Today we hear, sadly, a lot about mental illness. There is an epidemic of loneliness, depression, anxiety and other conditions that makes the lives of many miserable. That is why it is so comforting to hear Jesus say to his disciples: "Do not be afraid, little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom." (Lk 12: 32) How can we, in 2025, rely on this promise and allow it to give us strength in meeting the challenges of a complex world where things are changing so rapidly? Our answer comes from the Second Reading: "Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. Indeed, by faith our ancestors received approval." (Heb 11: 1) It is the gift of faith, both of the Church and personal, that gives me the assurance that the desires in my heart for love, peace and ultimately eternal life, are not deluded. St Paul tells us: "... for we walk by faith, not by sight. Yes, we do have confidence, and we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord. So whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to please him." (2 Cor 4: 7-9) Our desire to what is right and good, including our participation in Sunday Mass, arises not from duty or fear but out of gratitude and love. We rejoice, as our ancestors in faith did, that the good we do finds its meaning in the great and higher purpose given us by God and sustained by his grace: "Therefore, my beloved, be steadfast, immovable, always excelling in the work of the Lord, because you know that in the Lord your labour is not in vain." (1 Cor 15: 58)
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