NGUYEN: Hope is a timely Christian virtue

A nun holds a candle during a “Peace for Gaza” prayer vigil at Rome's Basilica of Santa Maria in Trastevere, Sept. 22, 2025. The Community of Sant’Egidio, together with numerous Catholic associations and movements, is promoting the prayer vigil organized in response to Pope Leo XIV's appeal and to “the extreme gravity of the war and humanitarian situation in Gaza.” (OSV News photo/Remo Casilli, Reuters)Hope is more than a wish for good weather, good health or good fortune. It is a theological virtue, rooted deeply in God’s saving love; yet at the same time, it requires an act of faith that allows us to place constant trust in God’s promises, even in times of trial and uncertainty. 

We hope because of the words of the Apostle Paul: “Hope does not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit… It is rare that anyone will die for a righteous person… But God has shown us how much He loves us — while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. While we were God’s enemies, He made us His friends through the death of His Son” (Rom 5:5-6, 10). This profession of faith is truly beyond human understanding. 

Similarly, the Apostle John adds: “See what love the Father has given us, that we should be called children of God; and that is what we are” (1 Jn 3:1). Indeed, God’s love is the foundation of Christian hope. 

At Baptism, we are infused with the theological virtue of hope by the Holy Spirit. This gift, however, does not make us immune to life’s fears and anxieties. In times of hopelessness and an unclear future, choosing to trust God is a wise decision. In such moments, the act of faith takes precedence, for “hope that is seen is no hope at all… But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently” (Rom 8:24-25).  

Hope is not passive; it is faith in action. Every time we choose to trust God, our hope grows deeper; hope is faith reaching into the future.  

During the 2025-2026 catechetical year, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops invites us to reflect on hope in a special way. The catechetical theme reminds us: “Always be ready to give an explanation… for a reason for your hope” (1 Pet 3:15). 

We are called not only to hold on to hope, which is deeply rooted in God’s personal love for us, but also to be ready to share it with others. 

As catechists, we are called to share the living witness of hope in both our words and actions. Even when students challenge us, we must continue to trust in God’s timing. In doing so, we cultivate in ourselves and model for our learners the virtuous habit of turning to God in hope when things seem hopeless, rather than withdrawing into despair.  

As this new catechetical year begins, let us constantly remind ourselves that our loving God is at work, and His love and faithful promises endure forever. 

For these reasons, we must always draw from our personal testimonies of hope in God to model in word and deed for those with whom we share our faith. When we do so, we all shall be refreshed and reminded of God’s promise of salvation… the eternal treasures of Heaven. 

Sister Maria Goretti Thuy Nguyen, OP, is an associate director with the Office of Evangelization and Catechesis.