Hope Does Not Disappoint

Step #1: Lectio / Read

Click the link below or open your Bible to the passage and read through the reading at least once, paying attention to what is happening in the text.

Romans 5:5-11

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Step #2: Meditatio / Meditate

​Use the following meditation to help you reflect more deeply on the Scripture (you may want to read the passage again).

​Where were you four years ago today? If you’re like me, you spent the day a nervous wreck as you waited for Game 7 of the World Series, and then you watched with equal parts joy and terror. Thankfully, we know how this one ends – the Chicago Cubs, my Cubbies, won the title for the first time in 108 years. In 2016, hope did not disappoint. I go back frequently to that night, and I’m reminded how I felt even that very night as I walked to Wrigley Field: Is this all there is? Shouldn’t my joy in this triumph be never-ending?

God calls us to hope in something even more sure than a sports championship, and certainly more satisfying. As Paul tells the Romans, Jesus Christ did something even more unthinkable than the Cubs winning a World Series; God died on a cross for his created beings, and did this fully knowing that we were, are, and will be sinners. “God proves his love for us in that while we were still sinners Christ died for us.” When you think about it, what God did makes absolutely no sense. Gods don’t die, and certainly not for inferior beings and even less at their hands. It would seem that no one in their right mind would give up their life for someone who deserved to die. Yet Jesus did just that, so that we might experience new life in him.

As we remember and pray for all the souls who have gone before us today, we are assured that they died in the hope of Christ’s victory on the cross. Even more, we on earth can boast about our God and his saving work! He wants us to delight with him while we live out our days so that we may be fully united to him in eternal life.

Truly, hope does not disappoint. And unlike Game 7, we know how this ends before it even starts. We have been completely freed from the shackles of sin through Jesus. We didn’t even have to pay a fee to get into the bar to experience it! Today, boast of God through our Lord Jesus Christ and place your full hope in his victory. Like those who have gone before us, may we experience that reconciliation and join the endless victory parades of heaven.

“Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.”

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Step #3: Oratio / Pray

These questions are to be used to talk to God; have a conversation with the Lord about these questions and what is going on in your heart as you pray today.

When has Jesus exceeded your hope? 

Why is it important to hope in the Lord?

How have you experienced the freedom of Christ's love?

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Step #4: Contemplatio / Contemplate

In this step, you listen. Stop talking, let God speak to your heart. You may repeat one of these short phrases to focus your mind on the Lord.

"Hope does not disappoint."

​"Jesus, I trust in you."

​“Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.”

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Step #5: Actio / Act

In light of today's reading and your time spent in prayer with the Lord, what concrete action or actions will you take to let this encounter with the Lord bear fruit in you today?

Pray for the dead. If you can visit a cemetery, say a prayer for those you love who have passed and pray for those who have no one to pray for them. 

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Smartphone Lock Screen

The following image is here for you to save and use as a background or lock screen on your smartphone or device to help you carry today's Lectio Divina with you the rest of the day.

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Today's Prayer was prepared by Kevin Gregus, a seminarian for the Archdiocese of Chicago.

If you have anything you'd like our team to pray for, please go to the page of our website called "Prayers" and let us know how we can pray for you today.