“‘FOR I KNOW THE PLANS I HAVE FOR YOU,’ DECLARES THE LORD, ‘PLANS TO PROSPER YOU AND NOT TO HARM YOU, PLANS TO GIVE YOU HOPE AND A FUTURE.’”

– JEREMIAH 29:11

(Slowly read each sentence in a spirit of reflective meditation. “Hope” can be used as a mantra)

Hope

Take a few moments to quiet your mind. You may close your eyes or find a place to rest your focus. Become aware of your breath. Allow the air to fill your lungs. Focus on the simple patterns of your breath moving in and out of your body. Allow any distracting thoughts to rise in your mind, and simply let them go. If they arise again, acknowledge them, and allow the mind to come to a place of stillness. Become aware of the presence of God. The presence of God never leaves us. God is always with us. God is present in you. God is present in gathering with others. God is present in creation and the world around you. God is present in Spirit and truth, in the Word and human form, Jesus Christ. Allow yourself to sit in this presence. Allow the love of God to fill you. Remain with God.

Hope

It is often said that hope is the most elusive of virtues. We cling to hope. Hope can be found in the darkness. Hope is the sweet taste of water when the mouth is dry from thirst. We can be hope-less, and hope-full.

Hope is also the final virtue to leave us. We have our last hope. We are asked not to lose hope. Hope remains when all other spirits escape. We choose hope. While there’s life, there’s hope.

There are so many more sayings and adages about hope. They can help us touch the essence of the gift. The gift of hope.

Hope

As Christians, we are commissioned to bring hope, joy, and life to others by proclaiming the Good News. It is a message of love. We proclaim a Kingdom where we are liberated by love. A place where justice and peace reign. We know this reality because our relationship with God is grounded in the promise God offers to each of us. “I know you. I love you. I have plans for you. Trust in me.”

Hope

Find a home for your hope. You may want to offer a prayer of blessing, for your own needs or another person. It may be someone who asked you to pray for them, or someone or something in need of God’s love and peace right now. Picture your face or need, or the need or face of another. Bring your awareness to God’s presence with them, even as God is present with you at this moment. Allow the words to form naturally. Take as much time and as many words as you need.

Hope

 Become aware again of your breath. Bring your awareness back to the room and space around you. Slowly open your eyes and return your attention to the world awaiting you.

From: Firewood for the soul, vol. 2, A Reflexion Book for the Whole Vincentian Family
St. Vincent de Paul Society, Queensland, Australia.
Text by: Samantha Hill and James Hodge.