OUR LADY OF THE MOST HOLY TRINITY COLLEGE SEMINARY

Sitio Langon, Cararayan, Naga City

Medieval Philosophy
Mark Steven Clave
Philosophy - 2
September 16, 2023

" Faith is to believe what you do not yet see;

the reward for this faith is to see what you believe.”

-Saint Augustine

Faith, an intrinsic aspect of human existence, has been a subject of

contemplation and wonder for millennia. It transcends religious boundaries and holds a
profound place in the hearts and minds of individuals from diverse backgrounds. Saint
Augustine, a revered theologian and philosopher of the early Christian church,
encapsulated the essence of faith in his profound statement: "Faith is to believe what
you do not yet see; the reward for this faith is to see what you believe." These words
continue to resonate with people across the world, transcending time and offering a
profound insight into the nature of faith.

Saint Augustine, born in 354 AD in North Africa, is best known for his
philosophical and theological contributions to the early Christian church. His journey
towards faith was marked by a personal struggle and a profound spiritual
transformation. Augustine's writings, particularly his autobiographical "Confessions,"
provide a glimpse into his quest for faith and understanding of its nature.

The quote, "Faith is to believe what you do not yet see; the reward for this faith is
to see what you believe," reflects Augustine's deep spiritual journey. It encapsulates the
essence of faith as the bridge between the unseen and the seen, the intangible and the
tangible. Augustine suggests that faith requires believing in something beyond the
immediate sensory experience, trusting in its existence, and eventually, through faith,
coming to witness its reality.
 At its core, faith involves taking a leap into the unknown. It requires individuals to
embrace beliefs, values, and truths that may not be immediately evident through
empirical evidence. In a world that often values empirical proof and rationality, faith
stands as a testament to the power of belief beyond what is visible and provable. This
leap into the unknown is not an act of irrationality, but rather an acknowledgment of the
limitations of human perception and understanding.

Saint Augustine's assertion that faith involves believing in what is not yet seen is
a reminder that faith challenges us to go beyond our comfort zones, to embrace
uncertainty, and to trust in something greater than ourselves. It is an invitation to
explore the vast realm of the unseen, recognizing that there is much in this world and
beyond it that defies immediate comprehension.

The second part of Saint Augustine's statement speaks of the reward of faith,
which is to see what one believes. This aspect of faith is a testament to its
transformative power. When we place our trust in something beyond the visible, when
we have faith, we open ourselves to a deeper understanding and connection with that
which we believe in.

In religious contexts, this reward of faith often refers to experiencing the divine or
feeling a profound connection with a higher power. It is the realization that faith is not
merely a mental exercise but a lived experience. Through faith, individuals often report
experiencing a sense of purpose, peace, and a deeper connection to the world around
them.

Moreover, the reward of faith extends beyond the realm of religion. It can be
applied to various aspects of life, such as relationships, personal growth, and the pursuit
of dreams and aspirations. When we have faith in ourselves and our abilities, we are
more likely to persevere through challenges and achieve our goals. The reward of faith
in this context is the fulfillment of our potential and the realization of our dreams.
 Saint Augustine's words resonate with the human condition itself. We are
inherently curious beings, driven by a desire to understand the world and our place in it.
However, there are limits to what we can perceive and comprehend through our senses
and reason alone. Faith, in its various forms, offers us a way to transcend these limits.

Faith enables us to grapple with the existential questions that have puzzled
humanity for centuries: the meaning of life, the nature of existence, and the existence of
a higher purpose. It provides a framework for addressing these questions and finding
meaning and purpose in a world that can often seem chaotic and uncertain.

In times of adversity and hardship, faith can be a source of solace and strength.
It gives us the resilience to endure difficulties and the hope for a better future. Just as
Saint Augustine's faith sustained him through personal struggles and uncertainties, so
too can faith be a guiding light in our own lives.

Belief is a potent force that shapes our perceptions and actions. It has the power
to create reality and influence the course of our lives. When we believe in something
strongly, it can become a self-fulfilling prophecy. This principle is at the heart of Saint
Augustine's statement about faith.

In the realm of science, belief in the potential of a hypothesis or theory can drive
researchers to explore new avenues and make groundbreaking discoveries. In the
realm of relationships, believing in the possibility of love and connection can lead
individuals to open themselves up to meaningful connections with others. In the realm of
personal growth, believing in one's ability to change and grow can be the catalyst for
transformation.

In essence, faith is a testament to the power of belief. It reminds us that what we

believe in has the potential to shape our reality. When we believe in the unseen, we
create the conditions for it to manifest in our lives.
 Saint Augustine's words, "Faith is to believe what you do not yet see; the reward
for this faith is to see what you believe," continue to inspire and resonate with people
from all walks of life. They capture the essence of faith as a profound and
transformative force in human existence. Faith calls us to embrace the unknown, to trust
in the unseen, and to believe in the possibility of a reality beyond our immediate
perception.

Whether in the context of religion, personal growth, relationships, or the pursuit of

dreams, faith offers us a pathway to transcend the limitations of our senses and reason.
It is a reminder that belief has the power to shape our reality and that the rewards of
faith are often profound and life-changing.

In a world marked by uncertainty and doubt, the wisdom of Saint Augustine

reminds us of the enduring power of faith. It invites us to take that leap into the
unknown, to trust in what we cannot yet see, and to discover the transformative rewards
that await those who have the courage to believe. Faith, as Augustine understood it, is
not blind; rather, it is a profound act of trust and a source of illumination on our journey
through life.