Sharpening the Faith: Discovering What We Truly Believe
In my 53 years as a Catholic, one thing keeps surprising me: many of us still don’t fully know or understand the basic teachings of our faith. We go to Mass, pray regularly, and some of us even went to Catholic schools—yet we might still be unsure about what we really believe.
But here’s the good news: learning about our faith has never been easier. With tools like the Church’s new Magisterium AI, we now have quick access to the Catechism and Church teachings, right at our fingertips.
That’s what inspired me to start this reflection series—Sharpening the Faith. I believe the Holy Spirit gave me the nudge to create a space where we can rediscover the foundations of what we believe, together.
“We believe.”
Two simple words. But they can carry a world of meaning—especially when things feel hopeless.
Let me take you back to the early 2000s. Our university basketball team was always so close to winning a championship—but never quite made it. For years, we’d lose by just a few points. Yet, after every game, win or lose, our cheerleaders and players would shout the same phrase: “We believe.”
It seemed like just a chant. But over time, those words became something more—something that reminded us to hope, even when there was no reason to. Then in 2008, after years of heartbreak, it happened: we won. Not just once, but three times in a row. That simple belief helped carry us through.
Now, years later, I’ve moved from the Philippines to Europe, and I’m facing a very different kind of challenge. Life here hasn’t been easy. I’ve struggled with loneliness, discrimination, and doubts. Some days I feel so low, I ask, “Lord, where are You in all this?”
Have you ever felt that way?
Have you ever questioned if God is even real?
Back to Basics: Where We Find God
The Church gives us a beautiful starting point. In the Catechism of the Catholic Church, paragraph 36 says:
“God… can be known with certainty from the created world by the natural light of human reason… because [man] is created ‘in the image of God.’”
In other words, even without visions or miracles, we can come to know that God exists—by using our reason, and by paying attention to the world and people around us.
So today, let’s try a simple spiritual reflection that can help us connect with this idea.
Spiritual Exercise: Seeing God Through Selfless Love
Find a quiet space. Take a few deep breaths. Then, gently close your eyes and think back to a time in your life when you experienced selfless love.
A love that gave everything and expected nothing in return. A love that lifted you up. Maybe it was from a parent, a friend, a teacher—or even a stranger.
Ask yourself:
- What exactly happened during that moment? Picture it clearly.
- Who showed you that kind of love?
- How did it make you feel?
- What made it truly selfless?
- Do you think it reflects the kind of love Jesus showed during His time on Earth?
What This Means for Our Faith
When Jesus gave His life for us on the cross, He showed the ultimate act of selfless love. Not for gain. Not for glory. But purely out of love for us.
So when we see or experience that kind of love in others, it points to something bigger—something divine. That kind of love doesn’t just “happen.” It mirrors the heart of God.
It’s not just instinct or emotion. True selfless love is a conscious choice—a decision to put someone else first, even if it costs us something. And that, my friends, is where God is.
As 1 John 4:8 says:
“Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.”
So as we continue this journey of rediscovering our faith, let’s start with that one truth:
God is real. And He shows Himself through love.
Let us learn, reflect, and grow—together. One step, one belief at a time.
We believe….
Prayer
After our reflection, let us offer a simple prayer to the Lord by singing the Magnificat by David Haas, Click on the YouTube link to sing with it:
The Magnificat – All that I am – David Haas – Lyrics
