Jesus Is Our Blessed Hope

“…as we await the blessed hope!” One day These words found in the Eucharistic Prayers, recited by the priest during Mass stood out to me, though I had heard them many times. As Father prepares the gifts on the altar he prays with hands raised over the bread and wine as he prepares these gifts for Consecration. I started to pay particular attention to the words “as we await the blessed hope” until I found myself anticipating these words.
What is the blessed hope? Is it our hope in eternal life? The reason we have hope, blessed hope, is because Our Savior lived and died for us making hope in eternal life not only a possibility but a reality.

Then one day at Mass, after hearing these words again, I was aware of a much stronger clearer understanding. JESUS IS OUR BLESSED HOPE! The Holy Spirit gave me a new way to praise Jesus. “My Blessed Hope! How I love you!”

After this realization, I searched “Jesus Our Blessed Hope,” on the web and discovered what I already suspected. “…while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.” Titus 2:13-14. Indeed, Jesus is Our Blessed Hope.

Though I believed the Holy Spirit gave me this truth. I had the responsibility to verify this as a from God. At times, I’ve heard someone, while making a statement, claim they received this information from the Holy Spirit. But sometimes the statement is contrary to the teachings of the Catholic Church. What am I trying to say? The Holy Spirit helps us acquire spiritual knowledge in many ways. Listen! Listen at Mass to the readings, the psalms and especially the Gospel. Listen to the homily. I take notes on every homily and read them over at least once because otherwise I’ll forget most of what Father said as soon as I walk out the door.
Pay attention during the entire Mass. This is sometimes difficult for me so when I find my mind wandering, I ask Jesus to stay with me. *At times it’s Jesus telling me to stay with him and other times we’re both saying stay with me to each other and I’m immediately drawn back into the Mass.

Read the Bible every day. If we particularly like a passage that we just read, it’s a good idea to read it again and pause to think about it. The Holy Spirit may take over at this point and help us better understand what we just read.

**Read spiritual books written by the saints or by holy men and women still living. Make sure the sources are reliable and not outside the teachings of the Church.

And Finally, back to my original point, open your mind and heart and be receptive to the Holy Spirit. Invite the Holy Spirit to guide you. Repeat “Come Holy Spirit” during Mass, during Bible reading and other spiritual readings. Call on the Holy Spirit during Formation classes, religious talks, and Catholic videos and podcasts. Throughout the day, pray often “Come Holy Spirit come.” At times the Holy Spirit does give us information directly or at least the nudge where it find it. Thank you, Holy Spirit

Jesus Our Blessed Hope!

*How does Jesus speak to me? I feel the words in Jesus speaks to my heart.

** http://brandonvogt.com/best-catholic-books-of-all-time/ Brandon Vogt works for “Word on Fire” under Bishop Robert Barron