We hosted an hosted an afternoon
of recollection for the young adults from our Boston and Brockton parishes on November
9, 2014, followed by Ramsho and Supper at the Mother of Light Convent.
The focus of the afternoon was
on the theological virtue of hope, particularly on the words of Pope Emeritus
Benedict XVI in his Encyclical, Spe Salvi
(“Saved in Hope”). Mother Marla
Marie explained how Love and Hope are closely related in the spiritual life.
Love of God involves hope or trust in God. According to the Catechism of the
Catholic Church, “The virtue of hope responds to the aspiration to
happiness which God has placed in the heart of every man”. Hope enables us to
look to the next life, but it also inspires and purifies our actions in this
life.
Mother Marla Marie explained that with
so much darkness and evil in the world today, its very easy to become
hope-less. But that is not the mark of a true Christian. We must be apostles who are filled
with hope and joyful trust in God’s promises, always remembering that we are
the salt and light of the earth.