"All depends on faith, everything is grace" (Rm 4:16). We are saved by grace through faith (Eph 2:8). "Believing in Jesus Christ and in the One Who sent Him for our salvation is necessary for obtaining that salvation" (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 161). "Without faith, it is impossible to please" God (Heb 11:6). We are to live "a life of faith in the Son of God, Who loved" us and gave His life for us (Gal 2:20; see also 2 Cor 13:5). We must "walk by faith, not by sight" (2 Cor 5:7). Those who believe are those who conquer the world (1 Jn 5:5).

"Faith is confident assurance concerning what we hope for, and conviction about things we do not see" (Heb 11:1). Faith is the result of a good personal relationship. A good personal relationship is based on good communication. Good communication depends on listening (see Mk 9:7). Thus, "faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of God" (Rm 10:17, our transl.). The Scriptures are a 2000-page point of reference by which we can discern whether God is behind the events, thoughts, activities, and conversations of our lives. Then, once we let the Bible get us attuned to the Lord, we develop a good relationship with Him and establish that confident assurance in Him that is faith.

Abide in God's word (Jn 15:7). Meditate on it (Ps 1:2) and recite it day and night (Jos 1:8). You will hear the Lord. Then you will grow in a loving relationship with Him and have faith in Him.

Rescript:  †Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, July27, 2010

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