Reason for Hope

God proves his love for us. (Romans 5:8) 

Numerous studies have shown that babies raised in environments like crowded orphanages, where there is very little affirmation or human interaction, can suffer lasting emotional and psychological damage. These studies prove a basic truth of our faith: we are made for love. When we know we are loved, we are more peaceful and confident. We feel valued and begin to understand our worth.

This is why knowing and receiving God’s love are fundamental. They help us see how precious and valuable we are to him. They give us the confidence we need to live in this world.

How can we see God’s love for us? Here are a few ways:

• Listen to the Scriptures. In today’s second reading, St. Paul makes it clear: he does not want anyone to doubt that God’s whole desire is for us to be with him, now and for eternity. Why else would he send his Son to die for our sins? Why else would he pour his Holy Spirit into our hearts?

• Prayerfully receive the Eucharist. Each time we receive Communion, we receive God’s love. Each time we hear “the Body of Christ” and say “Amen,” we are agreeing: God is still laying down his life for us out of love.

• Sharpen your eyes of faith. As you start paying attention, you’ll begin to see more evidence of God’s love in your everyday life. You might recognize how he guided you through a complicated decision. You might see that he helped you arrive somewhere at just the right time. He is intimately involved in the details of your life because he loves you.

You are loved by God—never forget that! So practice cultivating your spiritual perception. Every day, ask for another glimpse of his love. Let it give you the confidence and peace of a treasured child, a beloved friend. 

The more convinced you are of God’s love, the more confidence you can have for your loved ones who have gone before you. On this All Souls Day, let’s ask the Lord to bless all of them. Let’s ask him to continue to purify them and bring them fully into his presence. 

“Lord, show me your love. You are the reason for my hope!”

from wau.org