LIVING LIFE | KAIROS GLOBAL | JANUARY 2021

HOPE

 ‘Let us say once again: we need the greater and lesser hopes that keep us going day by day. But these are not enough without the great hope, which must surpass everything else. This great hope can only be God’ (Spe Salvi p31, 2007). 

During a mission trip, while going through a struggling phase, this quote transformed my life forever. We need smaller hopes like a good dinner, a good job, finding a suitable life partner. But all those hopes cease to exist the moment you get them. So, we all need a hope that drives us till the last breath, the hope in Christ who will come back with Mercy and Justice.

Cyriac Panackal, Germany

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For me hope in simple words means complete trust in and waiting for God's time. Having hope in the lord also helps us to be humble to accept that God is in control. 

Long after completing my Masters in Engineering from University of Ottawa, I still couldn't find a job. While all my friends started working in reputed companies, I was still doing small, part-time jobs. I prayed a lot and many of my JY friends prayed for me too. Even though I was struggling, it didn't stop me from continuing my ministry, the burning desire for him kept me going. Whenever I asked God in prayer about a job, he kept giving me messages that he had something good for me; I wasn't sure what it was but I trusted him. 

After 27 months of searching, God miraculously gave me a job where I enjoy what I do and I can glorify him all the time. I couldn’t even believe that a job like this existed and I hadn’t even applied for it in a formal way – youth ministry coordinator for an Archdiocese in Northern Canada. It is a missionary diocese that works mostly among the First Nation communities in the North. 

Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are mine (Isaiah 43: 1). What else do we need, we are his, and he will keep his promises. I waited and hoped in God, knowing that my Abba father had it under control. I know how frustrating it is to wait without knowing the outcome, but there is a lot of grace and blessing which comes with it. God never abandons because he is Love and he is our Father. Let us joyfully hope and wait for him and his time.

Jims Alackel, Canada

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And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us (Romans 5:5). 

Hope is not a feeling or an emotion rather it is a conviction that I am loved by my Heavenly Father.

2020 was a shocking year for the entire world. A total shutdown, globally was beyond our wildest imagination. Dreams and plans of millions shattered before a micro virus.

After my graduation from law college in 2019, I was totally uncertain about my future. With this dilemma eating my mind, I entered 2020 expecting an answer …

When the whole world came to a standstill, with hope a distant dream, only two questions remained – Oh Good Lord what is this? Where are you taking me?

With plenty of time and no commitments, I decided to pray more, read the Scriptures more and pray more Rosaries – even in the midst of many personal struggles. I just completely put my trust in Him – I had no other choice.

As time passed, I began to see the Lord guiding, preparing me and revealing the answer I was in search of. He showed me rays of hope through uncertainty, gave me spiritual realisations that I was loved by my Heavenly Father despite my flaws. That there was nothing I could do to make him love me more and love me less, for he is love and his nature is love. All the while, he was asking me to be still, be patient and calm and to know that he loved me and had great plans for me. The terrible year 2020 turned me from hopeless to hopeful.

For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways are my ways, declares the Lord. As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts (Isaiah 55:8-9).

AMDG.

Arun Sebastian, Thodupuzha, India