Hope Springs Eternal

In a world so rife with sin and riddled with division, hope can seem like a slippery thing that's hard to grasp.  I know it's something with which I often struggle.  Throughout this Lenten season, as I prayed my daily Rosary, I was particularly focused on those mysteries connected with the fruit of hope.  I asked Our Blessed Mother to pray that I might have an increase in this theological virtue.  In its absence, there is only despair.  It was this sin (and not his betrayal of Christ) that led to the demise of Judas.

Earlier this month, I was invited to visit the campus of Seton Hall University in South Orange, New Jersey.  Each year, the Japanese department hosts a "Japan Week" that features a variety of talks and cultural demonstrations.  I had been asked to give a talk about my recently published book, Masaru, a work of historical fiction based on an uprising of persecuted Christians in 17th century Japan.

Though I'd been a classroom teacher for many years, and have given talks before, still I was feeling a bit nervous as the day drew near.  I felt I was well prepared, yet when I saw the audience of young college students, I thought to myself, "Why would these kids have any interest in ancient church history, or anything I have to say about the faith?"

The presentation preceding mine was about teaching English in Japan, and featured four speakers via a Zoom connection on a big screen.  I watched with interest, as I had taught English in Japan for four years after completing my undergraduate studies.  I happened to notice that many of the students seemed somewhat disinterested, as they fidgeted in their seats and checked their phones.  This did not instill me with great confidence as my time to present arrived.

As I approached the front of the room, I said a silent prayer to Our Blessed Mother.  "Help me to do well and, in whatever way might be possible, for my words to lead someone today closer to your Son."  With that prayer, my nerves dissipated and a kind of calm came over me.  Once I began speaking, it was almost as if my mind and mouth were on cruise control.  The words just flowed and I felt a genuine connection with every person in the room.

To my surprise, the students were all very attentive.  Even during those portions of the talk that were more theological in nature, they appeared genuinely interested.  Perhaps they were hearing some things they hadn't heard before.  Following the presentation, several thoughtful questions were asked, and I thoroughly enjoyed the simple joy of human interaction that I hadn't experienced in a quite a while.  I found myself thinking, "You know, I have some hope for this generation."

I realize one talk on one college campus may not amount to very much.  But recently I've learned to take some measure of satisfaction even in small victories and blessings.  I think we need to do that for the health of our state of mind and spirits.  I was also reminded that day of the power of prayer.  I have to believe that, anytime we humbly ask The Blessed Mother's intercession for us to give the best we can, such a prayer will certainly be answered.

As a side note, for any readers who are on Goodreads, the Catholic Book Club is currently having a vote for its May book-of-the-month reading selection.  As of today, Masaru was only a few votes from the top spot.  If so inclined, feel free to cast your vote, but act quickly as the voting ends at 11AM (EST) Monday, April 18th.  If you're not in the Catholic Book Club or on Goodreads, I recommend joining!