Isn’t it already good and sufficient for us to be optimistic and hopeful Christians? Why do Christians also need to have the virtue of hope? And what is the light of hope that Christians believe in?
In his message for the 38th World Youth Day, Pope Francis described the virtue of hope in this way:
“Christian hope is no facile optimism, no placebo for the credulous: it is the certainty, rooted in love and faith, that God never abandons us and remains faithful to his promise: “Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I fear no evil, for you are with me” (Psalm 23:4).
In daily life, we often hear people use the words “hope” or “optimism” in conversation. But what is the difference between the two? And how is Christian hope, that is, hope as a virtue, different from the everyday concept of “hope”?
Many people tend to confuse hope with optimism, but they are not the same. The main difference is that optimism is a general expectation of positive outcomes, often based on favourable conditions or outlooks. Hope, on the other hand, inspires action and carries the power to make things better. Optimism is a passive state of mind, while hope motivates us to act and to set goals.
The world often defines “hope” as the desire for something attainable in this life, such as success, health, or a comfortable lifestyle.
But Christian hope, the theological virtue, goes far beyond earthly desires. It centers on the reality of heaven and eternal life with God. Even though the things of this world are temporary and imperfect, our ultimate fulfillment is found in eternal union with God.
Pope Francis continued in his message:
Christian hope is not a denial of sorrow and death; it is the celebration of the love of the risen Christ, who is always at our side, even when he seems far from us. “Christ himself is our great light of hope and our guide in the night, because he is ‘the bright morning star’” (Christus Vivit, 33).
Christian hope is not based on wishful thinking, but on the very nature of God, who is faithful, merciful, and almighty.
As Scripture reminds us in Numbers 23:19: “God is not a human being, that he should lie, or a mortal, that he should change his mind. Has he promised, and will he not do it? Has he spoken, and will he not fulfill it?”
Because of God’s nature, we can trust His promises, even in situations that seem impossible. This trust is the foundation of Christian hope.
As Christians, our hope is ultimately directed toward heaven. We believe that this earthly life is a pilgrimage, and our true home is in heaven, with our Father.
This kind of hope shapes our worldview, helping us to look beyond the present and focus on eternity. As it says in Colossians 3:2: “Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.”
Our anchor of hope is Jesus Christ. Through His death and resurrection, He opened the way to heaven for us. Our hope rests on His sacrifice and the promise of eternal life. This anchor holds us steady during the storms of life, because we know our eternal future is secure in the faithfulness of Jesus.
To be a Christian filled with hope does not mean to be blindly optimistic in all things, but to have a deep and unwavering trust in God’s promises, to firmly believe in the reality of heaven, and to entrust our soul to Jesus Christ.
This kind of hope transforms our lives, giving us strength, peace, and purpose as we journey toward our eternal home.
Reflection
Are you more of an optimist, or someone who is truly filled with hope? When facing adversity, do you respond passively, or take action with a positive mindset?
What is the foundation of your hope? Earthly things, or heavenly realities? Are you full of hope in general sense or full of the virtue of hope?
After today’s reflection, in what ways might your understanding of Christian hope need adjusting?
Today’s Prayer
Lord Jesus Christ, thank You for once again revealing to me the true meaning of hope. I know that the worries and temptations of this world often turn my gaze toward earthly desires, making me forget that You are the true rock of my hope. It is through Your death and resurrection that the path to heaven has been opened for me.
Please strengthen my faith, so that my hope may also become more solid, anchored not in earthly treasures, but in the treasures of heaven. Teach me, Lord, and gently remind me to set my mind on things above, not on things that are on earth.
Lord Jesus, help me to recognize You as my light of hope in this life, and lead me through the darkness, step by step, into the light and ever closer to You.
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