We Can Act on Hope Rooted in the Divine

Herald of Hope

Where do you find hope these days?

Do you recall the name Pelagius? He was a theologian and exegete who taught in Rome in the late 4th/early 5th century. From him came the notion of Pelagianism which is the heresy that boasts that the human person can take the initial and fundamental steps toward salvation by his/her own efforts. In Pelagius’ world, there is no real need for God’s good grace. St. Augustine of Hippo came to the rescue by being the great antagonist of Pelagianism.

Among other things, Pelagianism is the great destroyer of hope. And it should come as no surprise that Pelagianism still rears its ugly head in our own day — especially in our Western culture.

However, for the Christian person, the ways in which we find and live in hope is found in our ability to remain rooted in transformative elements found only in the Divine:

* Reliance on God

* Trusting in the Lord Jesus

* Living in the Holy Spirit

* Abandoning ourselves to Divine Providence

Recall the words from St. Paul’s Letter to the Romans that we have heard with some frequency throughout this Jubilee Year of Hope:

Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access [by faith] to this grace in which we stand, and we boast in hope of the glory of God. Not only that, but we even boast of our afflictions, knowing that affliction produces endurance, and endurance, proven character, and proven character, hope, and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us. (Romans 5:1-5)

Over the course of 38 Wednesdays spanning the years 2016 to 2017, Pope Francis provided his “Catechesis on Hope.” It is a treasure trove of reflections on hope. If you were not exposed to it then — and/or if you wish to visit it now, I believe you can track it down courtesy of Opus Dei (www.opusdei.org). If not, simply do a google search. If I am not mistaken, I believe there is a published edition.

For your reflection here, I have simply drawn a few statements from the practical wisdom of Pope Francis found in this series of catechetical talks. Now more than ever — as we look through the eyes of faith at the world around us — we need not only to grow hope within our own hearts — but to foster it in the lives of others regardless of their faith journey, political leaning, or view of people who are different from them.

I ask that you spend some time pondering the statements — highlight the ones that speak to your heart — or perhaps there are certain ones you may want to return to later. Do any resonate with you at this particular moment on your journey — in your struggles …

These statements are born of a hope-filled spirit. They are intended to provoke hope. These are places to find hope.

Enemy No. 1 is not out there somewhere, but inside oneself. Do not allow room for bitter or dark thoughts.
Believe in the existence of the most noble and beautiful truths — and trust that God, through the Holy Spirit, is ushering everything toward the good, toward Christ’s embrace.
Believers are not alone in their faith. There are others who hope, too. The world goes on thanks to the vision of many people who created an opening, who built bridges, who dreamed and believed, even when they heard words of derision around them.
Never believe that the struggles here on earth are useless. God never disappoints and he wants that seed he planted in everyone to bloom. God made us to flower.
Wherever you are — build!
When life gets hard, and you have fallen — get up. Never stay down. Get up and let people help you to your feet.
If you’re sitting — start walking! Begin the journey!
If you’re bored stiff, crush boredom with good works.
If you feel empty and demoralized, ask if the Holy Spirit may newly replenish that void.
Work for peace among people.
Do not listen to those who spread hatred and division.
No matter how different people are from one another, human beings were created to live together. With disputes, wait patiently. One day you will discover that a sliver of truth has been entrusted to everyone.
Love people. Respect everyone’s journey — whether it be troubled or down the straight and narrow because everyone has a story behind them.
Every baby born is the promise of a life that once again shows it is stronger than death.
Jesus has given us a light that shines in the darkness — defend it — protect it. This unique light is the greatest richness entrusted to your life.
Dream of a world still not seen — but will certainly come one day. Think of those who sailed oceans — scaled mountains — conquered slavery — or made life better for people on earth.
Be responsible. Every injustice against someone poor is an open wound, and countless generations will come after you have lived.
Ask God for courage every day. Remember Jesus conquered fear for us and not even our most treacherous enemy can do anything against faith.
If fear or evil looms so large that it seems insurmountable, remember that Jesus lives in you. And, through you, it is he, who, with his meekness, wants to subdue all enemies of humanity, namely sin — hatred — crime — and violence.
Be courageous in speaking the truth, but never forget, you are not above anyone. Even if one feels certain that he or she is the last person on earth who holds to the truth, do not spurn the company of human beings for this reason.
Hold onto ideals and live for something greater than yourself, even if it comes at a high price.
Nothing is more human than making mistakes and these mistakes must not become a prison for you. The Son of God came not for the healthy, but the sick so people should not be afraid to get up again and start over when they fall, because God is your friend.
If bitterness strikes, firmly believe in all those people who still work for the good; the seed of a new world is in their humility.
Spend time with people who have kept a child-like heart. Learn from splendor — nurture amazement.
Live — love — believe — and with God’s grace, never despair!!