There is satisfaction in dwelling on the meaning of the word "faithfulness". It is a word that comes to the fore as we share in thanksgiving services for the blessings of harvest - signs of God's faithfulness. We give thanks for the gardeners' and farmers' faithfulness in co-operating with the Creator and achieving harvests of beauty and usefulness. There is something both assuring and hope-producing to be said for participating in harvest thanksgiving, with its reminders of God's faithfulness on display. It gives one a "lift". It can restore a sense of purpose and the desire to work with the satisfying source of all that is best in life.
Confidence in the faithfulness of the Creator is basic in the farmer's or gardener's mind, as he plans ahead. The same confidence must be in the believer's mind as he prays for his daily bread. The writer of the Epistle to the Hebrews answers the question, "What is faith?", by saying: "Faith gives substance to our hopes and makes us certain of realities we do not see. It is for their faith that men of old stand on record."
The writer then named heroes of the faith and what they achieved through their faithfulness. And the list continues up to the present. Only yesterday Raymond, a faithful priest of the church, celebrated his 99th birthday. He is still doing what he has been glad to do since he was ordained in 1931 - celebrating the Eucharist with clear diction. He loves to quote words said to him: "There is nothing more lovely than an old priest croaking at the altar!"
Raymond the priest is deeply schooled in the law of love, faithfully expressed and always followed through with care. He always remembered his widowed mother with gentle respect, and with reverence. He is the epitome of discretion and confidentiality. Rarely, if ever, would he speak of his faithful chaplaincy with those disturbed mentally, night and day from 1939 to 1976.
An instance of his persistent faithfulness is seen in the way he behaved in the emergency when there was a destructive fire in his church. He made sure the essential prayer life continued. Strict on himself in observing a careful prayer life, reading, and regular Communion, he had none of a "false piety that knows not mirth!"
As we partake in the Eucharist we celebrate the miracle of harvest through the faithfulness of God in harmony with those faithful people working with Him. We have learned from the saints to be concerned to be faithful and expressing it, rather than dwelling on being impressive and so-called "successful". God gives the increase. We help Him.
Deo gratias.