Tuesday of the Thirtieth Week in Ordinary Time

Tuesday of the Thirtieth Week in Ordinary Time

St. Paul is talking about hope in the first reading today.  I notice that sometimes we use the word "hope" in a context almost as if we doubt rather than have hope or faith.  We say, "I hope it doesn't get too cold this winter" or "I hope the Vikings can win another game this season", but what we really mean is that we would like these things to happen but the likelihood of it happening seems rather slim.  The virtue of hope, which is what St. Paul is talking about, is not about sitting around, wishing that good things would happen.  It goes along with the other virtues of faith and love. Through those Theological Virtues (as they are called) we know God has promised eternal life and freedom from sin to those who believe.  We don't know necessarily when or how it happen.  We can't even say for sure who it will happen to, but we know that the promise is real and so we await that fulfillment with hope.  Then when we are in the eternal banquet we will experience God's abundant love.