Many years ago, back in 2011, I wrote the following piece, entitled “The New ‘F’ Word,” for The Catholic Witness. Part of it is worth repeating today:
“I recently had the privilege of attending a professional development in-service with educators from around the state of Pennsylvania. I was amazed at how much electrical excitement went through the room as we collaborated and discussed the challenges of integrating technology as we teach learners in the 21st century. I experienced amazing energy as we discussed common experiences and best practices we had witnessed in our teaching. It was a joy to be in a room where educators were enlivened with the thrill of working with youth.
As the day progressed, I became keenly aware of the HUGE difference our schools possess: faith in God. One of the Catholic educators that accompanied me to this conference used the “f word” above. That’s right; she used the word faith to describe, at a very high level, the unique aspect of her school. The reaction across the room was like a match touching a gallon of gasoline. Those who didn’t share this vision were visibly upset by the mere mention of the word. Teachers suddenly became indignant and downright argumentative when this teacher suggested that faith in God should be the key ingredient of any educational institution.”
Even though this story dates to 2011, the “new ‘f’ word” still exists. In the years since, I think the word faith has become more of an arguing point in our culture. I think the separation between believers and non-believers has become increasingly evident. Yet, at the same time, some people are even more adamant about showing their faith. This gives me a great amount of hope.
In the early 4th century, St. Cyril of Jerusalem wrote, “Everything that is accomplished in the world, even by those outside of the Church, is accomplished by faith. By faith the laws of marriage bring together those who lived as strangers…. By faith the farmer keeps at his work, for anyone who did not believe that he would get the harvest would not stand for the hard work. By faith sailors, trusting to the thinnest board, trade the land – that most solid element – for the restless motion of waves, committing themselves to uncertain hopes, and carrying with them a faith surer than any anchor. So, by faith most of human affairs are held together. Not only we have this belief, but – as I said – outsiders as well. For if they do not believe the Scriptures, but hold certain teachings of their own, even these they accept on faith.”1
The first few words of the quote above makes me pause. “Everything that is accomplished in the world … is accomplished by faith.” When you truly choose to live out faith, a piece of the world changes. Profound faith breeds trust in a God who loves each and every one of us beyond our wildest dreams. This love isn’t based on what God “gets from us.” He loves us because he does. But when a soul accepts this love despite whatever might be going on in that individual’s life, even in the middle of pain and personal chaos, peace is born. Pope Leo XIV says, “We need to be courageous in the witness we give, with the world above all with life: giving life, serving, sometimes with great sacrifices in order to live out this very mission.”2
This is how peace, trust, and faith become our own personal “mosaic.” What a magnificent work of art!
1Aquilina, Mike. A Year with the Church Fathers: Patristic Wisdom for Daily Living. Saint Benedict Press, 2010. Pg. 76.
2Leo. Peace Be with You! My words to the Church and to the World. HarperOne, an Imprint of Harper Collins Publishers, 2026. Pg.31.
By Sister Geralyn Schmidt, SCC, The Catholic Witness
