COURAGE to hope

Dear Sisters and Brothers,

During Advent we prepare for the arrival of our salvation: Jesus, the reason for our hope. The Eternal Son becomes the Incarnate Son, becoming like us in all things but sin, even a helpless and vulnerable child. This little one, the Babe of Bethlehem, is the reason for our hope. And that is exciting! That excitement which fills us, makes our hearts beat faster, kindles the fire of our desire, is what we point to as hope. Hope is looking forward with confident expectation. Despite whatever trials or difficulties arise, the virtue of hope allows our hearts to remain joyful, so that we can persevere on the pilgrim road, believing that our good God guides all that is. As children, hope comes easy; as we age, sometimes hope needs a booster shot. During this Advent season, I invite you to focus on hope!

The four candles of the Advent wreath are each lit seeking a special quality. The first candle represents hope. We light the second candle for peace. The pink candle in week three is for joy. And finally, the fourth candle burns for love. Hope and love are theological virtues, along with faith (see 1 Cor 13:13). Joy and peace are two fruits of the Holy Spirit (see Gal 5:22). All of these qualities are gifts we receive from God which we can also cultivate in our characters; they are graces that help shape us to be who God really created us to be. Saint Paul often weaves these qualities together into a tapestry of sorts.

This week we focus on Romans 15:4-9 but I invite you to read the whole chapter, since the conclusion of Paul’s argument comes towards the end. He writes, “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,” (Rm 15:13). Notice how the Holy Spirit acts in us, to fill us with hope. While love is not directly mentioned, the Spirit is often described as the love of the Father and the Son. In this passage, Paul is advising the Romans to look beyond differences and seek the common good, to tolerate the failings of others, to build harmony and encouragement in the church of Rome. Rome was a big melting pot, with people from all across the empire, and it would be important not to squabble and nit-pick differences but to build one another up in love.

 And importantly, Paul thinks that seeking this harmony or higher ground will bolster hope in the community. So often the little things that divide us here and now cause problems. (Anyone recall quarreling over something insignificant during the holiday season?) And maybe if you are really honest with yourself, you don’t really even look forward to Christmas, since you're short on time and maybe funds, and you anticipate those squabbles and disunity. Is it even worth it? Instead, Paul advises us to look forward in hope. We might say: “Keep your eyes on Christ, our source of hope!” Time to fix your gaze once again on Jesus and rekindle that childhood excitement which looks ahead with a heart full of what is possible.

Here is a passage from the Old Testament which helps me. Jeremiah speaks into that promise and the need to look ahead even amid the trials:

“For I know well the plans I have in mind for you, plans for your welfare and not for woe, so as to give you a future of hope. When you call me, and come and pray to me, I will listen to you. When you look for me, you will find me. Yes, when you seek me with all your heart…” (Jer 29:11- 13)

May your preparations continue with a hope-filled heart!

Fr. Joel

P.S. Monday, December 8th - Immaculate Conception - is a Holy Day of Obligation. Masses 9am and 7pm. Please make every effort to come and worship.