I get the feeling that Barack Obama must have read my February 5 post about HOPE! In his announcement about running for president, he latched onto HOPE as his theme, saying (in reference to Abraham Lincoln)…

“The life of a tall, gangly, self-made Springfield lawyer tells us that a different future is possible,” Obama said. “He tells us that there is power in words. He tells us that there is power in conviction. That beneath all the differences of race and region, faith and station, we are one people. He tells us that there is power in hope.”

As catechists, we already know this. This is what we try to proclaim to our students. There is power in words, most especially in God’s Word. And there is power in actions that proclaim hope to those in despair. Our call to practice works of mercy is rooted in our call to proclaim hope to those who are on the doorstep of despair. Hope is not an empty vague notion of wishing that things will get better. It is an undying conviction that new life IS in our midst.

Our young people need hope, and as catechists, it is our responsibility to make sure they hear Jesus’ message of faith, hope, and love in every one of our lessons.

May we continue to spread hope through the comments, insights, and suggestions we share here in this blog! Who is an undying source of hope for you in your life?