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LOOK THROUGH A LENS OF HOPE
There are plenty of ways to perceive our world. Some prefer the partisan perspective, which paints everything in rigid black-and-white truths designed to separate them-from-us. Others peer through the blinds at the scary realm of modern society and quickly withdraw so as not to be contaminated or threatened by its complexities and challenges. Still others dive into the adventure of each day and view each novel idea through rose-colored glasses as indiscriminately good simply because it is new.
Disciples of Jesus see the world differently, namely through the lens of hope. In this Holy Year we're invited to take a pilgrimage of hope. tThe theological virtue of hope is one of "three things that last," in Saint Paul's estimation, along with faith and love. These three are so described because their origin in God imbues them with their everlasting effectiveness.
Human judgment may lead us to interpret reality based on imperfect reasoning, fleeting emotion, or bald prejudice. Hope asks only: Does this path serve God's purposes? Hope liberates us to act with courage and cheerfulness despite obstacles. It supplies confidence in God's promises which enables us to take risks or try creative new avenues. Hope gives us the strength to look deep into the world's suffering with compassion and a heart willing to help. Pilgrims of hope remain open, available, and ready to seek Christ in the very places from which others avert their eyes.
—Alice Camille,
reprinted with permission from TrueQuest Communications
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