Horizon of hope: Weekly message for 10-04-2022

Dear Friends in Christ,

Some people are tempted to think that the world’s problems can be fixed with the next election—so long as their candidates win, of course.  Put the right people in the right positions—the thinking goes—and the future will work out perfectly.

Paradoxically, hope in a perfect future was used to justify some of history’s most oppressive regimes. Any amount of death and destruction was okay, since it was for a greater good … in the future.

This approach’s proponents might argue, “You can’t make an omelet without breaking a few eggs.” Today the landscape is littered with broken eggs; lots of them, thanks to a sexual revolution that led to the corrosion of marriage and family life and a relativism that left millions dazed and confused.

But there is a way forward. This month of October, dedicated to the rosary, is a timely reminder of an alternative path within reach.

The rosary helps keep us focused on where the most perfect human person (the Blessed Virgin Mary) kept her focus: on the Divine Person of her son, Jesus. She never complained about the day’s political powerbrokers, even when they condemned Jesus to a cross.

Rather, Mary’s faith in God’s providence helped steer her hopes to the right place—the world above.

This doesn’t mean we should be indifferent to the world. We need to do our part to make it humane for, ideally, it should be a reflection of the kingdom of love awaiting those who leave this world in God’s friendship.

To get a taste of an alternative way to face the world, take a look at our Retreat Guide on the rosary, River of Wisdom.

It can help keep your hopes set on the right horizon.

In Christ,

Father Edward McIlmail, LC
Ask a Priest contributor