Despite how we feel sometimes we are never alone. The author of Hebrews speaks of being surrounded by a cloud of unseen witnesses - those holy souls who love us and guide us if we are willing. The life of the spirit can seem like an uphill climb sometimes, but Jesus has gone before us as the trailblazer and the one who gives us courage and a boost to our faith when we need it. The message is clear: don't get discouraged and never give up. There are so many who love you and depend on you, both in this world and the next.

Physical infirmity and death can appear as powerful obstacles. The woman with the flow of blood suffered for so long but her persistent faith healed her as she touched the cloak of Jesus. Even in the face of death, Jesus insisted that we should not be afraid but have faith. People laughed - but Jesus brought the little girl who had died back to the land of the living. In the face of so many personal struggles and difficulties and the world's suffering and injustice we must indeed have very great faith. If we do, we too will see the power of God's compassion and mercy.