There are many people who are convinced that faith cannot exist in the world without their own constructs and programs. Some argue that a certain culture is necessary for faith to come into existence, while others insist that their faith formation program is the essential sine qua non of faith's existence in the universe. Today's Gospel reading disabuses us of such vanities and idolatries.
Jesus presents to us the example of the widow of Zarephath and Naaman the Leper from Syria. Both of these foreigners have faith in the word of the prophet spoken to them, and both receive relief from God. An entire foreign city - Nineveh - accepts the word of the prophet Jonah and repents, receiving God's mercy and pardon.
Faith can exist in every place and time, for it is a free gift of God that is not in any way dependent on us in any way. We do not create it through some culture; in fact, that culture becomes itself a false god. It does not come about through some program, which also becomes of itself an idol of our egos. Faith is ultimately a mystery of God that is not in any way controlled by human agency. It is a gift given to us all that we may accept, open, and share through deeds of love and mercy. Or it may be refused or abused to the detriment of its recipient and others.
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