By Monsignor Shea
In this Jubilee Year of Hope, I feel a strong calling to re-root myself in the theological virtue of hope—a virtue that can sometimes be misunderstood but is absolutely vital, especially in times like these. Over the past few weeks, I’ve been reflecting on what hope really means, and how it’s different from optimism or wishful thinking. It’s more than just a good feeling—it’s a decision to trust in God’s promises, even when everything around us seems uncertain.
Watch Monsignor Shea’s full keynote from the 2025 National Catholic Prayer Breakfast:
What Is Hope—Really?
Through my study of the Catechism, I’ve come to understand hope as:
“The theological virtue by which we desire the kingdom of heaven and eternal life as our happiness, placing our trust in Christ’s promises and relying not on our own strength, but on the help of the grace of the Holy Spirit.”
That really hit me—hope isn’t about relying on ourselves or just wishing things would get better. It’s about trusting that God’s plan is good, even when things are difficult.
Hope Isn’t Naive—It’s Bold
Today, many of us are anxious about the future. I know I am. It’s easy to fall into despair when we see so much brokenness in the world. But hope? Hope is for the faithful. It’s for those who believe that God is still writing the story—even in the mess.
Despair isn’t just a feeling; it’s a spiritual posture. It says, “I don’t believe God can fix this.” But hope says, “Even now, God is at work.”
God Calls Us to Rise
When life feels like it’s falling apart, it’s tempting to shrink back. But God isn’t calling us to fear. He’s calling us to rise.
I want to be someone who radiates confidence—not because I have it all together, but because Christ has already won the victory.
The Real Crisis: A Loss of Hope
The biggest crisis today isn’t political or economic. It’s spiritual. It’s a loss of hope.
So many people are burdened by fear, anxiety, and despair. But as Christians, we are called to something different—not to deny suffering, but to trust that suffering isn’t the end of the story.
The Hope Found in Children
One of the most powerful signs of hope? Children. Every newborn life is a reminder that God is not finished with us. They are living proof that the future is still worth believing in.
In a world that feels like it’s unraveling, children remind us of God’s ongoing plan.
Hope Doesn’t Deny Reality
Hope isn’t pretending things are fine. It’s looking directly at pain and brokenness and still saying, “God is here.”
Even in the darkest moments, He is working. He can bring beauty from ashes, healing from wounds, and joy from sorrow.
Be the One Who Brings Hope
This reflection has reminded me: I can’t wait for the world to get better. I have to be the one who brings hope.
It’s not enough to criticize. If I want others to experience hope, I have to live it with joy and peace, even when it’s hard.
Lent: A Journey Anchored in Hope
This is the heart of Lent. We enter the desert with Jesus, knowing that hope will carry us to Easter morning.
No sacrifice is wasted. When I look at the Passion, I see that hope was never optional for Jesus—and it can’t be optional for us.
Hope is the heartbeat of our faith. It’s not just a feeling. It’s a decision to trust in God, no matter what.
Additional Resources
Looking for more from Monsignor Shea? Listen to his keynotes from SEEK on SEEK Replay.
For more reading on hope, check out our recent blog, Trust in God: The Truth About Hope in a World of Disappointment.
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