Embracing Hope in Christ E-Book

Kris Frank

• Herausgeber: anna ruggieri
• Kategorie: Religion und Spiritualität
• Sprache: Englisch

Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2025

Beschreibung

Embrace the hope of Christ in all of life’s circumstances with help from this pocket-sized booklet, featuring thirty Scripture passages, reflections, and prayers. This approachable guide will help you open your heart to hope, inspire growth in virtue, and illuminate dark moments with the light of the Risen Christ. Embracing Hope in Christ is part of the Just a Minute Meditations series, a collection of themed meditation booklets to help you pray through the challenges of life. 

Leseprobe

Cover

Title

Just a Minute Meditations

Embracing Hope in Christ

by Kris Frank

compiled and edited by Leonora Wilson, FSP

Copyright page

Library of Congress Control Number: 2025934191

ISBN 10: 0-­8198-­2768-­1ISBN 13: 978-0-8198-2769-2

Portions of this book have been excerpted and adapted from Hope Always: Our Anchor in Life's Storms by Kris Frank (Pauline Books & Media, 2020).

Scripture texts contained herein, unless otherwise indicated, are from the New Revised Standard Version Bible: Catholic Edition, copyright © 1989, 1993, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Scripture texts where indicated are taken from the New American Bible, Revised Edition © 2010, 1991, 1986, 1970 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, Washington, D.C. and are used by permission of the copyright owner. All rights reserved. No part of the New American Bible may be reproduced in any form without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

Excerpts from the English translation of the Catechism of the Catholic Church for use in the United States of America, copyright © 1994, United States Catholic Conference, Inc.—­Libreria Editrice Vaticana. Modifications from the Editio Typica copyright © 1997, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops—­Libreria Editrice Vaticana. Used with permission.

Papal and magisterial texts copyright © Dicastero per la Comunicazione-­Libreria Editrice Vaticana. All rights reserved. Used with permission.

Cover design by Tisa Muico

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.

“P” and PAULINE are registered trademarks of the Daughters of St. Paul.

Copyright © 2025, Daughters of St. Paul.

Published by Pauline Books & Media, 50 Saint Pauls Avenue, Boston, MA 02130-­3491

www.pauline.org

Pauline Books & Media is the publishing house of the Daughters of St. Paul, an international congregation of women religious serving the Church with the communications media.

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Contents

Introduction

1. Why Bother to Hope?

2. Hope in God’s Promise

3. Hope in Jesus

4. God Has Plans for You

5. Doubt and Hope

6. Gift of Hope

7. Hope for the Anxious

8. Trusting Hope

9. Steadfast Hope

10. Sacrament of Hope

11. Hope amid Discouragement

12. Hope for the Weary

13. Hope’s Invitation

14. Resting in Hope

15. Empowered by Hope

16. Hope in Suffering

17. The Cross and Hope

18. Hope in Grief

19. Resurrecting Hope

20. Hope for the Lonely

21. Hope for the Sinner

22. Hope for Hurting Families

23. Hope in Addiction

24. Hope and Holy Friendships

25. Hope and Attachments

26. Hope and Generosity

27. Hope and the Church

28. Sharing Hope

29. Source of Hope

30. Hope’s Fulfillment

Prayers

Psalm 62

Psalm 121

Act of Hope

Act of Faith, Hope, and Love

Prayer of Hope

Help Me to Have Perfect Trust

God Alone Suffices

A Commendation to the Providence of God

Unfailing Prayer for Hope

A Prayer When Feeling Depressed

You Carry Us, Lord

To Jesus for Protection

Introduction

Can we dare to hope? Sometimes, hope feels like a fool’s errand. We live in a hurting, desperate world; why do we believe things could be different? Most days, waiting for the other shoe to drop is far easier than believing our situation will improve. And yet, hope invites us to rise above our current reality.

Hope is not tethered to what is happening in our lives or the world. Nor is it a false optimism or faulty coping mechanism that turns a blind eye to the difficult circumstances surrounding us. Instead, hope is a theological virtue that allows us to look to heaven as the source of happiness and lean into God’s grace and strength to sustain us. Simply put, true hope is based on the presence and promise of God. This is what makes Christianity unique: God comes to us and meets us in our place of need. “I will not leave you orphaned” (Jn 14:18).

When life fails to align with our ambitions and deep longings, and despair knocks on the door of our hearts, we find ourselves faced with an important choice. We can give way to the angst, frustrations, and hurts that overwhelm us, or we can bravely choose hope.

Hope is a courageous choice. It requires us to look beyond our present circumstances and believe in the holy promises that are yet to come. When we embrace hope, we believe God has an ordained plan and purpose for our lives. He desires to give us the strength and grace required to endure and flourish through every trial we may face. To live a life filled with hope is to live a life of grace and unshakable faith.

This short book could easily be read in a day, but I’d caution against it. Reflections can only take you so far. It is in prayer that God can replenish our weary hearts. Each meditation has been crafted to serve as a springboard into a meaningful moment of prayer where we can bring our entire selves—­the good, the bad, and the ugly—­to our Lord.

Before diving into these meditations, I’d like to offer a simple rhythm of prayer to assist you in your journey toward a life of hope.

1. Even before opening the text, take a moment to be mindful that God sees you, knows you, and loves you. Take as much time as you need to allow this profound reality to sink in.

2. Read a meditation. There is no need to rush through these short passages. Feel free to pause and ponder if words, phrases, or ideas tug on your heart.

3. Recall occasions when your past or current feelings and experiences intersect with the meditation topic. Bring to the Lord the thoughts and feelings that arise.

4. Ask God to reveal himself in those moments and circumstances. Then, allow hope in God’s presence to enter your prayer.

5. Allow your prayer to flow freely. Let God lead. As your time in prayer comes to a close, consider noting any moments of light and understanding in a prayer journal.

As believers and followers of Jesus, our hope is based on a real encounter. The closer we allow ourselves to draw to God, the more we will find the grace and aptitude to hope. For the more we spend time in close contact with him, the more confident and reassured we will become of his promises and unwavering love for us. Because God is always with us, we can trust that he will sustain us through any situation, providing strength and comfort even in the most challenging circumstances.

Our lives are transformed when our hope is confidently anchored in an omnipresent, omniscient God. We can navigate life’s trials with certainty that God desires what is best for us in this life and the next. By God’s grace, we can dare to hope once again.

1

Why Bother to Hope?

Let us hold fast to the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who has promised is faithful.

Hebrews 10:23

Hope is often the forgotten virtue. And yet, our lives are shaped by hope.

“I hope it doesn’t rain.”

“I hope the line isn’t too long.”

“I hope she likes me.”

“I hope for good news from the doctor.”

Few days come and go without some semblance of hope. But in what do we place our hope? When we place our hope in wealth, our physical appearance, or other worldly metrics of good fortune, we risk disappointment. The value of money, our health, and our social standing are ever-­changing and ultimately outside our control. Things of this world will fade. For hope to be worthwhile, it must be placed in something—­or someone—­that surpasses all worth.

Turning our hearts to Jesus soothes our deepest longings and unwaveringly renews our hope. God’s ceaseless love and constant presence offer us a profound sweetness that remains steady and comforting when various troubles arise. In moments of uncertainty and distress, we can cling to this truth:

Find your delight in the Lord

who will give you your heart’s desire (Ps 37:4 NABRE).

When we open ourselves to his love, we discover true fulfillment beyond our expectations.

Let us examine where we place our hope and work to direct our hope to the one who is infinitely worthy of it.

Lord, ignite my hope in you. Help me to recognize your presence so that my confidence may stand unwavering, resilient against life’s challenges and uncertainties.

2

Hope in God’s Promise

But this I call to mind,

and therefore I have hope:

The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases,

his mercies never come to an end;

they are new every morning;

great is your faithfulness.

Lamentations 3:21–­23

Our hope is steadfast, grounded, and sure because it is rooted in the immutable promise and oath of our God (see Heb 6:17–­19). Without hope, the storms of life can cause us to drift away into an abyss of despair. Thankfully, God gave us hope to anchor us to him. With hope as our anchor, nothing can shake us. Our God is trustworthy. He will never leave, abandon, or forget us in times of need.

When we ask God for the grace to hope amid small sufferings, this prepares us to hope when we face more substantial sorrows. If we aren’t intentional and disciplined about living hope, however, the small and large issues can compound. Eventually, without hope, our little sufferings can become a weight impossible to bear. This is why hope is so vital. Whether facing daily inconveniences or significant suffering, if we lose our focus on God, our hearts can begin to absorb and reflect the hardness and misery of our trials rather than the love of Christ. Wherever we find ourselves and whatever we are going through, the virtue of hope helps us to trust that we will never be abandoned by God in our time of need. Hope gives us the ability to raise our gaze from our suffering to our Savior.

Lord, I trust in your promise; you are my hope.

3

Hope in Jesus

“For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life.”

John 3:16

We have a God who was willing to become man. Jesus took on our humanity in all ways but sin. He knows what it is to feel lonely and angry. He understands our hurt, our brokenness, and our shame. He bore it all on a cross. He died a death he didn’t deserve so that we could live eternal life with him, something we could never earn ourselves.

Hope grants us the assurance that our deepest longings can and will be satiated by the God who put those desires in our hearts. The virtue gives us the supernatural strength to rely on Christ’s grace when our own strength fails. Hope points our faith to eternal life; in some sense, it brings heaven into the present moment.

Through the outpouring of the Holy Spirit in Baptism, we are saved from our sins and given the gift of eternal life. At Baptism our souls are infused with the theological virtues of faith, hope, and love. These virtues center us on God and “make [us] capable of acting as [God’s] children and of meriting eternal life” (CCC 1813). In other words, the theological virtues draw us into a deeper and richer relationship with God. Because of this wondrous mystery, we can place our hope in God. No matter what situation we face, hope assures us that our best days lie ahead.

Jesus, thank you for the gift of eternal life. Help me to place all my hope in you.

4

God Has Plans for You

I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope.

Jeremiah 29:11

Hope tells us that even when our problems outnumber us one hundred to one, God is on our side. Saint Paul assures us, “We know that all things work for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose” (Rom 8:28 NABRE). Maybe you are in a senseless situation. Perhaps you are dealing with a hardship or vice that you fear will be your undoing. But just because your plans haven’t panned out the way you thought doesn’t mean that God’s plans have been derailed. Trust that God has you right where he needs you. No matter your circumstance, God can use it for your good. As the prophet Jeremiah says, God has plans for your life, and your future is one of hope.

Hope isn’t a one-­time choice. It’s a virtue that must be cultivated with God’s grace each day. Choosing hope doesn’t mean we’ll never feel overwhelmed again. There’s no way around discouraging situations. Jesus told us we would face them: “. . . In the world you will have trouble . . .” (Jn 16:33 NABRE). But Jesus also tells us in that same verse, “. . . take courage, I have conquered the world.” As hope redirects our gaze to Christ and his plans for us, it changes the way we experience the difficult present.

Lord Jesus, redirect my gaze toward you and keep it fixed on you. Even when things are difficult and the outlook seems bleak, help me trust that you work all things for the best.

5

Doubt and Hope

Those who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength,

they shall mount up with wings like eagles,

they shall run and not be weary,

they shall walk and not faint.

Isaiah 40:31

For some of us who grew up in and around the Church, we learned that faith gives us certainty about what is true. That’s not wrong; however, many of us also may have picked up the incorrect idea that doubt is therefore unacceptable. This assumption is far from the truth.

When we have questions about our faith, we can be certain that God can use our questions to enliven our hope rather than harm it. Our uncertainties, confusion, or hesitancies can encourage us to seek the truth and bring us closer to God, who is Truth. As the Letter to the Hebrews reminds us, “faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen” (11:1). So we can approach our doubts with faith, knowing that we will arrive at the truth.

Saint Paul encouraged the early Church, “Test everything; retain what is good” (1 Thes 5:21 NABRE); that is an imperative sentence. We not only have permission to ask questions, but we’re also commanded to ask them. If you have questions and uncertainties concerning the faith, search for answers! Look in the Catechism, read the Bible, ask a fellow Catholic you trust, or search for a faithful Catholic website. If you’re willing to look, you’ll find an answer.

Lord, so often I struggle to trust in your grace. Fill me with hope as I wait for you to answer me.

6

Gift of Hope

Be strong and take heart,

all who hope in the Lord.

Psalm 31:25 NABRE

When we feel uncertain and our hope is fragile, we can find solace in the fact that even the most significant players in Jesus’ life were confused and had questions. Mary, the mother of Jesus—­born without sin—­questioned how she could carry Christ in her womb while she was still a virgin (see Lk 1:34). Even John the Baptist, the one whom Jesus claimed was greater than any man ever born of woman (see Mt 11:11), doubted during his imprisonment whether Jesus was the Messiah (see Mt 11:2–­3). The Apostle Thomas, perhaps the most famous doubter of all time, is another hopeful example for us. We often forget that he, who is most known for his doubt in the resurrected Lord, was the first apostle to make the clear declaration of faith in Jesus’ divinity: “My Lord and my God!” (Jn 20:28).

The holy people in the Gospels who experienced confusion and doubt remind us that faith is a gift from God. When speaking of the seed of faith, Paul in his First Letter to the Corinthians writes, “I planted, Apollos watered, but God caused the growth” (1 Cor 3:6 NABRE). Faith isn’t earned or willed; it is received. The virtue of faith is given to every baptized person, but it’s also up to us how we will use and develop it. When we trustingly ask God to increase our faith, this strengthens our hope and safeguards us from destructive doubts.

Lord, with Thomas I pray, “My Lord and my God!”

7

Hope for the Anxious

Truly the eye of the Lord is on those who fear him,

on those who hope in his steadfast love.

Psalm 33:18

When he inspired the Scriptures, God knew that worry would be an issue for the human person. For times when our minds race with “what ifs” and other worries, the Bible gives inspired insights and wisdom. In one of his letters, Peter instructs the young Church, “Cast all your worries upon him because he cares for you” (1 Pt 5:7 NABRE). Casting our concerns onto God is a powerful but also challenging image. We are naturally inclined toward independence and self-­sufficiency. Some may view this command as mere metaphor, suggestion, or even exaggeration. But make no mistake: Peter’s encouragement is not a nicety, it’s a necessity. Yet, many of us shoulder our troubles for far too long before giving them over to God.

At the end of the verse, Peter points out a reason why we should cast our concerns onto God: “because he cares for you.” God is not blind to our wants and needs. He is a good Father—­compassionate, attentive, and loving. God sees us, knows us, and desires our well-­being. This crucial part of the verse helps to rid us of restlessness while also harnessing us securely to hope. When we truly accept the reality of God’s care and concern for us, we can rest our weary hearts and look forward to the fulfillment of the hope God gives us.

God, my Father, I place my cares in your hands like a trusting child. Help me to hope that you will take care of them.

8

Trusting Hope

Do not fear, for I am with you,

do not be afraid, for I am your God;

I will strengthen you, I will help you,

I will uphold you with my victorious right hand.

Isaiah 41:10

God knows and cares about our needs, worries, and concerns. But when the anxieties build up, this can be tough to believe. Yet, Jesus promised to take care of us. He assures us of this in the Sermon on the Mount (see Mt 6:25–­40). If God tends to the shrubbery on the ground and birds in the sky, how much more can we trust that he will tenderly watch over us?

We are God’s children, made in his very own image and likeness. He cares about every aspect of our lives. Despite knowing this, holding on to hope can be a daily struggle. But with God’s grace, we can fight to entrust our concerns to God. Hope changes the narrative.

God has promised to take care of us. When God says something, he’s going to do it. Will we worry or worship? When life is unnerving, God will give us the grace to choose hope. Our anxieties won’t necessarily disappear, but in the midst of them, all we need to do is turn our eyes to Christ. God will come through. It may not always be in the ways we want, know, or understand, but he is dependable, good, and never-­changing. We can rest in his ironclad promises. We are not forgotten; we are not on our own.

Lord Jesus, thank you for the assurance that you are always with us and taking care of us. I trust in you.

9

Steadfast Hope

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

In the Book of Numbers (see Nm 13), we find an example of steadfast hope in the story of Caleb, who refused to allow discouragement to detract from his hope. Caleb was among the Israelites who followed Moses into the desert after years of captivity in Egypt. Searching for a new home to call their own, the Israelites came upon the land of Canaan. God then told Moses to send men to explore the Promised Land that he was giving to them. Caleb was sent as a spy, along with eleven other men, to scout out their future home. The men returned and described the land to Moses, saying, “. . . It does indeed flow with milk and honey . . .” (Nm 13:27 NABRE). Ten of the spies, however, told Moses that victory in battle would be hopeless, as the cities were well fortified and the inhabitants were giants. In their discouragement, they exaggerated their reports to Moses and the Israelites; they were afraid of what would happen if they tried to enter the land.

Everyone was ready to pack up and leave just as they were at the front door of the Promised Land. They figured giving up was easier than facing inevitable trouble and hardship. But Caleb wouldn’t accept retreat. He reminded the Israelites that the land was good, but more importantly, that God is good and would not abandon them.

Let your steadfast love, O Lord, be upon us,

even as we hope in you (Ps 33:22).

10

Sacrament of Hope

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid.”

John 14:27

After Jesus’ Resurrection, he breathed on the Apostles and said to them, “Receive the holy Spirit. Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them, and whose sins you retain are retained” (Jn 20:22–­23 NABRE). In this scene, Jesus is giving the Apostles the authority to forgive sins in his place. This authority has been handed on from the Apostles to other priests through ordination. This means that the priest who hears our confessions extends Christ’s own forgiveness. Therefore, when we confess our sins to a priest and he gives us absolution, we can be confident that we will receive God’s mercy and forgiveness.

The sacrament of Reconciliation not only extends mercy to us; it also extends hope. When we receive the theological virtues through Baptism, we can lose them or render them lifeless through serious sin. Reconciliation resuscitates the virtue of hope. Through it, we receive not only God’s forgiveness but also consolation, peace, and grace to fight future temptations. The battle to live in hope is never easy, but God’s grace will assist us. Through this sacrament of forgiveness, we can repent of our sin, restore our broken relationship with God, and recapture lost hope.

I thank you, Lord, for the gift of your sacraments and the healing they bring. What a wonderful outpouring of your love!

11

Hope amid Discouragement

Why are you cast down, O my soul,

and why are you disquieted within me?

Hope in God; for I shall again praise him,

my help and my God.

Psalm 42:11

Without our even realizing it, discouragement can creep into our lives like a rain cloud and block any ray of light that hope offers. After all, life is hard sometimes. We all experience feeling lonely and misunderstood. We all have times when we wonder whether things will ever turn around, or whether it’s even worth trying. When things don’t go our way, discouragement takes hold of our hearts. We give up trying to focus on God or to achieve the greatness for which our hearts long. And soon we settle for inferior things, which seem less daunting and more attainable but are also less satisfying. When we give in to discouragement, we let go of dreams that seem out of reach.

When life disappoints, we can begin to think that God is disappointing. We look up to the heavens and scream, “Not fair!” But God is not about dispensing easy fixes and favors as if he were a cosmic vending machine. God never promised a comfortable life for his followers, but what he offers is so much better. To overcome discouragement, we need to recapture and realign our hope. If we place hope in the things of this world, or even in our own good works or spiritual “accomplishments,” we’ll be let down. Only when we place our hope in God can we be sustained through any situation.

I wait for the Lord, my soul waits,

and in his word I hope (Ps 130:5).

12

Hope for the Weary

“My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.”

Exodus 33:14

Scripture tells us,

It is vain for you to rise early

and put off your rest at night,

To eat bread earned by hard toil—­

all this God gives to his beloved in sleep (Ps 127:2 NABRE).

This might be my favorite verse in the entire Bible.

Like many of us, I often don’t get enough sleep. Yet I don’t know if the solution to our weariness is simply to get more shut-­eye. No matter how many hours we sleep, life can be overwhelmingly busy. Life’s burdens and demands can quickly wear us down. We try to pump ourselves up with platitudes like “When the going gets tough, the tough get going” or “No pain, no gain.” But these clichés don’t alleviate our weariness.

When we obsessively hone our skills and burn the candle at both ends in an attempt to get ahead, we place ourselves in danger of completely burning out. We believe that if we stop to take a breather, we’ll fall even farther behind. So we work, labor, and toil. Eventually, we’re caught in a cycle that seems endless and hopeless.

But this isn’t the world Jesus intended for us. We were created for more. Fortunately, we have a God who understands our weakness and exhaustion and extends hope, inviting us to rest.

Lord, teach me to rest in you, to respect the needs of both my body and soul, and to surrender everything to your loving plans for me.

13

Hope’s Invitation

A sabbath rest still remains for the people of God; for those who enter God’s rest also cease from their labors as God did from his.

Hebrews 4:9–­10

After he created the world, God rested on the seventh day. Of course, our omnipresent, omnipotent God didn’t get tired after six days of work; that would go against his nature. Instead, God was giving us an example to follow for our good. We weren’t created to work constantly. We need rest. The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches, “The institution of the Lord’s Day helps everyone enjoy adequate rest and leisure to cultivate their familial, cultural, social, and religious lives” (2184). Adding rest to our schedule might seem like just another thing on our ever-­growing to-­do list. And leisure may seem like the opposite of productivity. But moments of prayer, time with friends, and hobbies are usually what we need most in order to find rest and hope.

Make no mistake, Jesus does call us to do great things for his kingdom. But our work is most efficacious when it comes from a heart at rest in God. Like a child in the loving arms of a parent, we can find comfort and respite in the Lord. Psalm 62 tells us,

My soul rests in God alone,

from whom comes my salvation (62:2 NABRE).

The natural byproduct of placing our hope in God is rest. With our gaze on God, all that wearies us will be put into perspective.

Lord Jesus, help me to take time to rest. Let my hope in you reassure me that you will take care of my needs.

14

Resting in Hope

The apostles gathered around Jesus, and told him all that they had done and taught. He said to them, “Come away to a deserted place all by yourselves and rest a while.”

Mark 6:30–­31

In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus tells his disciples, “Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart; and you will find rest for yourselves. For my yoke is easy, and my burden light” (11:28–­30 NABRE). I’m guessing many of us have heard these verses before, but when was the last time we paused to dwell on what they truly mean? Why, in the face of the world’s many problems, does Jesus offer rest rather than more actionable solutions?

While some religions focus on how humans must labor to reach the heights of God, Christianity reveals a God who comes to us. Jesus meets us on our level, in our humanity. Our faith relies not on what we do, but on what Christ has already done. Christ offers us a lasting rest, peace, and wholeness for our bodies and souls that will permeate every aspect of our lives. We find rest and hope when we turn to God in prayer, trusting that he will help us move forward with his grace, even when it feels like we aren’t moving at all.

Thank you, Jesus, for coming to dwell with us. Help me to find peace in your presence as I place my hope in you.

15

Empowered by Hope

The Lord is near. Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:5–­7

Magnanimity and humility help us maintain and grow in hope. The former pushes us to hope in all the great things God has planned for us, while the latter helps us to see that God is far greater than any accolades we might receive. When we anchor our hope in God, and not in our skill sets or accomplishments, we can rest, knowing that God will provide. And we find freedom in knowing that God, not any of us, is in control of this crazy world.

Finding balance and rest is an ongoing challenge. But when we lean into a rhythm of rest, we will more easily respond to God’s grace, which allows us to be more fruitful in our work. We also can trust that God will give us the grace and resources needed to structure our lifestyle in a way that fosters our spiritual growth. Placing our hope in God means that we allow him to do the heavy lifting—­that we trust in his grace to carry us through any fatigue we might experience in doing his will. If we are tired and worn out and find that our schedule is imbalanced, we can rest assured that we are being invited to rest with our God.

Come, Spirit of Peace, and fill me with the peace of Jesus that the world cannot give.

16

Hope in Suffering

We do not lose heart. Even though our outer nature is wasting away, our inner nature is being renewed day by day. For this slight momentary affliction is preparing us for an eternal weight of glory beyond all measure.

2 Corinthians 4:16–­17

Some people grow closer to God through severe suffering and loss. For others, ache and affliction negatively impact their relationship with God. Still others try to ignore the reality of suffering altogether.

In the Letter to the Romans, Saint Paul shows us how Christians are called to suffer: “. . . affliction produces endurance, and endurance, proven character, and proven character, hope, and hope does not disappoint . . .” (5:3–­5 NABRE). Paul’s rich words speak directly to the hope available to us in and through suffering. During his ministry, Paul endured stoning, lashings, beatings, and being shipwrecked. Then he was imprisoned and martyred. Knowing what Paul endured, one naturally wonders where he got his confidence. How could Paul boast of his afflictions? He speaks of the endurance and character that suffering in Christ can bring forth. Paul holds a hope that doesn’t disappoint, no matter how dire the circumstances.

The source of Paul’s, and every Christian’s, hope in the face of suffering is the Cross of Christ. The Cross offers an answer to suffering that no other religion or ideology can provide. Jesus chose to suffer and die for us, and so we now have a companion in our suffering—­and not only a companion but a God who can transform our suffering into something meaningful.

Jesus, teach me to approach suffering with your love and surrender: “Your will, not mine, be done.”

17

The Cross and Hope

For the message about the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.

1 Corinthians 1:18

God chose to save us through suffering. Without losing his divine nature, the Son of God was sent by the Father to become incarnate and to endure death by crucifixion. In doing so, Jesus took the curse of suffering and death that had entered the world through sin and transformed it into a pathway to salvation. Jesus offered himself as a free and willing victim so that we could become victors. But he did not suffer so that we never would. Instead, Jesus invites us to unite our suffering with his suffering. If we want to follow him, he tells us, then we must pick up our crosses and follow him to Calvary (see Lk 9:23).

In Baptism, when we are plunged into water, we are symbolically being buried in the death of Christ before we rise as a new creation (see CCC 1214). This mystery makes it possible for us to unite our sufferings to those of Jesus. In this manner, we actually participate, in some mysterious way, in the redemption of the world. In addition, when we join our pain to the Cross, we become more like Jesus. Our suffering is not wasted when it’s united to Christ. Thus, afflictions become an unavoidable avenue of grace for all who wish to follow Jesus. This union with Christ on the Cross is a source of hope.

I unite my sufferings with yours, Lord Jesus; make me always more like you in love.

18

Hope in Grief

When this perishable body puts on imperishability, and this mortal body puts on immortality, then the saying that is written will be fulfilled:

“Death has been swallowed up in victory.”

1 Corinthians 15:54

Nothing seems to contradict hope more than death. Grieving the loss of a loved one can make life feel like hell. Death challenges hope and can lead us to despair. But if we truly desire hope, we must not ignore the reality of our mortality. We believe that in the face of death and grief, hope still can be found because of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Why does death hurt so deeply? It’s not like death is an uncommon occurrence. Each and every person will die. But we still try to ignore or hide from death. And even if we have accepted the concept of death to some extent, experiencing the reality of a loved one’s passing is another thing altogether.

The Book of Wisdom tells us, “. . . God did not make death . . .” (1:13 NABRE). Death was never part of God’s plan for humanity but only entered our world as a result of sin. Therefore, dying is foreign to the very fabric of our being. Yet, we are helpless against it, and perhaps that’s why death can make us feel so hopeless. No matter how prepared we feel to say goodbye, loss cuts deep. But for the Christian, on the other side of the darkness of death, there is hope.

I believe that I shall see the good things that you have prepared for us, O God, beyond death in our heavenly home (see Ps 27:13).

19

Resurrecting Hope

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! By his great mercy he has given us a new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.

1 Peter 1:3

As Christians we are called to grieve differently from the rest of the world. We grieve in hope. One way we can grieve with hope is by praying for those who have died. For, while we don’t know where our loved ones are, we can hope in God’s mercy, which is far greater than any sin. Our prayers help the dead in purgatory—­strangers and loved ones alike—­to be purified in preparation to meet God in heaven.

Christ’s Resurrection gives us confidence in a future beyond this world. New life awaits everyone who hopes in Christ. Jesus endured Good Friday so we could enjoy Easter Sunday. For a follower of Christ, the Resurrection means that even the absolute worst-­case scenario can still end in union with God. When we understand this profound truth, it changes how we approach tragic situations. This doesn’t mean that we won’t die. Lazarus was raised from the dead, but he eventually died again. Jesus never promised to save us from a physical death but rather from the death of our souls by sin. Hope directs us to what awaits beyond death. As Christians, we can look forward to heaven no matter what we experience in this life. Our hope is rooted in the truth that death is now merely the doorway to heaven.

Grant eternal rest to all my departed family and friends, O Lord; let them rejoice in your presence forever.

20

Hope for the Lonely

“The Lord is my portion,” says my soul,

“therefore I will hope in him.”

Lamentations 3:24

While some may cherish their alone time, the distressing ache of loneliness is a reality no one wishes to experience. We are inherently designed for community; it is woven into the very fabric of our being. In the creation account, God declares, “It is not good for the man to be alone” (Gn 2:18 NABRE). As we navigate this broken world, loneliness touches each of us at some point in our journey. Even the most beloved saints sometimes wrestled with a sense of abandonment. Jesus himself faced profound loneliness on the cross, forsaken by his closest followers during his most vulnerable hour.

Acknowledging loneliness as a shared and common experience doesn’t do much to expel the heavy shadow it can cast over our lives. We must be careful not to overlook the spiritual reality at play when feelings of isolation and abandonment engulf us. When isolated from others, we become more vulnerable to temptations and lies.

However, hope emerges as a beacon in our darkest moments, reminding us of the truth that even amid our feelings of loneliness, God remains near and attentive to our afflictions. When others appear distant and uninterested, unaware of our silent suffering, the assurance of God’s continuous presence offers a sense of consolation that is a balm to a lonely heart. As Jesus promised, “I am with you always, until the end of the age” (Mt 28:20 NABRE).

Lord, help me to know that I am not alone. Let me recognize your presence in each moment and through the people in my daily life.

21

Hope for the Sinner

“Anyone who comes to me I will never drive away.”

John 6:37

We are all sinners, but even in the midst of our sin we can still have joyful hope.

Sin is not just a matter of breaking impersonal rules—­it’s a matter of relationship. In breaking God’s law, we tragically break away from his love, causing great pain and heartache. Once we have sinned, the enemy wants us to believe there’s no hope and that we’re beyond redemption. But he’s a liar. This break is never irreversible while we still have breath in our lungs.

Saint John Paul II once said, “We are not the sum of our weaknesses and failures; we are the sum of the Father’s love for us and our real capacity to become the image of his Son.”1 Do you believe it? Do you know that because God created you, you are fundamentally good? Do you know that your sin doesn’t define you? Do you know that in God’s eyes, you are not just a face in the crowd, you are not just tolerable, and you don’t have to earn his love and recognition? You are truly and utterly lovable. You are God’s child. No poor decision, mistake, or sin changes that. God extends his love to us even when we may not love him in return. He extends mercy even when we deserve punishment. When we repent of our sin, God welcomes us back into relationship with him. We have hope because of Jesus Christ.

Lord, I am sorry for my sins. Thank you for your great love and mercy and for the hope I find in them.

1. John Paul II, “World Youth Day in Toronto” Homily, Downsview Park, July 28, 2002, The Holy See, www.vatican.va.

22

Hope for Hurting Families

Bear one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.

Galatians 6:2

While some of our greatest memories may be associated with our families, some of our worst pain can come from the same people. The work of reconciliation in our families takes time and can require outside help. In cases of neglect or abuse, some of us may require the help of a professional to discern whether efforts toward reconciliation are possible or advisable. When setting healthy boundaries is not possible, sometimes the best way to love our family members is from a distance. In these difficult situations, we remain hopeful, not because our relationships are necessarily going to improve, but because we know that God will continue to use everything in our lives for our good. If it becomes necessary to distance ourselves, we can find consolation by leaning even further into hope. With our eyes gazing toward eternity, we can be confident that we have a Father who loves us unconditionally.

If we find ourselves in a home filled with drama and dysfunction, it is consoling to know that God wants us to have a happy family just as badly as we do. God is sovereign over each and every home. He will give us strength to love our family according to his will. Let us strive, therefore, to nurture hope in our family so we can answer God’s call to build his kingdom and to mirror his love to the world.

Lord, lead me and my family along the way of your salvation. Purify us through the sacrifice of your Cross and redeem us.

23

Hope in Addiction

O my God, in you I trust;

do not let me be put to shame;

do not let my enemies exult over me.

Psalm 25:2

Addiction is not something that merely waits at the bottom of a bottle or the end of a needle. Dependency and addiction take many shapes and forms: shopping, eating, sex and pornography, screens and entertainment, and so on.

According to more and more evidence, a growing number of people find themselves addicted to social media. Food is a basic necessity for human survival, but some use it to escape from reality. Others use shopping similarly. Gambling. Gaming. Tobacco. Adrenaline junkies. Addiction is so rampant that hundreds of billions of dollars are spent every year to offset the costs of health care, crime, and lost economic productivity that it causes. But the loss of economic productivity is not nearly as costly as the loss of hope.

For the addict, freedom might sound inaccessible and impossible. But nothing is impossible with God. Perhaps God will shake our world like an earthquake, and the fetters of addiction will fall in an instant. But it’s more likely that he’ll move subtly, helping us to find the professional help and support groups that will lead us to understand the underlying reasons for our compulsive behavior. The disease of addiction takes hold over time, so it often takes time for us to be fully liberated. Either way, by God’s grace, the yoke of slavery placed on us by addiction can be removed. Hope is always possible.

O Lord, my God, you alone are my strength! I trust in you for the grace to overcome my weakness.

24

Hope and Holy Friendships

Faithful friends are a sturdy shelter; whoever finds one finds a treasure.

Sirach 6:14 NABRE

Confiding in a friend can pull us out of darkness and back into the light. When sharing with a trusted, wise friend, we often find that our confidant has had similar experiences to ours and can give us insights and solutions that bring comfort. Sometimes a friend’s journey can open our eyes to see hope again. And even if that isn’t the case, when we turn to a friend, at least we have someone to weather the storm with us and help shoulder our burden.

We all need holy friendships that point us to the object of our hope—­God. We all would do well to ask ourselves: Who can I lean on when facing difficulties? Do my friends point me to God? When was the last time I opened up and was vulnerable with a friend? And if we don’t have a supportive, faithful friend, we can ask God to provide someone. We all need friends who keep us accountable and pick us up when we stumble. God wants us to have people like this in our lives. We may feel like hope is lost, but good, faithful friends can remind us that freedom in Christ is possible.

Loving God, I thank you for the friends you have given me and for all those people in my life who point me to you. Bless them with your grace and your peace. May our friendship always bring us closer to you.

25

Hope and Attachments

“Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

Matthew 6:21

In the Gospel of Mark, a young man flush with cash approached Jesus. Not only was the man wealthy, he was also well educated and morally upright. This man knew the Commandments and asked Jesus, “‘What must I do to inherit eternal life?’” (Mk 10:17). Jesus looked at the man, “. . . loved him and said to him, ‘You are lacking in one thing. Go, sell what you have, and give to [the] poor and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me’” (Mk 10:21 NABRE).

Jesus saw the man’s heart and challenged him. Basically, Jesus is saying, “Love me or your stuff.” Tragically, the rich young man chose his stuff and walked away sad.

While it’s easy to villainize the rich young man, are we so different? We all are protective of our belongings. After all, who doesn’t like nice things? But Jesus tells both the rich young man and us that our hearts have a limited capacity. The young man’s blunder teaches us that we can’t fully follow Jesus if we are too preoccupied with lesser things. Acts of generosity and service not only benefit those to whom we give, but they also combat our preoccupation with the passing things of this world. The more we set our hearts on heaven, the less we are attached to earthly possessions. When we loosen our grip on worldly belongings, we can better hold on to hope.

Jesus, take my heart and make it yours. Let nothing stand between you and me.

26

Hope and Generosity

God is able to provide you with every blessing in abundance, so that by always having enough of everything, you may share abundantly in every good work.

2 Corinthians 9:8

God is our ultimate example of generosity. After all, Jesus descended from his mighty, glorious throne in heaven to offer grace and redemption in the very uncomfortable, messy reality of humanity on earth. He extends his offer of grace to everyone. Not just the righteous or those he knows will be good. Not just the wayward and sinners. Jesus came for us all. He gave his life so that we could have heaven. Our debt has been paid with Jesus’ blood so that we can become righteous, adopted heirs of the Father.

In the Gospels, we see Jesus’ divine, abundant generosity time and time again. For instance, when Jesus encounters Zacchaeus (see Lk 19:1–­10): Astounded by Jesus’ generous and forgiving spirit, Zacchaeus commits his life to Christ and promises to return not only what he has stolen from the people but four times more.

When our hearts are enraptured by the overwhelming, undeserved love of God, generosity is sure to follow. His love impels us toward others. Hope-­filled living is generous living; we freely give what we have in this world as we become more captivated by the next. As we emulate what God has done for us, giving our energy, time, and possessions to those in need becomes a joy and a privilege.

Lord Jesus, you encourage us to give freely, just as you have given yourself freely to us. Help me to be generous always without counting the cost.

27

Hope and the Church

And he has put all things under his feet and has made him the head over all things for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all.

Ephesians 1:22–­23

The Church was founded by Christ to sustain and guide a community of believers. Knowing that we would not be able to live out the faith alone, God established the Church. Our relationship with God is meant to be cultivated through communal worship. And as we come into deeper communion with God, we find deeper unity with our fellow believers.

Yet we must recognize that the Church is made up of broken people. Church members and leaders have hurt others in both small and significant ways. Acknowledging these transgressions while remaining actively involved in the Church enables us to turn these experiences into a powerful source of strength, healing, and hope. Awareness safeguards against the recurring of such offenses and aids the Church in becoming who Christ intended her to be.

Through our Baptism, we all have become members of Christ’s Mystical Body, the meaning of which extends far beyond church buildings. Because of this, all baptized people are members of the Church. Like a flower uprooted from the ground, a Christian eventually will wither apart from the Church. It is within his Church that God gives himself to us—­and thus gives us hope—­in the most profound way.

Lord God, I thank you for the gift of my Baptism and the great gift of belonging to the Mystical Body of Jesus. May I always be a faithful and active member of your Church.

28

Sharing Hope

I pray that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation as you come to know him, so that . . . you may know what is the hope to which he has called you.

Ephesians 1:17–­18

Our world is starving for hope, and Jesus offers the solution for any and every difficulty we might face. Once we come to know Jesus, the best thing we can do is share him with others. Understanding this reality, Peter instructed the early Church, “. . . Always be ready to give an explanation to anyone who asks you for a reason for your hope, but do it with gentleness and reverence . . .” (1 Pt 3:15–­16 NABRE). He doesn’t urge us to get on a soapbox or start listing all the theological knowledge we have obtained. Instead, he tells us to share our hope. A person can always argue with our theological or philosophical beliefs, but no one can dispute our personal encounters with Jesus Christ.

Maybe you’ve already started to list the reasons this is a bad idea. You might think you don’t know enough about Catholicism. Maybe you’re afraid it will be awkward or that you’ll get rejected. These are all valid concerns and obstacles to evangelization, but none of them should stop us from the task at hand. We don’t hesitate to share our favorite movies, songs, or books with others. Sharing our hope in Jesus is far more important. Hope lives in the Church, and God calls us to share this Good News.

Jesus, my Hope, make me a sign of joyful hope for the world.

29

Source of Hope

For to this end we toil and struggle, because we have our hope set on the living God, who is the Savior of all people, especially of those who believe.

1 Timothy 4:10

The Eucharist is the very source of our hope. The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches that the Eucharist is “the source and summit” of our faith (1324). Everything flows from and back into the Eucharist, who is Jesus himself. In his encyclical Ecclesia de Eucharistia, Saint John Paul II reaffirms the connection between the Eucharist and hope: “Those who feed on Christ in the Eucharist need not wait until the hereafter to receive eternal life: they already possess it on earth, as the first-­fruits of a future fullness which will embrace man in his totality.”2

The greatest peace, joy, grace, and love to be experienced this side of heaven are all present to us in the Mass. In the Eucharist, we find everything we could ever want or need.

As Catholics, we have the opportunity and the blessing available to us of receiving Jesus daily. The Eucharist is an incomprehensible gift of God’s love and commitment to his people. What was once bread and wine becomes Jesus’ Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity. When we cannot muster an ounce of hope for the future, we can turn to Christ in the Eucharist.

I believe in your presence in the Eucharist, Lord Jesus. In it you increase my faith, nourish my hope, and ignite my love.

2. John Paul II, Ecclesia de Eucharistia (The Holy See, April 13, 2003), 18, www.vatican.va.

30

Hope’s Fulfillment

“What eye has not seen, and ear has not heard,

and what has not entered the human heart,

what God has prepared for those who love him.”

1 Corinthians 2:9 NABRE

Saint Peter’s letter to the early Church points to the reason for hope: “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who in his great mercy gave us a new birth to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you” (1 Pt 1:3–­4 NABRE). Peter immediately directs the Church’s gaze away from the perishable, defiled, and fading goods of this world toward the promises of the next. If there’s no heaven, then there’s no hope. Peter reminds his readers that Christ has conquered the grave and promised resurrection to all who hope in him.

As followers of Christ, we place our hope in Jesus, knowing that for us he has opened the gates of heaven. There, every desire and yearning within us will be satisfied, every hurt and wound healed and purified. Ironically, in heaven, one thing we won’t have is the virtue of hope. The virtue is realized and completed in eternal life with Christ.

We can reach this goal. Jesus has given us the necessary grace through our Baptism, and he will continue to sustain us through the sacraments. Don’t give up. God can use today’s defeats to prepare us for tomorrow’s victories. God will not let us down.

You, Lord, are my light and my salvation; I am unafraid. All my hope is in you (see Ps 27).

Prayers

Psalm 62

For God alone my soul waits in silence;

from him comes my salvation.

He alone is my rock and my salvation,

my fortress; I shall never be shaken.

How long will you assail a person,

will you batter your victim, all of you,

as you would a leaning wall, a tottering fence?

Their only plan is to bring down a person

of prominence.

They take pleasure in falsehood;

they bless with their mouths,

but inwardly they curse.

For God alone my soul waits in silence,

for my hope is from him.

He alone is my rock and my salvation,

my fortress; I shall not be shaken.

On God rests my deliverance and my honor;

my mighty rock, my refuge is in God.

Trust in him at all times, O people;

pour out your heart before him;

God is a refuge for us.

Those of low estate are but a breath,

those of high estate are a delusion;

in the balances they go up;

they are together lighter than a breath.

Put no confidence in extortion,

and set no vain hopes on robbery;

if riches increase, do not set your heart on them.

Once God has spoken;