Monday February 28, 2022

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One phrase stands out for me from today's first reading (1Pet 1:3-9). It is a kind of key for understanding everything in our Christian walk of faith: God the Father “has given us a new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.” Peter is writing to the first Christians. They are living in difficult times amid threats of persecution and death. Peter is telling them that through baptism, they are united with Jesus in His dying and rising. The “living hope” they have received is not some kind of worldly optimism. It is something deeply rooted in their souls that gives purpose and meaning to their lives and work in very trying circumstances. Peter tells them their faith in Jesus is “more precious than gold”, but like gold, it is being refined in their adversities. Fire burns up the impurities of gold; the fire of suffering forces us to cling to what's really important. “Living hope,” that comes with belonging to Jesus, carries us forward – Jesus is our “indescribable joy” even in suffering as we make our way through this life to our heavenly home.

In Psalm 111, David's words prophetically announce a living hope that would be fully revealed in Christ. David's hope was not worldly optimism. He knew what God had done for him, and walked with unshakeable assurance in God's promises. God had raised him up from a lowly shepherd's life, anointed him king, used his humble sling to take down the dreaded Goliath, sustained him through years on the run from Saul in the wilderness. David's faith was refined in suffering and adversity; with confident hope, he proclaimed: “He has sent deliverance to his people; he has ratified his covenant forever; holy and awesome is his name. His praise endures forever.” We read these words through the lens of our Christian faith, and it all becomes clear: God has delivered us from death through Jesus; His death and resurrection for our sins “ratified [God's] covenant forever.” He is truly worthy of our praise.

Today's Gospel story of the rich young man (Mk 10: 17-27) reminds me that wealth and possessions cannot bring true hope. The rich young man, who had observed all the commandments from birth, “went away sad” at Jesus' invitation to give away everything and follow Him. Surrounding ourselves with lots of things we don't need can provide a false sense of security. This keeps us from the living hope that Jesus wanted for the rich young man and wants for us.

Christ's gift of living hope keeps us forging ahead through life's refining fires. We know that despite our inadequacies and setbacks, Jesus keeps His promises with great love and compassion. For Him, “all things are possible.”

Lord Jesus, I surrender to You all that I have and am today. Help me to walk in Your gift of living hope, and to cling the riches of Your promises, for You alone can satisfy my heart and soul's desire for abundant life. Amen.


Link to Readings: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/022822.cfm


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