Faith formation

"Because faith, which is always God's gift and always to be asked for, must be nurtured by us. It is no magic power which comes down from heaven, it is not a 'talent' which is given once and for all, not a special force for solving all of life's problems....Faith is the golden thread which binds us to the Lord, the pure joy being with Him, united to Him; it is a gift that lasts our whole life, but bears fruit only if we play our part." 
~ Pope Francis (Homily at the Church of the Immaculate Conception, Bazu, Azerbaijan, October 2, 2016.