Jesus - Heart of Hope

Beads of Joy 05-18-10

Jesus - Heart of Hope
©2010 James Dacey, Jr. SFO

Heart of Jesus 2/5
Hello Everyone,

Today we are going to reflect on something I know many of us can say, that little by little in our world we feel we are losing: our hope. It's so easy to fall into all the sorrow that is around us, all the negative thoughts that get us down. We have challenges in our country that seem to tear away any possible hope for keeping our freedom and our liberty here in America. Then we look around the world and see war and violence and hatred. It's like we have been violated and striped of all our hope. The one thing that all of these worldly events has shown us, is that we must keep our hope only in Jesus. And our hope must be in possessing Him in our lives, fully; completely letting go of anything that keeps us away from Him. The only way to really appreciate this is by turning to scripture, "Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed." 1 Peter 1:13.

What is hope? I know we all pretty much understand the meaning of hope. But I see it like this. Hope is a part of us looking out into the future, trying to figure out a scenario, or an event or the result of an event that would best suit our dreams and desires. "I sure hope it's sunny out Saturday, when we go to the beach.", "Wouldn't be nice if this was a winning lottery ticket, I hope it is.", "I hope I get out of work early today, it'll give us a chance to head out early tonight." Hope! See how easily we entwine hope into our daily lives. But what is hope? What is the spiritual foundation of having hope? Wouldn't it be wise to place all our hope in Him, Him who we call Jesus, the one we acknowledge as Lord. We can look at hope the same way I just described it to you. "We continually remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ." 1 Thessalonians 1:3

So now let's take a look at hope from a whole new vantage point. From the heart of Jesus; and see how it reflects into our hearts so that our hope is in Him. "And now it is because of my hope in what God has promised our fathers that I am on trial today." Acts 26:6, wow, does that one hit home today for all of us right now, with all the trials and suffering we are feeling as a family. And check this one out, this scripture says what we have been saying, "And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us." Romans 5:5, Jesus Christ wants us to keep all our hope in Him. Do you feel the excitement build up? Do you sense the Joy that is starting to overflow because we are looking at Him this way? "Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer." Romans 12:12. What do you hope for? How do you feel about that feeling of hope in your heart? Hope can be a wonderful thing, as long as we hope for what is good and what is God in our lives.

Let's face the truth, we can not control, or change, or manage future events. God only knows the outcome of all things. But with that being said: Do we not hope that Jesus forgives us? Do we not hope that Heaven is as beautiful as we believe it is? Do we not hope we can stay as true to Jesus as possible without sinning so much? Hope in His return to us, hope in His love for us, hope fills our heart as we worship and praise His holy name. Jesus Christ should be the hope in all that we plan, all that we do, and all that matters to us. Hoping and praying that our lives are in line with His will for us. I find so much hope in Romans, "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." Romans 15;13. And here is a final thought to sum up hope, "let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.." Hebrews 10:22-24.


Your brother in Christ Jesus & His Most Blessed Mother,
Jim (The Rosary Man) Dacey Jr SFO