Men's Rosary

Hope is “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” (CCC 1817)

We live in a world of mass confusion, where contentment is hard to find. I would say it is impossible to find. Herein lies the problem many face and unfortunately it is the younger people who seem to be suffering the most. The secularization of our society has taught to find contentment, happiness, fulfillment, etc. in the world. And the degree of success in these things is measured by the standards of the secularized society. Happiness seems to be measured in temporal goods. The reality is that the world is transitory, so any “happiness” of the world will pass away. It actually comes and goes throughout our life on earth. Therefore, hope comes and goes as well. We are happy and content and then we are sad. We are hopeful and then despondent. We are thrilled by something and then are looking for the next thing because we know this feeling will fade. we are conflicted and not truly happy. True happiness that is eternal lies in Christ alone. “If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.” (John 15:10-11) When we have peace in Christ, we can find happiness and contentment even in the tragedies of life. We maintain our hope.

Some people who know God and have heard what Christ teaches have been duped by the world and they are not hearing Christ’s word. They have fallen away. The voice of secularism is very loud and the lure of comfort and riches is enticing! “but the cares of the world, and the delight in riches, and the desire for other things, enter in and choke the word, and it proves unfruitful.” (Mark 4:19)

People who do not know God and are unfamiliar with what Christ teaches are in grave danger. They are simply prey for the devil. We have a duty, as Catholic men, to reach out to them and show them where true happiness and contentment lie. “So we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We beg you on behalf of Christ to be reconciled to God.” (2 Corinthians 5:20)

Whether someone is falling away from the faith, or someone is ignorant of it, the danger is falling into despair. This is why we see so much ill in the world and so much anguish. We need to be firm in our faith and nourish ourselves with the body and blood of Christ. As we do, we must become more like him in all that we do and take him out to those in need. Pray for those who are fallen away to return and pray for the wisdom and strength to share Christ with those who do not know him. Pray the Rosary every day for Mary’s intercession in bringing all to Christ, her son. Try to see all the crazy things we see in our world as a cry for help and a call to prayer.

The world is transitory…..Christ is eternal. In Christ, is where hope can be found!

“Pray, hope, and don’t worry. Worry is useless. God is merciful and will hear you prayer.” (St. Padre Pio)