Our Loving Hope

Let us to consider these words from the First Letter of St. Peter. In his letter, he asks us to rejoice because in his great love for us, we have been promised an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled and unfading. We have done nothing to deserve this great gift of eternal life in heaven. Jesus did all the work. All we are asked to do is to have genuine faith. We who have not seen and yet believe; we who have not seen and yet love! How can we not share this good news!

This week we will begin the season of Lent which will conclude with those events that have earned this inheritance for us – the Passion, death and resurrection of Jesus We know that Jesus is risen from the dead, that we are saved, that our faith has set us free. This inheritance is not in gold or silver that can be stolen from us. It is not going to be devalued by inflation! Nothing will sweep away a home or land, and no work of art will fade or be broken. No, this inheritance is permanent, will last beyond this life through all eternity. If money, or land or a work of art can give us happiness, just think of what happiness awaits us in heaven. And we didn’t have to work for it!

As we reflect on how good God has been to us, let us consider how faithful we have been to his commands.

Loving and faithful God, you sent your son Jesus to save us and earn for us the promise of eternal life, an inheritance we could never earn. May we be faithful to you and live lives worthy of your goodness! Amen.