformative encounter with Christ. As Dei Verbum continues, it speaks to faith, our response to this wonderful gift of revelation. To make this act of faith, the grace of God and the interior help of the Holy Spirit must precede and assist, moving the heart and turning it to God, opening the eyes of the mind and giving joy and ease to everyone in assenting to the truth and believing in it' (no. 5). Faith establishes a living relationshipperson to person. Thus through revelation, God comes toward us, and through faith we turn toward God and give ourselves to God in friendship.

As always, it is my hope the articles in this issue of Mosaic shed some light on this mystery and also inspire you in your own prayer and discipleship. Be assured of the continued prayers of the Sacred Heart community for you and your loved ones.

Sincerely yours in Christ,

Rev. Msgr. Todd J. Lajiness

Rector/President