What if I told you that hope is not just a word on a signboard but a lifeline—a promise that can transform your life, your family, and even the world? Recently, I saw a huge sign in downtown Chicago with the word "HOPE" shining brightly. It made me reflect on how hope isn’t just a fleeting feeling; it’s a call to action, a journey, and most importantly, a promise from God.
Today, I invite you to dive into the beauty of the acronym HOPE—Heaven, Others, Passion, and End. These four words are not just letters; they are a roadmap to living a life filled with meaning, purpose, and joy, even in the midst of life’s storms.
H is for Heaven. Heaven is our ultimate goal, the destination of our journey as "Pilgrims of Hope." It is not just a distant dream but a reality we are called to live for every day. As Jesus reminds us in the Gospel, "Store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal" (Matthew 6:20). Let us live with heaven in mind, making choices that reflect our faith and trust in God’s promises.
O is for Others. Hope is not a solitary journey; it is built in relationship with others. We are called to love and serve those around us, especially our families. In the story of Lazarus and the rich man (Luke 16:19-31), Jesus shows us the importance of seeing and caring for others, especially those in need. When we build relationships rooted in love and compassion, we become living witnesses of hope.
P is for Passion. Hope calls us to live passionately, to give our best in everything we do. Whether it’s in our work, our relationships, or our faith, we are called to be "all-in." Saint Paul reminds us, "Whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God" (1 Corinthians 10:31). Let us live with passion, knowing that our efforts, no matter how small, contribute to God’s greater plan.
E is for End. Hope reminds us to live with the end in mind. This means keeping our eyes fixed on eternity, even as we navigate the challenges of daily life. The Letter to the Hebrews tells us that hope is "an anchor for the soul, firm and secure" (Hebrews 6:19). When we live with the end in mind, we find strength to persevere, knowing that our struggles are temporary, but God’s promises are eternal.
For families, hope is especially vital. In the midst of busy schedules, disagreements, and struggles, prayer can be a powerful witness to hope. When we pray together as a family—whether it’s the Rosary, a simple blessing before meals, or a moment of gratitude—we anchor ourselves in Christ. We remind one another that, no matter what we face, God is with us.
Let us live as "Pilgrims of Hope," trusting in God’s faithfulness. Let us pray together, support one another, and keep our eyes fixed on heaven. As the Psalmist says, "Blessed are they who hope in the Lord" (Psalm 146:5).
May we be that light of hope for a world in need.
Father Pinto Paul C.S.C., ordained a priest in the Congregation of Holy Cross in 1999, worked with tribal populations in northeast India as a missionary for ten years. In 2010 he came to the US for further studies. While working as a campus minister at Stonehill College, he assisted pastors in local parishes, led seminars and workshops for teachers and students in the US and earned a master’s degree in Educational Administration from Boston College and a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership from Lesley University, Cambridge. He is currently working as the International Director of the Boston-based Holy Cross Family Ministries with missions in 18 countries.
.jpg "Father Pinto Paul, C.S.C.")