On Account of Hope

"This is the reason, then, I have requested 

to see you and to speak with you, 

for it is on account of the hope of Israel 

that I wear these chains." 

(Acts 28:20)

Hope and faith can sustain us through difficult times. These gives us the perseverance in staying committed to our beliefs, even in the most challenging circumstances. Physical constraints will not limit our ability to spread positivity and truth irrespective of obstacles. Let us always be open to others and to welcome them with kindness and understanding.

In the heart of trials, both hope and faith reside,

A beacon in the storm, a steadfast guide.

Through the darkest nights and the roughest tides,

They give us strength; in their light we confide.

Perseverance, a virtue, they bestow,

In our beliefs, we find the strength to grow.

Even when faced with formidable foe,

Our commitment to truth will only glow.

Chains may bind the body, but not the soul,

Spreading positivity, our ultimate goal.

Though obstacles rise, taking a heavy toll,

Truth breaks free, playing an unstoppable role.

Open hearts, open minds, a welcoming smile,

Kindness and understanding, worth every mile.

In the face of adversity, devoid of guile,

We stand together, making each trial worthwhile.

Dear Divine,

In the face of trials and tribulations, we seek Your guidance and grace. We pray for the strength of hope and faith to sustain us through the most difficult times. May these virtues instill in us the perseverance to stay committed to our beliefs, even when the circumstances are challenging.

We understand that physical constraints cannot limit our ability to spread positivity and truth. We pray for the courage to overcome obstacles and continue to shine Your light in the world.

Help us to always be open, to welcome others with kindness and understanding. May we reflect Your love in all our interactions, and may our hearts be a sanctuary of warmth and acceptance.

In Your name, we pray. Amen.

Pericope:

V: The Mission of Paul to the Ends of the Earth

ARRIVAL IN ROME

Acts 28:11-31

First Reading | Acts 28:16-20, 30-31

16 When he entered Rome, Paul was allowed to live by himself, with the soldier who was guarding him. 17 Three days later he called together the leaders of the Jews. When they had gathered, he said to them, “My brothers, although I had done nothing against our people or our ancestral customs, I was handed over to the Romans as a prisoner from Jerusalem. 18 After trying my case the Romans wanted to release me, because they found nothing against me deserving the death penalty. 19 But when the Jews objected, I was obliged to appeal to Caesar, even though I had no accusation to make against my own nation. 20 This is the reason, then, I have requested to see you and to speak with you, for it is on account of the hope of Israel that I wear these chains.” 30 He remained for two full years in his lodgings. He received all who came to him, 31 and with complete assurance and without hindrance he proclaimed the Kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ. 

Background:

The passages Acts 28:16-20, 30-31 are from the final chapter of the Book of Acts in the Bible. This chapter narrates Apostle Paul’s journey from the island of Malta to Rome.

In Acts 28:16-20, when Paul and his companions arrived in Rome, Paul was allowed to live by himself with a soldier guarding him. After three days, he called together the local Jewish leaders. He explained to them that although he had done nothing against the Jewish people or their customs, he was delivered as a prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans. The Romans, after examining him, wanted to set him free because they found no reason for the death penalty in his case. However, when the Jews objected, Paul felt compelled to appeal to Caesar, even though he had no charges to bring against his own people. He requested to see and speak with the Jewish leaders because he was bound with a chain for the hope of Israel.

In Acts 28:30-31, Paul lived in Rome for two whole years at his own expense. He welcomed all who came to see him. During this time, he was preaching about the Kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ quite openly and without any hindrance.

This chapter ends with a powerful declaration of the Gospel being proclaimed freely. Paul’s ministry in Rome, despite his circumstances, demonstrates his unwavering commitment to spreading the teachings of Jesus Christ. His ability to preach and teach without hindrance, even while under house arrest, underscores the unstoppable nature of the Gospel message.

Learning Lessons:

The passages Acts 28:16-20, 30-31 offer several valuable lessons:

Perseverance in Difficult Times: Despite being a prisoner, Paul continued to preach the Gospel. This teaches us about the importance of perseverance and staying committed to our beliefs, even in challenging circumstances.

Openness and Hospitality: Paul welcomed all who came to him, demonstrating the virtues of openness and hospitality. This encourages us to be open to others and to welcome them with kindness and understanding.

Hope and Faith: Paul was bound with a chain for the hope of Israel. His faith remained strong despite his physical bondage. This serves as a reminder that hope and faith can sustain us through difficult times.

Freedom in Constraints: Even though Paul was under house arrest, he was able to preach and teach without hindrance. This shows that physical constraints do not limit our ability to spread positivity and truth.

Courage to Speak the Truth: Paul did not hesitate to explain his situation to the local Jewish leaders and assert his innocence. This teaches us the importance of speaking the truth, even when it is difficult.

Unstoppable Nature of the Gospel: The Gospel message continued to spread, regardless of Paul’s circumstances. This underscores the power of truth and its ability to spread irrespective of obstacles.

These lessons remind us of the power of faith, the importance of perseverance, and the impact of truth. They encourage us to remain steadfast in our beliefs, to be open and welcoming to others, and to have the courage to speak the truth. (Copilot)

SUBJECTED IN HOPE

Creation subjected in Hope

I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God; for the creation was subjected to futility, not of its own will but by the will of him who subjected it in hope; because the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to decay and obtain the glorious liberty of the children of God. -- Romans 8:18-21

Hope for adoption as Sons

We know that the whole creation has been groaning in travail together until now; and not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. For in this hope we were saved (Rom 8:22-24).

See what love the Father has given us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. The reason why the world does not know us is that it did not know him (1 Jn 3:1).

Beloved, we are God's children now; it does not yet appear what we shall be, but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. And every one who thus hopes in him purifies himself as he is pure (1 Jn 3:2-3).

What is Hope?

Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience. -- Romans 8:24-25

Published:

October 25, 2011, 7:47 AM

Wait with Endurance

But if we hope for what we do not see, 

we wait with endurance.

ROMANS 8:25

Creation awaits with eager expectation the revelation of the children of God; for creation was made subject to futility, not of its own accord but because of the one who subjected it, in hope that creation itself would be set free from slavery to corruption and share in the glorious freedom of the children of God. (Rom 8:19-21)

Jesus said, “What is the Kingdom of God like? To what can I compare it? It is like a mustard seed that a man took and planted in the garden. When it was fully grown, it became a large bush and the birds of the sky dwelt in its branches.” Again He said, “To what shall I compare the Kingdom of God? It is like yeast that a woman took and mixed in with three measures of wheat flour until the whole batch of dough was leavened.” (Lk 13:18-21)

We know that all creation is groaning in labor pains even until now; and not only that, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, we also groan within ourselves as we wait for adoption, the redemption of our bodies. For in hope we were saved. Now hope that sees for itself is not hope. For who hopes for what one sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait with endurance. (Rom 8:22-25)

Those that sow in tears shall reap rejoicing. Although they go forth weeping, carrying the seed to be sown, they shall come back rejoicing, carrying their sheaves. (Ps 126:5-6) When the Lord brought back the captives of Zion, we were like men dreaming. Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with rejoicing. Then they said among the nations, “The Lord has done great things for them.” The Lord has done great things for us; we are glad indeed (Ps 126:2-3). 

Restore our fortunes, O Lord, like the torrents in the southern desert (Ps 126:4). I consider that the sufferings of this present time are as nothing compared with the glory to be revealed for us (Rom 8:18).

Hope in Jesus

 A bruised reed He will not break, a smoldering wick He will not quench, 

until He brings justice to victory. And in His name the Gentiles will hope. 

MATTHEW 12 : 20-21

With what shall you come before the Lord, and bow before God most high? Shall you come before Him with burnt offerings, with calves a year old? Will the Lord be pleased with thousands of rams, with myriad streams of oil? Shall you give your first-born for your crime, the fruit of your body for the sin of your soul? - Micah 6:6-7

The Lord said, “Not for your sacrifices do I rebuke you, for your burnt offerings are before me always. I take from your house no bullock, no goats out of your fold (Ps 50:8-9). Why do you recite my statutes, and profess my covenant with your mouth, though you hate discipline and cast my words behind you? (Ps 50:16-17). When you do these things, shall I be deaf to it? Or do you think that I am like yourself? I will correct you by drawing them up before your eyes (Ps 50:21). 

Today, you have been told what is good, and what the Lord requires of you: Only to do right and to love goodness, and to walk humbly with your God (Mi 6:8). He that offers praise as a sacrifice glorifies Me; and to him that goes the right way I will show the salvation of God (Ps. 50:23).

Behold, the days are coming, says the Lord, when I will raise up a righteous shoot to David; as king He shall reign and govern wisely, He shall do what is just and right in the land (Jer. 23:5).

I myself will gather the remnant of my flock from all the lands to which I have driven them and bring them back to their meadow; there they shall increase and multiply (Jer. 23:3). In His days Judah shall be saved, Israel shall dwell in security. This is the name they give Him: “The Lord our justice.” (Jer. 23:6) 

Grace to you and peace. We give thanks to God always for all of you, remembering you in our prayers, unceasingly calling to mind your work of faith and labor of love and endurance in hope of our Lord Jesus Christ, before our God and Father, knowing, brothers and sisters loved by God, how you were chosen. For our gospel did not come to you in word alone, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with much conviction. - 1 Thessalonians 1:2-5

Be Firm in All Your Undertakings

Our hope for you is firm, 

for we know that as you share in the sufferings, 

you also share in the encouragement. -

2 CORINTHIANS 1 : 7

Blessed be God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all encouragement, who encourages us in our every affliction, so that we may be able to encourage those who are in any affliction with the encouragement with which we ourselves are encouraged.

In times when we are down and low, please lift us up and make our hearts jump for joy. Provide us with all the encouragement and support we need in order to overcome our sorrows and pains. We just surrender everything to the power of  Your great and mighty hands.

Thank You so much for your encouragement that I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. In Him I stand secure and firm, enabling me to endure the hardships of work that would lead me to the attainment of my dreams, goals, and aspirations.

May your grace and blessings continue to overflow in us so that other people will benefit as well. With much love and thanksgiving, I humbly pray, in Jesus Name. Amen.

HOPE IN GOD

The whole assembly cried aloud, blessing God 

who saves those that hope in Him.

Daniel 13:60

Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. - 1 Timothy 6:17

May your kindness, O Lord, be upon us who have put our hope in you. - Psalm 33:22

Hope is God's Favorite Virtue

In 1929, French poet Charles Peguy wrote a long poem titled “The Gateway of the Mystery of the Second Virtue” as part of his trilogy on the theological virtues of faith, hope, and love. Peguy wrote how hope is God’s favorite virtue because “hope surprises me,” unlike faith and charity.

God says in repetitive, short lines that even if hope is the “littlest and frailest” of the three virtues, it surprises Him because despite the many tragedies in life, tomorrow comes. He describes hope as like a river flowing throughout creation with an abundance of grace coming from the pierced side of Jesus Christ.

Peguy’s poem is long but lovely like our First Reading today from St. Paul’s letter to the Romans, the take-off point of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI’s second encyclical, Spe Salvi or Saved by Hope. Benedict wrote that hope gives direction or orients us towards salvation which, for St. Paul, involves the whole of creation that must be set free from the effects of Adam’s transgression. According to St. Paul, that process has begun in the Church and we, children of God, must understand our role in this plan of salvation. We must remember this great honor of being the first fruits of redemption.

All we need is to believe and say yes to hope. Like the tiny mustard seed, hope grows into a large bush where birds could nest. That is Peguy’s point about hope being surprising. When Jesus likened God’s Kingdom to a mustard seed and the yeast, He teaches us to have hope in Him, to believe that no matter what happens in this life, He is always there, loving us faithfully. Hope is believing in God even if things do not get better. “Man’s great, and true hope, which holds him firm in spite of all disappointments, can only be God—God who has loved us and who continues to love us to the end, until all is accomplished” (Spe Salvi, 27). Fr. Nick Lalog




Published:

March 30, 2020, 7:41 AM
October 29, 2019, 6:45 AM
August 16, 2011, 7:10 AM

HOPE IN THE LORD'S KINDNESS

The Lord has set His eyes on you who hope in His kindness. He shall preserve you in spite of the current difficulties you face. Always put your Hope in Him for bigger and brighter days to come. 

See, the eyes of the Lord are upon those who fear him, upon those who hope for his kindness, to deliver them from death and preserve them in spite of famine (Ps 33:18-19). May your kindness, O Lord, be upon us who have put our hope in you (Ps 33:22).



Reading:
PRAISE OF GOD'S POWER AND PROVIDENCE
Psalm 33:1-22