Stories of Faith in this Season of Lent

The Bible states that faith without actions is dead.

I often say that I believe and trust God. However, when faith is tested, it can waver.

The following are some of my encounters with individuals who have shown their deep faith and trust in the Lord. Despite their difficulties and uncertain circumstances, they have full confidence that the Lord will take care of them.

1. A Woman of Faith

It was Ash Wednesday when I attended the 7 a.m. mass at the nearest church.

The early morning breeze heightened the solemnity of the Holy Eucharist.

Everything was in place, and everyone was attentive to the priest.

Suddenly, I heard a strange noise coming from behind me.

An elderly woman collapsed. Despite my shock at what had happened, I felt compelled to help the elderly woman.

Some churchgoers helped out.

Thankfully, the elderly woman regained consciousness. Throughout the remainder of the Holy Mass, she was encouraged to sit down and recuperate.

I was so concerned that something bad would happen to her, so I prayed for her well-being.

After the Holy Mass, I checked on the elderly woman. There I learned that her husband also suffered a stroke and that she’s the only one caring for him. This made me more concerned about her situation.

Three of us volunteered to assist her in returning home.

A fellow advised the elderly woman that she should no longer attend mass alone due to her condition.

But the old lady’s response made me admire her. She said she wanted to keep praising God even when going to church alone. That is something she wouldn’t give up, despite her condition.

I recall her saying how much she trusted the Lord and that she believed God would send her help if something bad happened.

This made me reflect.

The old woman has a deep love for God—a love accompanied by faith and trust. She doesn’t mind the inconvenience as long as she continues to worship the Lord.

She trusts that the Lord is with her and will never leave her. She surrenders her life to God and continues with her devotion as long as she is able.

Looking at her as I held her hand, I saw a woman of faith whose confidence is in the Lord. I heard no complaints, only gratitude for receiving help.

I was blessed by that experience.

“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” ~Psalm 46:1~

2. The Last Centavo

I was in college when this encounter happened. I attended a Sunday mass when a nun, who I guess was in her forties, sat beside me.

During the offertory, I took my wallet from my bag to look for coins to give. I always had that “discerning moment” as to how much to give because of my limited allowance. I wouldn’t pick up a paper bill because, as a student, it would hurt my pocket.

Unintentionally, I noticed the nun withdrawing her coin purse when I turned to look at her from my left side. She opened it and started looking for money to give. When she turned her coin purse on its side and couldn’t find anything, a centavo fell onto her palm. She kept her coin purse and gave her last centavo.

At that moment, admiration filled my heart, and I pondered about it. Witnessing her give her all to the last centavo was a picture of total trust and surrender to God—a literal act of giving her all to the Lord. That centavo was the most priceless centavo I’d ever seen, not because of its monetary value but because of the amount of love she put into her offering.

I remember what Mother Teresa said, “It is not how much we do, but how much love we put into the doing. It is not how much we give, but how much love is put into the giving.”

Whenever I open my coin purse during mass offertory, I always remember that nun and her last centavo—an inspiration to behold.

3. The Street Children

Children always have a special place in my heart.

I remember one time, as I was strolling at Rizal Park, I saw this bunch of free-spirited children joyfully playing under the heat of the sun. Since I have a passion for children, I approached them and talked with them. They were friendly enough to share their life stories with me.

Hearing their stories made me realize the opposite image behind their bright and innocent smiles. Some said they wanted to go to school, but their parents could not afford it. But what I admire about them is how they see life from a positive and hopeful perspective, despite the dim parts of its reality. They find joy in simple things, laugh at their own jokes, and are grateful for the smallest blessings they receive.

I wonder where they are right now. Ever since then, I have never met them again. I made a promise with these young ones that if one day we see each other again, I will be treating them to lunch at Jollibee.

Nevertheless, I was blessed by that encounter, as it reminded me of the beauty of simplicity and the value of gratitude. Their innocent smiles remind me that, though life can be tough at times, we should have that childlike attitude that finds beauty and hope in all things.

Wherever they are, I pray that the Lord may bless them, keep them, make His face shine upon them, and be gracious to them.

I hope that one day we’ll see each other again.

God’s goodness and faithfulness are manifested around us. Those manifestations can clearly be seen with the eyes of faith. When we believe, things begin to look different. We find hope, joy, and peace.

In Christ,

Kiana