Saint Gertrude Parish - Lasne

18. Hope, together with faith and charity, forms the triptych of the “theological virtues” that express the essence of the Christian life (cf. 1 Cor 13:13; 1 Thess 1:3). In their inseparable dynamism, hope is what, so to speak, orients, indicates the direction and goal of the life of faith. This is why the Apostle Paul invites us: “Rejoice in hope, be patient in affliction, be constant in prayer” (Rom 12:12). Yes, we must “overflow with hope” (cf. Rom 15:13) in order to bear credible and attractive witness to the faith and love we carry in our hearts; so that faith may be joyful, charity enthusiastic; so that each person might offer even just a smile, a gesture of friendship, a fraternal glance, a sincere ear, a selfless act of service, knowing that, in the Spirit of Jesus, this can become a fruitful seed of hope for those who receive it. But what is the foundation of our hope? To understand this, it is helpful to consider the reasons for our hope (cf. 1 Peter 3:15).