Hope

I used to be an optimist, but not anymore. I am not worried, though. I have hope. Whether my change of heart has anything to do with this year being the Jubilee of Hope, I do not know. What I do know is as my faith and love for God deepen so does my sense of hope.

Hope springs eternal; optimism does not. Hope does not disappoint us, “because the love of God has been poured out into our hearts through the holy Spirit that has been given to us” [Romans 5:5]. With hope, I believe the grace of God will see me through each day.

“Buoyed up by hope, [we are] preserved from selfishness and led to the happiness that flows from charity” [CCC 1818]. In other words, hope is not just a feeling but a virtue. Hope inspires us to act with love and selflessness, especially when circumstances are bleak.

Strength and Purpose

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the holy Spirit” [Romans 15:13]. Hope is part of Heaven’s package that includes faith and charity (love of God and neighbor). We need all three virtues to participate in our Lord’s divine nature for the sake of our salvation.

Putting on “the breastplate of faith and love and the helmet that is hope for salvation” [1 Thessalonians 5:8] protects us from despair. We have strength and purpose in our daily living. Having optimism is not enough to persevere, to seek light in the midst of darkness, and to believe that every trial holds the possibility of God’s grace. “For God did not destine us for wrath, but to gain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us” [1 Thessalonians 5:9–10].

So much in life occurs beyond comprehension and explanation. Time and again we have witnessed how life can change instantly, often tragically and traumatically. Doubts assail us; our hearts grow weary. Hope with faith and charity assures us—with God’s grace we can make our lives and our world better, even in the worst of times.

Our Prayers Matter!

To tap into that infinite source of strength and goodness for our virtues, we pray with steadfast trust and humble supplication. Our prayers matter because prayer is our lifeline to Heaven. How else can each of us have a personal relationship with our Lord?

In that divine relationship, we have life that is woven in faith, hope, and charity. Therefore, let us not underestimate the power of prayer as those around us question its purpose. God’s love by way of His grace is at work, strengthening our faith, replenishing our charity—keeping hope alive! If we think our prayers are meaningless, we deprive ourselves of God’s loving grace.

Keeping hope alive shuts the door to despair—sin against hope [CCC 2091]. Praying faithfully each day wards off the temptation. Prayer takes effort, no doubt. Often I struggle with daily prayer—too much noise, not enough time, etc., but I refuse to give up. I have the comfort of knowing that Holy Mary, Mother of God, brings hope to all people; that those who persevere in prayer to Mary can trust in our Lord’s loving response. May the God of hope fill us with peace and joy. Amen!