SAINT TERESA OF JESUS, DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH (MEMORIAL)

That you may know what is the hope that belongs to his call. 

What is the hope that we have as Christians, the hope that St. Paul says comes with believing in Jesus and answering his call? It’s certainly more than just wishful thinking or an optimistic outlook that everything will turn out just fine. We know from our life experiences, in fact, that things don’t always turn out fine and that our hope can be misplaced.

For Christians, hope is based not on our circumstances but on a Person. Jesus is our hope. No matter what happens to us or around us, no matter what changes, Jesus doesn’t change. He is our merciful Savior who is with us now in this life, and he will be the same merciful Savior with us for all eternity.

On one level, we already know that. Yet we live in a fallen world filled with confusion, turmoil, disease, and strife. Thinking about our problems, our sins, or just the state of the world can cause us to feel overwhelmed. So how do we live in hope?

In his letter to the Ephesians, Paul prayed that the “eyes of your hearts be enlightened” (1:18). And that is the key: when we look to the Lord, he “enlightens” our hearts. He shows us how much he loves us. He tells us about Jesus, who loves us so deeply that he willingly became man and died on a cross so that we might live. He shows us that his mercy knows no bounds and that he will always forgive us when we come to him. And he enlightens us in a special way when he gives us a glimpse of the glory that awaits us, when we will be raised just as Jesus was and be united with him and all the angels and saints in heaven.

This, brothers and sisters, is the source of our hope. So in those times when you are feeling discouraged, look to Jesus. Recall what he has done for you. Recall the future he has for you. He will never abandon you, not even in your darkest hour. This is the hope that belongs to your call!

“Jesus, when my hope begins to fail, give me the grace to look to you.”

Ephesians 1:15-23
Psalm 8:2-7
Luke 12:8-12