Faith is another way of knowing. It is not belief in certain doctrines or dogmas, but trust in God's promises and God's goodness. We are able to be inwardly certain of things even though we may not be able to see them, for this trust opens our heart to understanding and divine inspiration. In matters of faith, we cannot have all the answers, nor can we 'figure things out.' Only trust and love will lead us home, and with these, we can weather even the greatest of storms.

How do we use our time on earth? We think we have a long time, but we do not, and the end comes before we know it. In the gospel stories, slaves are left alone while their master is away. Some become lazy, others take to drunkenness and self-indulgence. But the master will return suddenly, when they least expect it. Will they be ready? What will the master find them doing? We should live each day as if it were our last, giving thanks for the precious gift of time on earth to learn and to grow, love and to serve. Hopefully we will not waste or squander our lives on worthless things, and if life should come to an end soon, we will feel a sense of gratitude and satisfaction with how we have lived.