Welcome to a Journey of Hope with Pope Francis
As Pope Francis delves into the virtues and vices, he spotlights the theological virtue of hope in his recent cycle of catecheses.
By Christopher Wells
Hope is like a comforting answer to the heart’s ponderings about our final destination, Pope Francis shared during the General Audience session. He emphasized that without hope, questions about life’s purpose can lead to despair, making it challenging to continue our journey.
The Holy Father went on to explain that hope, a gift from God, does not stem from personal achievements but from Christ’s death and resurrection. This theological virtue is reinforced by faith in the Resurrection of Christ, providing certainty that defeats and deaths are not permanent.
Speaking about sins against hope, Pope Francis cautioned against longing for past happiness and despairing over mistakes, reminding us of God’s endless mercy. Amidst a world lacking hope, he highlighted the importance of patience, an essential virtue intertwined with hope, enabling individuals to endure even in the darkest times.
Hope is described as a virtue for the youthful at heart, as exemplified by Simeon and Anna in the New Testament, who found solace in the newborn Messiah. The Pope urged believers to seek the grace of hope and patience, keeping the final encounter with the Lord in sight and acknowledging His constant presence.
Embrace the journey of hope with Pope Francis and discover the power of patience and unwavering faith in the face of despair!
For the full text of Pope Francis’ inspiring words, visit the official Holy See website.
