March 3, 2025 – Looking Beyond the Now
They who proclaim the hope of Jesus carry joy, and they see a great distance because they know how to see beyond evil and beyond their problems.
Pope Francis
Reflection from _______ (OR a Community Member):
I’m sure many of us are familiar with the phrase, “Been down so long it looks like up to me”. Especially in times of personal or national or spiritual darkness, hope can be a very elusive virtue. We know faith is a gift, and we have guidelines for how to model charity, but hope can escape us. Pope Francis tells us not to worry. We are not meant to be prophets of doom but people who can see beyond the current situation to trust in the plans God has in mind. If we pause to consider God’s hope in US, we may find hoping easier.
Ponder:
Am I a hopeful person, or do I often fall into despondency?
Pray:
God of hope, remove any darkness that surrounds me, so that I may see you better!
Excerpts used with permission from Twenty-Third Publications.
This is a test comment! It is full of interesting and insightful commentary upon the post above.