Scripture very rarely gives a definition of any concept. Scripture more frequently presents its teaching through stories than through analysis and definitions. Therefore, when the opening words of today's passage from the Letter to the Hebrews give a definition of faith, it should be of interest to us to listen carefully to what the writer says. "Faith is confident assurance concerning what we hope for". Faith is also "conviction about things we do not see".

Science has taught us that there are many things that we do not see though we can be certain about them. Elementary science teaches us that water is H2O. Most of us can only believe this, for we have no way of proving that it is true. We cannot see the element of hydrogen nor the two elements of oxygen. Much less can we see the way in which they combine even if we can understand what the combination means. If this is true of the physical world, how much more is it true of the spiritual life and of the mystery of existence!

The first statement about faith skilfully points out the relationship of faith and hope. We who enjoy the gift of faith must become sources of hope for a world without much human hope and even less divine hope.