The Duties of Faith
1. To know the faith.
A true disciple will never know enough about his or her faith. As infinite as God is, what
can be known of Him is infinite as well. One who does not strive to know better his or
her faith sins by omission. There are formal ways of knowing the faith, like taking
courses on religious and theological matters. There are also informal ways, like taking
part in prayer sessions and in meetings of the basic ecclesial community.
But the minimum that one is to celebrate the Eucharist and to be attentive at the
exposition of the Word of God in the homily. Thus, the minister who fails to deliver a
clear and inspiring homily also fails in his duty of giving people that minimum amount of
knowledge possible.
2. To profess the faith.
There are instances in life when the faith must be professed. At the reception of certain
sacraments, like the Sacraments of Christian initiation, the candidate is asked to profess
his or her faith. And when someone is charged with a special responsibility in the
Christian community, as in assuming the office of Parish Priest, one is asked to profess
the faith. In times of trials and persecution, one is asked to profess the faith, even at the
risk of losing one's life.
3. To spread the faith.
This duty is in obedience to the Lord’s missionary mandate: "Go, therefore, and make
disciples of all nations" (Mt 28:19). To spread the faith is the duty of every disciple of
Christ. There are three models of such missionary endeavors. The first is St. Francis
Xavier. He exemplifies the effort of the Christian community to plant the Church. This
consists of leaving one’s homeland and in going to places in the world where the Gospel
is unknown to build up a Christian community.
To know the faith.
Understanding the importance of knowing one's faith is essential for any
disciple of Christ. The journey of faith is not static; it requires continual
growth and deepening of understanding. This is rooted in the belief that
God is infinite/boundless, and thus, the knowledge of Him is also
boundless. Engaging with one's faith allows individuals to develop a
personal relationship with God, which is foundational to living a
Christian life.
The Role of the Eucharist and the Word of God
The Eucharist and the Word of God are central to the life of a Christian.
The Eucharist, as the source and summit of Christian life, nourishes
believers with the Body and Blood of Christ, fostering spiritual growth
and unity within the Church community Participation in the Eucharist is
not merely a ritual; it is an encounter with Christ that strengthens faith
and encourages discipleship
Similarly, the Word of God, found in Scripture, is vital for understanding
God's revelation and His will for humanity. Regular engagement with
Scripture helps believers to discern God's voice in their lives and to grow
in wisdom and understanding.
Minimum Requirements for Engaging with Faith. While there are
formal avenues for learning about the faith, such as catechetical courses
and theological studies, there are also informal methods that can be
equally enriching. The minimum requirement for someone to engage
with their faith, particularly regarding the Eucharist and the Word of
God, includes:
Participation in the Eucharist: Attending Mass regularly, especially on
Sundays, is essential. This participation is not only a commandment but
also a means of receiving grace and strength for the Christian journey
Reading and Reflecting on Scripture: Engaging with the Bible,
even in small doses, allows individuals to familiarize themselves
with God's teachings and the life of Jesus. This can be done
through personal study or group Bible studies
Prayer: Developing a habit of personal and communal prayer is
crucial. Prayer opens the heart to God and fosters a deeper
relationship with Him, allowing for a more profound
understanding of faith.
Community Involvement: Being part of a faith community
provides support and opportunities for learning from others. This
can include participating in prayer groups, service projects, or
church events that promote fellowship and shared learning
Catechesis: Engaging in catechetical instruction, whether
formally or informally, helps to build a solid foundation in the
faith. This can include attending classes, reading catechetical
materials, or participating in discussions about faith topics
In summary, knowing one's faith is a lifelong journey that involves
active participation in the sacraments, engagement with Scripture,
and a commitment to prayer and community. These elements are
essential for a vibrant and growing faith life, enabling disciples to live
out their calling to holiness and evangelization.
2.To profess the faith means to openly declare and live out your belief in God and the teachings
of Christianity. There are moments in life when this is especially important:
1. During Sacraments: For example, in sacraments like Baptism or Confirmation, people
are asked to publicly state their faith.
2. Taking on Special Roles: When someone takes on an important role in the Church, like
becoming a Parish Priest, they publicly profess their faith as part of their commitment.
3. In Difficult Times: During trials or persecution, Christians may be called to stand firm in
their faith, even if it’s challenging or risky.
Professing faith isn’t just about words; it’s about showing your trust in God through your actions
and choices, no matter the circumstances.
3.To spread the faith.
This duty is in obedience to the Lord’s missionary mandate: "Go, therefore, and make
disciples of all nations" (Mt 28:19). To spread the faith is the duty of every disciple of Christ.
There are three models of such missionary endeavors. The first is St. Francis Xavier. He
exemplifies the effort of the Christian community to plant the Church. This consists of
leaving one’s homeland and in going to places in the world where the Gospel is unknown to
build up a Christian community.
Spreading the faith is an important responsibility for Christians, as Jesus instructed in the Bible:
"Go and make disciples of all nations" (Matthew 28:19). Every follower of Christ is called to
share the message of the Gospel.
One example of how this can be done is shown by St. Francis Xavier. He is a model of
missionaries who travel far from home to share the Christian faith in places where it is not yet
known. His work focused on starting and building Christian communities in new areas, showing
dedication and sacrifice for spreading the message of Christ.
This approach highlights how spreading the faith can involve personal effort, sacrifice, and a
commitment to helping others come to know and live the Gospel.
