Disinterested faith in God

Abstract

In this brief reflection for the 27th Sunday in Ordinary Time (Cycle C), Fr Carlo Calleja critiques the commodification of religion in a neo-liberal consumer culture, drawing on Vincent Miller鈥檚 Consuming Religion to argue that faith is increasingly treated as a marketable choice devoid of internal conviction. Religious symbols and devotions, once vehicles for transmitting authentic belief, now serve political or social ends. Referencing a Discern study on Maltese Catholic youth, Calleja notes their affirmation of faith alongside struggles with its transcendent dimension. Through the Gospel parable of unexpecting servants (Luke 17:5-10) and Habakkuk鈥檚 assurance that the just live by faith (Hab. 2:4), he contrasts transactional 鈥減rosperity gospel鈥� mentalities with mature, disinterested faith that demands nothing in return鈥攅xemplified by Christ鈥檚 self-gift at the Last Supper.