Hope never disappoints, Romans 5:5. This is how Pope Francis begins his call for the Jubilee.
Certainly, hope has never failed me when I have placed that hope in God.
Many years ago, the Lord gave me the gift of savoring Psalm 130: “Lord, my heart is not greedy, nor my eyes haughty; … like a child in its mother’s arms, … Israel, let it wait for the Lord” and also Isaiah 43:1-5 “The Lord who created you says, ‘Do not fear… I have called you by name… you are mine… I am with you…’” These texts have marked my life, and in the difficulties I have encountered along the way, I don’t know how the Lord manages, but with Him everything makes sense.
I’ll give a vivid example. A few years ago, I walked a stretch of the Camino de Santiago. Two poles helped me walk, both physically and spiritually. The Lord made me feel: One was Jesus and the other was Mary. With them, I walked safely and happily. When I stopped at a fountain, I forgot them, and when I realized it, I felt lost. Without them, I knew I couldn’t walk. I returned and found them (I received this grace). They continue to be “my walking sticks” on the path of life.
Within our spirituality, Mary Ward tells us to “refer everything to God.” That is, if I think it’s me who’s doing the work, I’m lost. If I see that it’s God who’s doing the work in me and through me, I’m saved. This leads me to live in constant gratitude to God and to people. And at the same time, it helps me live in gratitude. This way of living generates freedom, joy, and peace in me.
