Hope

Trusting in Love's Promise

"So faith, hope, love remain, these three;
but the greatest of these is love."

1 Corinthians 13:13

Opening Question

What's the difference between hope and wishful thinking?

Hope isn't crossing your fingers.
It's anchoring your soul to the faithfulness of God.

Hope Does Not Disappoint

"...we boast in hope of the glory of God. Not only that, but we even boast of our afflictions, knowing that affliction produces endurance, and endurance, proven character, and proven character, hope, and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out into our hearts..."
— Romans 5:2-5

The Anchor of the Soul

"This we have as an anchor of the soul," "SURE AND FIRM" — Hebrews 6:19

Hope is Anchored

Hope isn't optimism about our circumstances.
It is confidence in God's faithfulness.

Why hope doesn't disappoint:

  • It comes through suffering, not just despite it
  • It is poured out by the Holy Spirit
  • It is grounded in God's love, which cannot change

The Church Teaches

"Hope is 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."
— CCC 1817

"Relying not on our own strength"

A Future of Hope

"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... I will listen to you."
— Jeremiah 29:11-12
Hope reorders our priorities:
If Heaven is real, this life is preparation,
not the main event.

The Enemies of Hope

Despair

"God can't or won't save me."

  • Giving up on God's promises
  • Believing sins are too great
  • "It's hopeless"

Presumption

"God must save me (without my effort)."

  • Taking mercy for granted
  • Expecting heaven without conversion
  • "I can do what I want"

Hope walks the middle path: trusting Mercy while respecting Justice.

What Hope Does

Gives us Courage
Frees us from Despair
Motivates Holiness
Anchors us in Peace

"We wait with endurance..."

Let Us Pray

Lord Jesus, you are our hope—the anchor of our souls.
We have heard your promises, and we know that you are faithful.

Anchor our hearts in you.
Where we are tempted to despair, give us confidence.
Where we are tempted to presume, give us holy reverence.

We come now to rest in the One who keeps his promises.

In your holy name we pray.
Amen.