Live in Hope!

Romans 5:5

Hope does not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.

We hope, not because we are not certain, but because we have a faith that transcends mere certainty. We hope, not because heaven is far away and we are stuck on earth, but because in the Incarnation, heaven was born in the form of a baby in Bethlehem, was crucified, died, and rose again. We hope because the very worst thing that can possibly happen has already happened and, so far from it leading to Cosmic Despair, has lead to life from the dead and the gift of the Holy Spirit. If God is for us, who can be against us? If God can bring eternal life for a race of murderers out of the death of his own murdered Son, what possible limits can there be to his mercy? None, except for our refusal to receive that mercy. Today, receive the mercy of God and walk in newness of life in the Holy Spirit.

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Mark P. Shea is a popular Catholic writer and speaker. The author of numerous books, his most recent work is The Work of Mercy (Servant) and The Heart of Catholic Prayer (Our Sunday Visitor). Mark contributes numerous articles to many magazines, including his popular column “Connecting the Dots” for the National Catholic Register. Mark is known nationally for his one minute “Words of Encouragement” on Catholic radio. He also maintains the Catholic and Enjoying It blog and regularly blogs for National Catholic Register. He lives in Washington state with his wife, Janet, and their four sons.

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