Kieran’s reflection this month is on the subject of hope, made especially relevant as this is the Jubilee Year of hope.
In this Jubilee year, whose theme is inspired by St. Paul’s Letter to the Romans (5:5), we reflect on hope’s role in both human and Christian life. Hope, often linked to optimism, helps us move forward despite failure and tragedy. Kieran points to the warning of Pope Francis against a naïve optimism, which overlooks life’s inevitable hardships. A deeper, personal hope emerges through relationships and commitments, particularly in marriage, where vows create a foundation of trust. This hope mirrors God’s covenant with His people and Christ’s faithfulness to the Church. Implicit promises shape moral life and society, forming a “social contract” that fosters security and love.
Christian hope, as a theological virtue, is rooted in God’s promises, while God also places hope in humanity’s potential. Just as parents nurture their children’s promise, we are called to fulfill God’s hope in us. As St. Paul reminds us, faith, hope, and love endure, with love as the greatest.