Hope

Hope is an interesting virtue. It’s not like how we perceive the definition of hope to be in our everyday language. Generally, when we use the word, there is an implication that it is out of your hands. We usually use it as a prayer for odds to be beat. To hope is pray that things will be alright, despite the chances looking slim.

In the virtuous sense, hope is quite different. It is certain that God’s will, will be done. Hope trusts in God’s many promises, knowing that they will happen.

We are days away from the Triduum. As we celebrate the holiest part of our calendar, there are so many ups and downs. Both emotionally and spiritually. Why do we go through this? The answer is quite simple. It allows us to trust in God.

When we really dive into readings of people who let Jesus down, it is hard to swallow. The crowds who once chanted “Hosanna” are now chanting for His execution. His friends, who took pride in their loyalty, are now denying that they even know Him. It’s tough to reflect on our Lord’s passion, especially if we see glimpses of ourselves in those who let Him down. Most people would view this betrayal as an excuse to take back good things that were promised. Our God does the opposite and continues his mission.

As I stated earlier, Hope is certain. Despite the shortcomings of Jesus’ friends and disciples in the face of social turmoil and the fear of death, there is still Hope. Despite the pain, struggle and eventual death that Jesus went through, it is still certain that He is doing this so we can be with Him in paradise. Nothing could’ve changed His mind and nothing can stop Him from loving you.

Since Hope is being certain in God’s promises, it implies that we need to recognize that God will never change. No matter how many times we ourselves have turned our backs from God, the Hope of salvation shines even brighter. No matter how many times we may have chosen other things over God, He still opened the gates of heaven for us. The Father knew the turmoil that His son had to go through and His willingness to die for us to have eternal life is evidence that Hope truly exists.
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Another reason to Hope is seen in the Resurrection. The one inevitable human experience is death. The Resurrection shows that God will overcome what is deemed impossible just to be with you. When Christ rose from the dead, he not only did the impossible, but He shows that it is more impossible for Him to cease loving you.

As we deal with the ups and downs of the Triduum, let us keep sight on the Resurrection.
Without it, none of this has meaning. God allows things to feel hopeless and dead to
​show you that he can conquer them.
If death couldn’t even conquer Him, your sins definitely won’t.


God Bless,


Brett Becker
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Youth and Young Adult Minister 

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