HAVE YOU EVER TOSSED a small rock into a tranquil pond? Did you notice the concentric circles spreading outward from the point of impact to the edges?
More frequently than we realize, our words and actions have a similar effect on others far beyond the initial impact, in a positive or negative manner.
What ripples of hope can we bring, commencing with those nearest us at home or work?
Many, if not most of us, experience darkness or hopelessness at some point. Sometimes we might even identify with the phrase “Abandon all hope, you who enter here” inscribed above the gate of hell in the Inferno of Dante’s Divine Comedy. How utterly terrifying this can feel, and what a devastating toll it can take on our health. The prayer “Sacred Heart of Jesus, I trust and hope in you” can serve as a life preserver, asking Jesus to be our constant companion and help us through. We all long for happiness; to love and be loved; to belong. How deeply and personally Jesus loves each of us, and how great is his desire to draw us to himself. He gave His all, enduring terrible torture unto death to enable us to come home to Him and live with Him forever. He will never give up on us, no matter how we feel, so let us turn to Him in hope and trust. We need to do our best to follow Him, trusting in His mercy and forgiveness, for it is Jesus who is our Savior.
When we are baptized and receive the gift of sanctifying grace, God in the greatness of His love infuses the theological virtue of hope into us. In of the “Catechism of the Catholic Church,” hope is defined as “the theological virtue by which we desire the kingdom of heaven and eternal life as our happiness, placing our trust in Christ’s promises and relying not on our own strength, but on the help of the grace of the Holy Spirit.” (# 1817)
The subsequent paragraph continues with “The virtue of hope responds to the aspiration to happiness which God has placed in the heart of every man; … it keeps man from discouragement; it sustains him during times of abandonment; it opens up his heart in expectation of eternal beatitude.” (CCC #1818)
Feelings are transient. Even when it seems as though darkness and hopelessness will never depart, with the gift of hope we can cling to Jesus’ promise “… I am with you always, until the end of the age.” (Mt. 28:20)
Jesus is called Emmanuel, “God with Us” and he truly is. A final reason for our hope lies in Jesus’ promise: “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You have faith in God; have faith also in me. … I am going to prepare a place for you … And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back again and take you to myself, so that where I am you also may be.” (Jn.14: 1-3)
FOR YOUR FAMILY:
■ Call / visit / send a card to those undergoing a time of inner darkness or discouragement.
■ Plan how your family can more fully live a Gospel lifestyle, bringing a ray of hope and light to others.
■ What positive ripple effect of hope can you have on others? How and when will you do so?
■ Quietly reflect on “How am I being called to bring hope and trust in Jesus to others?”
■ Pray the Litany of the Sacred Heart together.