The New Testament offers us many precious insights into the faith expressions of the early Church. The opening words of today's first reading proclaim: "Jesus Christ, a descendant of David, was raised from the dead". The author clearly intended these words to form a neat summary of our faith and its background, for he declares: "This is the Gospel I preach."

These New Testament summary expressions of our faith are a constant reminder that faith is very different from theology. Faith seeks understanding, and so much theology has been elaborated by the Church and many dogmas have been defined to clarify the consequences of what we believe and so enrich our faith and increase our devotion.

The Creed which we recite after the Gospel at Mass is very theological. It is good, then, to return in prayer to the New Testament's simple faith expressions, for their simplicity and clarity may more easily help us to encounter the person of Jesus. He stands behind all the expressions, simple or theological, calling us to believe and to love. Through the faith that works through love, we shall live and reign in the Kingdom of God, forever, with Jesus Christ Our Lord and Saviour.