never losing by never losing hope
“Like a sure and firm anchor, that hope extends beyond the veil.” —Hebrews 6:19
In the Christian life, the old saying is true: “All’s well that ends well.” Some people are like the good thief who probably lived a terribly sinful life but repented moments before his death (Lk 23:42-43). Others may be like Judas Iscariot, who spent every day with Jesus for three years, but in the end betrayed Christ and committed suicide (Mt 27:5).
Will each of us persevere in our faith? “Our desire is that each of you show the same zeal to the end” (Heb 6:11). We persevere because we hope. “In hope we were saved” (Rm 8:24). The Lord gives us hope by His promise and His oath (Heb 6:13, 16). “By two things that are unchangeable, in which He could not lie, we who have taken refuge in Him might be strongly encouraged to seize the hope which is placed before us” (Heb 6:18). Not only does faith come through hearing God’s Word (see Rm 10:17) but also hope comes by believing God’s Word. Believing God’s promise and oath, we hold on to hope and refuse to let go until we are home in heaven with our Lord forever. We persevere because we “hope so.” “Seize the hope” (Heb 6:18).
Prayer: Father, fulfill my hopes by pouring out Your love in my heart through the Holy Spirit (Rm 5:5).
Promise: “I will give thanks to the Lord with all my heart in the company and assembly of the just.” —Ps 111:1
Praise: St. Agnes asked her executioner to hurry up and put her to death for Jesus. She didn’t want to insult Jesus by prolonging the opportunity for sin.
Reference: (Here is another way to live the Mass: listen to our Bible Telephone Line for a brief message on the readings of the day. Call 513-823-3111.)
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