11 The Catholic meaning of “Faith” (1)

In this episode we discuss what is the Catholic concept of FAITH, as an act of our intelligence, moved by our will and the grace of God in response to God’s revelation. “Faith is the supernatural virtue which is necessary for salvation. It is a free gift of God and is accessible to all who humbly seek it. The act of faith is a human act, that is, an act of the intellect of a person - prompted by the will moved by God - who freely assents to divine truth.” (Compendium of the Catechism of the Catholic Church #28). However, it’s not a “blind” act of the will. It’s an act of the intelligence. And we should require signs or “reasons to believe” that God has spoken, so as to give the full ascent of our mind. We discuss the martyrdom of St. Polycarp, and a miracle performed through the intercession of St. John Newman, and the faith of a mother.