Faith by SFS

Translated by the Sisters of the Visitation of Holy Mary

FOREWORD: Faith is a real challenge to the Christian. So often we look upon it as something far removed from our every­day world and activity. It is one of those things we save for very special occasions, like the good silverware. Or, perhaps, it is simply that list of items recited in the Apostles' Creed. How much does such faith actually influence our lives?

And, what is more important, is this really Christian faith? Not at all. Faith is our act of believing God, of accepting that which he makes known to us. God invites us to share in his own mysterious life as his adopted heirs. This is what we believe and what we assent to when we make an act of real Christian faith. Such an act, then, changes the course of our entire life and should influence everything we do.

By faith we fix our eyes on the goal God has established for us and we join Jesus Christ in the work of salvation. It is quite important, then, that we try to understand this vital activity of the Christian. It is also important for us to strive to grow in faith and to make faith the guiding principle of our lives.

St. Francis de S ales provides us with an explanation not often found. His purpose is precisely to point out the real qualities of a strong belief in God and a firm assent to God's invitation. He does not stop with telling us what those qualities are. He also show’s us how we can make them the real characteristics of our own faith.

The reader will soon find that faith is a real challenge — a challenge that is constantly present, demanding attention and vigilance. Answering the challenge with conviction is the way to eternal life.