Rejoicing in Hope

Rejoice in hope, endure in affliction, persevere in prayer. (Romans 12:12)

At this point in St. Paul's Letter to the Romans, he composed a long list of what English teachers would call imperatives. These short little statements sound like commands. However, I read St. Paul's list not so much as commands as recipes for holiness.

Verse twelve struck me particularly today. I am always looking for verses that will appeal to members of CUSA. As people who suffer pain or frustration due to chronic illness or disability, these nuggets of wisdom from St. Paul can serve as mantras which will get us through our day. In verse twelve we find a particularly powerful "recipe" for living with chronic illness and disability. We look toward Jesus with hope, hope that one day we will arrive at that place where there is no more sadness, no more pain, no more tears. That hope is born in us because we have Jesus as a model, to teach us how to endure affliction. No one did it better than he. At the same time, our inclusion in the CUSA apostolate urges us to remember our fellow CUSANS in prayer each day as we recite our CUSA Morning Offering.

Thirty-eight years ago as I celebrated the Mass of Thanksgiving following my ordination to the priesthood, the choir of my parish sang a communion hymn entitled "Rejoice in Hope." I don't remember the composer's name, nor do I remember the melody to which these words were sung. However, whenever I read these words from chapter twelve of the Letter to the Romans, I am reminded of that hymn. Little did I know that they would have a special meaning for me so many years later. I am, once again, amazed at how the Holy Spirit has guided my life to this point when my association with CUSA helps me to make sense of my weakness. The only adequate response to that guidance is enduring gratitude for God's solicitous care.

Fr. Lawrence Jagdfeld, O.F.M., Administrator