sussidio March 2018

   In Christ is our hope

From the WORD of GOD

We are well aware that the whole creation, until this time, has been groaning in labour pains.23 And not only that: we too, who have the first-fruits of the Spirit, even we are groaning inside ourselves, waiting with eagerness for our bodies to be set free.24In hope, we already have salvation; in hope, not visibly present, or we should not be hoping — nobody goes on hoping for something which is already visible.25But having this hope for what we cannot yet see, we are able to wait for it with persevering confidence.26And as well as this, the Spirit too comes to help us in our weakness, for, when we do not know how to pray properly, then the Spirit personally makes our petitions for us in groans that cannot be put into words;27and he who can see into all hearts knows what the Spirit means because the prayers that the Spirit makes for God’s holy people are always in accordance with the mind of God.28We are well aware that God works with those who love him, those who have been called in accordance with his purpose, and turns everything to their good.29He decided beforehand who were the ones destined to be moulded to the pattern of his Son, so that he should be the eldest of many brothers;30it was those so destined that he called; those that he called, he justified, and those that he has justified he has brought into glory.31After saying this, what can we add? If God is for us, who can be against us?32Since he did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for the sake of all of us, then can we not expect that with him he will freely give us all his gifts? (Rm 8:22-23)

From the DOCUMENTS of the CHURCH
It is hope that supports life, that protects it, safeguards it and makes it grow. If men and women had not nurtured hope, if they had not held on to this virtue, they would never have come out of the caves and they would have left no trace on the history of the world. It is the most divine thing that can exist in the heart of mankind. A French poet — Charles Péguy — has left us beautiful pages on hope. He says in a poetic way, that God is not amazed so much by the faith of human beings and not even by their charity — but what really fills him with wonder and moves him — is the hope of the people: “That those poor children”, he writes, “see how things are going and believe that they will be better tomorrow morning”. The poet’s image recalls the faces of many people who have transited through this world — farmers, poor labourers, migrants in search of a better future — who have struggled tenaciously despite the bitterness of a difficult present, filled with many trials, enlivened however, by the trust that their children would have a more just and serene life.
They fought for their children; they fought in hope. Having an empty soul is the worst obstacle to hope. It is a danger from which no one can say they are exempt; because to be tempted against hope can happen even along the journey of Christian life. If Jesus overcame the world, he is capable of overcoming in us all that opposes goodness. If God is with us, no one will steal from us that virtue which we absolutely need for life. No one will rob us of hope. Let’s go forward!
(Pope Francis, General Audience, Wednesday, 27 September 2017)

From the WRITINGS of Blessed A. ROSMINI
Though it seems to me that when it comes to how much we may hope, we cannot raise questions about this or make any estimate of it. This is because God’s mercy is infinite, and the basis of our hope is to be found not in ourselves but in that boundless goodness. Therefore our hope must also be unlimited, however good or wicked we are. Or rather, if we want to make a distinction, the wicked must rightly hope the more, since those who are poor can always look to receive a greater amount from the generosity of the rich Lord, and our Lord is the more glorified when he is liberal towards the wicked.
( To the Capuchin Father Gianfranco Bustelli at Locarno, Stresa,31 July1843;
AL Vol. IV, let.112, p.158; translated by John Morris IC)
Rejoice in his mercy, and build up an unlimited hope in him. For our hope ought to be boundless – but placed entirely in God, not in ourselves, not in men or human means. Ask God to give you the infinite treasure of this hope in him. And then, encouraged and strengthened in this way, you will not worry about the future or the past. (To Don G.B. Pagani, at Oscott College, Stresa,
6 January 1843; EA. Vol. IV, let.89, p.125; translated by J. Morris IC)
Mary! Jesus! These indeed are the two powerful names which give rise in me to endless hope, and which (even when at times I find myself deeply disturbed on account of my failure to advance in the way of perfection, and because of my uncertainty over what really lies concealed in the depths of my heart, where God alone can see, until that day when everything in us is revealed) yield me a profound calm, together with a consolation which smiles at me in the midst of this fearful sadness. Pray that this consolation and trust may remain firm in me. Ask that my trust may increase together with grace, and grace may strengthen my purpose of will until the ruling principle and aim of all I do is God alone. How happy I should be if God, who alone is life, were my life! (To Don Sebastiano De Apollonia at Udine, Rome, Holy Saturday1829; EA Vol. I, let.57, p.111; Translated by J.Morris, IC)

LET US PRAY

See how Yahweh watches over those who fear him,
those who rely on his faithful love,
to rescue them from death and keep them alive in famine.
We are waiting for Yahweh; he is our help and our shield,
for in him our heart rejoices, in his holy name we trust.
Yahweh, let your faithful love rest on us,
as our hope has rested in you. (Psalm 31)

PASTORAL YEAR 2017 – 2018 ; ON-GOING FORMATION
INSTITUTE OF CHARITY
ROSMINIAN SISTERS OF PROVIDENCE

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