IF...

The title of this article, “If,” is so short that it’s easy to overlook — yet few words carry so much weight in the Catholic imagination. These two simple letters hold the potential to launch beautiful dreams or plant seeds of destructive doubt.

On the positive side, the word “if” opens possibilities, like saying, "If I work hard, I can succeed." It encourages hope and stimulates creativity, like wondering, "What if we did it this way?" It motivates action by highlighting the rewards, like a teacher saying to their student, "If you study, you'll pass the exam." And it suggests a promising outcome, like me predicting, “If you are reading this article, you are probably a disciple of Jesus.”

"If" is the kind of word that sparks dreams — If I trust in God, maybe He will take care of everything. It invites us to imagine what God could do if only we dared to trust and surrender ourselves to His will. Consider the Gospel of Matthew, where Jesus says, “If you have faith the size of a mustard seed, nothing will be impossible for you” (Matthew 17:20). That tiny word, “if,” encourages us to believe in the miraculous, and to trust that God can work wonders through even the smallest act of faith. It does not demand perfection but presents many hopeful possibilities.

There is, however, another side to “if” that can be perilous. When used with doubt or hesitation, “if” becomes a stumbling block. During this Lenten season, we are reminded that Jesus was tempted in the desert by Satan with the word “if” (Matthew 4):

• “If You are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread.”
• “If You are the Son of God, throw yourself down.”
• “All these I will give you, if you kneel down and worship me.”

Satan’s use of “if” was not just about testing Jesus’ power — it was about trying to plant doubt in Jesus’ very identity as the Son of God. That is the same tactic the enemy uses against us today, aiming to make us question who we are in God's eyes. But Jesus bravely resisted these “if”-based lies. He knew and fully embraced His identity as the Son of God and remained grounded in His mission, united with His Father and the Holy Spirit.

In moments of trial, we too face the temptation to question God’s love or plan: “If God is good, why am I suffering?” We are fallible humans; our faith is often tested during challenging times. But our faith calls us to move beyond these doubts, trusting in God’s greater purpose even when we do not completely understand.

Just as Satan tempted Jesus to doubt His own identity, we too can be lured into believing a deceitful lie about our identity. But there is no "if" about our awe-inspiring identity: we are all made in the image and likeness of God. We are God’s beloved sons and daughters. And although we are sinners, Jesus came to forgive us and save us from our sins. We trust that promise. Our faith is founded on that truth.

I have seen too many people accept the lie about their true identity. That lie is often planted subtly through internal narratives like, I cannot really be God’s beloved son or daughter because I am not smart enough, not good enough, not holy enough, not attractive, not athletic, not popular, not likable… or even worse, not lovable. We are bombarded daily with subtle lies about our worth — in social media, in relationships, and even in our own thoughts. But God's truth is unwavering: you are His beloved. There’s no “if” about it. When we reject that basic lie and live in the light of our identity as a beloved daughter or son of God, we are on the road to true joy and salvation.

I invite you to eliminate any and all doubts about Jesus and yourself. God never says, I will only love you “if” you are perfect. God's love and mercy for you are unconditional.

So, as we journey through this Lenten season, let us reject the "if" of doubt and embrace the certainty of God’s love. Pray for the strength to ignore the negative “speak” and to center on the positive truths. With clarity and conviction, we proclaim that Jesus is God. He alone is worthy of our praise, honor, and glory. He is our Savior through His life, suffering, death, and resurrection. He has won the victory over death and offers eternal life to all who believe and follow Him.

You are a beloved child of God. When it comes to God and the divine love freely given to all of us, there is no “if” whatsoever!