Hope

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:

Romans 8:18-21
Psalm 126:1-6
Luke 13:18-21


A reflection on today's Scripture:

In today's First Reading from the Letter of Paul to the Romans we hear the word "hope" mentioned many times. The word is so small and so seemingly familiar that perhaps we don't even stop to think what it really means.

Most would agree that the usual use of the word connotes longing and waiting for something "good" to occur. When however, the word "hope" is used in association with God and man's relationship to God, the word takes on much greater meaning.

It considers not just that there is some good worth hoping for, but expects and believes that what we hope for will actually happen! In these terms the word "hope" takes on tremendous importance.

Consider it; we hope because we have reason to hope. God is so faithful and so full of love for us that we can expect that =all= He has promised will come to be.

Let us then take the time today to think of the things that Paul says we "hope for" and remember that because of God's faithfulness our hope will not be in vain.


Come Holy Spirit fount of fire and love.
Breathe into me that I may become a living tabernacle of faith, hope and charity.
Amen


- Donna Raye Nelson, OCDS