From my book, A Healing Rosary, a look at the virtue of faith associated with The First Glorious Mystery – The Resurrection.

Faith is defined as complete belief, trust or confidence in someone or something for which there is no tangible truth.  It is conviction, a confident assurance deep within the heart, mind and soul that propels one forward toward an invisible being or goal.   “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” (Hebrews 11:1)

Faith is a grace freely given by God to anyone who chooses to embrace it.  “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God— not the result of works, so that no one may boast.” (Ephesians 2:8-9)  We can do nothing to earn faith.  Faith is freely given and must be freely received.  But we can do works that strengthen our faith: our belief that God loves us; our understanding that God wills for us to obey His commandments; our belief in His Son and dedication to following His teachings; and, our acceptance of the gifts of the Holy Spirit.  “And without faith it is impossible to please God, for whoever would approach him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.” (Hebrew 11:6)

God wants us to rely upon Him, to trust Him in everything, to confidently believe that He will fulfill His promises to us.  He does not want us to worry or be afraid.  He has promised to take care of our every need.  We need the grace of faith to embrace these truths.  “For in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith.” (Galatians 3:26)