Not disappointed

It is already the third Sunday of Lent.

Perhaps we are not doing as well this Lent as we had hoped.

Perhaps we are not doing as well in LIFE as we had hoped.

The Lectionary keeps a very tight focus on the positive message of today’s second reading (Romans 5:1-2, 5-8), but for those of us who may be especially struggling with the afflictions of life, perhaps it is good to take a step back and look at the verses not included.

We even boast of our afflictions,
knowing that affliction produces endurance,
and endurance, proven character,
and proven character, hope...

But this is not mere stocisim.

Hope does not disappoint,
because the love of God
has been poured out into our hearts
through the Holy Spirit
who has been given to us.

For Christ,
while we were still helpless,
died at the appointed time
for the ungodly.

God proves his love for us
in that while we were still sinners
Christ died for us.

No matter what our afflictions.

No matter what our disappointments

Hope is eternal and undefeatable for Christ’s faithful in this world.

Hope does not disappoint,
because the love of God
has been poured out into our hearts
through the Holy Spirit
who has been given to us.

For Christ.... died for us.