Living in expectation and hope:

Living in expectation and hope is about trusting God's plan for us. It's woven into the fabric of our daily lives, giving us confidence to look forward to the future. God's sovereignty over our past, present, and future is the anchor of our faith (Jeremiah 29:11).

God uses all things – good, bad, and ugly – to fashion something good for us (Romans 8:28). His sovereignty gives us peace over past mistakes, comfort in the present, and confidence for the future. He walks with us through storms, producing faith and assurance in us.

To develop courage and confidence in God's sovereignty:

- Seek God's Presence through daily prayer

- Know God's Promises by meditating on scriptures

- Respond obediently to God's call

- Support each other in prayer groups

- Face fears with faith, using God's word

-Draw strength from previous victories reflecting on God’s faithfulness in your past stimulates courage in the present.

Hope is communal, not just personal. The early church exemplified this in Acts 2:42-47, living in fellowship and unity.

Jan Tyranowski, a Polish layman, exemplified hope in action during the Nazi invasion of Poland in 1939. Despite the risks, he started a secret group, "The Living Rosary", to instruct people in their faith. This courageous act led to 10 young men becoming priests, including Karol Wojtyla, who would later become Pope Saint John Paul II. Jan's perseverance was rooted in his deep faith and spirituality, inspired by Carmelite mystics like St. John of the Cross and St. Teresa of Avila. He prayed for up to four hours a day, examined his conscience twice daily, and immersed himself in scripture. Imagine if Jan had given up! The world would be vastly different without Saint John Paul II's contributions.

A saint is a sinner who keeps trying, and that trying can change the world. Pope Francis admonishes us to Dream. Do not be afraid to dream. Dream! Dream of a world still unknown, one yet to arrive. The strength of hope lies in the belief of a Creation that extends all the way to its definitive fulfillment, when God will be everywhere and in everyone. Men and women with great imaginations have brought scientific and technological discoveries to mankind; they have crossed oceans and walked on undiscovered lands. The men and women who have sown hope are the same who overcame slavery and brought better living conditions to all.

Let's ponder the men and women who have sown hope, overcoming challenges and bringing better living conditions to all. May their examples inspire us to keep hoping and trusting in God's goodness.