It is hope and trust. And trust is an experience based on a relationship. Faith cannot be acquired in isolation. It isn t something you get by yourself. Faith is a communal phenomenon.
Faith is what happens when hope and trust come together.
I think of the empty chair Benedictine monks have in every monastery. It is the nicest chair, the Christ chair, and is always reserved for the stranger who may happen along. The monks are hopeful that such a stranger will come and they trust that when the stranger does come, they will see Christ in him or her. That is where hope and trust meet. They take to heart, Don t be afraid little flock, for it is your Father s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.