Mark A. Jackson's Faith Story

James in Chapter 2:14-17 writes, "What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no needs? Can such faith save him? Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to him, "Go I wish you well; keep warm and well fed," but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if not accompanied by action is dead."

If we are to truly live the life of Christ then it is inconceivable that someone who has accumulated wealth or is in a position of power could turn their back on those less fortunate and still call themselves a Christian. Why then are we more concerned with our own self-interest then the awful injustices done to others?

For whose life matters the most? There is no justification for preferring one human life over another. If a people in a faraway land whom we know nothing about are dying in war, or from want of food or disease, or have no clothes and shelter shouldn't their needs come before our own self-interest?

When we have given up our own self-interest and reach out to all humanity - those in need - then we have found our faith in Jesus Christ. The challenge laid down by Christ is not only to believe in him, but to take an active interest in the sufferings of the poor and the injustices in this world and to feel an obligation toward them.

Faith therefore, for me, is a call to ACTION!

-Mark A. Jackson
has been a parishioner since 1993. He and his wife Elizabeth have two children, Christopher and Elizabeth Joy. Mark is the City Administrator for Story City and is the Chair of the STA Board of Education.