the scene. That picture may appear odd until we realize that faith and hope were there to help love on her way until she was mature enough to be alone. For she exists as the greatest of the sisters and deserves the preeminence, just as Christ remains the greatest of the sons of men and deserves the same. Faith, hope, and love are also referred to as the theological virtues. The whole Christian life, in terms of our living in response to God and his new work in us, springs from faith, hope, and love.