5 Things That Give Me Hope

The world is often a depressing place, as anyone living in it well knows.

Thank God for hope, which is...

1) Related to the joy of faith. 

What else increases my hope?

2) Hopeful reminders to put things into perspective, like a recent tweet from @Pontifex“When everything falls apart, only one thing sustains our hope: God loves us; he loves everyone!” Also, daily doses of hope @VerilyMag, like this

3) Holy people, like St. Thérèse’s parents, who show us how to live holiness within family life, and St. John Paul II — whose advice on being light and love in the world is increasingly timely: “Darkness can only be scattered by light. Hatred can only be conquered by love.” And his encouragement to youth is timeless, via @TweetingwGod.

And, of course, the encouragement of my favorites, St. Gianna and St. Thérèse.

4) Jane Austen. Yes, Miss Austen also helps me keep things in perspective.

Her keen insight into the human condition is hopeful, because she understands the human heart so well: “Jane Austen encourages the strength that sees people’s hearts.”

But don’t just take women’s word for it. Even guys understand this phenomenon: “I think everyone should read Jane Austen because she’s incredibly insightful and indispensable for a good understanding of character and virtue. I just can’t trust someone who really doesn’t like Jane.”

5) And joy in general, as the new #MissionofJoy effort illustrates.

What gives you hope?

Caravaggio (1571–1610), “The Incredulity of Saint Thomas”

For We Walk by Faith, Not by Sight

“Then he said to Thomas, ‘Put your finger here, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side; do not be faithless, but believing.’ Thomas answered him, ‘My Lord and my God!’ Jesus said to him, ‘Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe.’” (John 20:27-29)