Hope is something that is supposedly very important to cancer survivors. I have a small metal cross with a pink ribbon and the word "hope" emblazoned on it. To be honest, I had/have less hope since I've been diagnosed than I did prior. You see, prior to my diagnosis, I was a "normal" young mother with a dazzling future. Once I was diagnosed, my hopes and dreams became much more grounded and slightly depressing -- hope to survive chemo, hope to deliver a healthy baby, hope to survive chemo again, hope to survive surgery, hope to look and feel "normal" again, etc... Somehow I don't think this is the hope that is meant by this Mystery.
According to dictionary.com, one archaic definition of hope is to place trust in something. That seems to be more fitting for this mystery. We were not there when Jesus walked the earth before His death or after His death. We did not get to be like Thomas and place our fingers in His wounds. However, we are called to trust the Gospel writers about these important events in Christ's life. We hope in their veracity for our eternal life.
Jesus's ascension into Heaven at the right hand of the Father is key for our salvation. At the moment of Jesus's ascension, God's plan reached fruition. His Son, Jesus, had conquered temptations, human weakness, and most importantly death. He came into the world as a helpless baby, completely dependent on His mother and others around Him. He died humiliated, tortured, and derided. He rose from the dead amid disbelief and the blindness of His friends. It seems fitting that He should ascend into Heaven with a crowd of onlookers witnessing His glory.
We hope (trust) the stories we've been taught are true so that we, too, may rise triumphant over death and evil. We hope to join in the unending song of praise for our Creator. We hope to overcome the obstacles put in our way for the good of the kingdom. All this hope centers around the glory of God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Amen!
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