our only hope
"O God, by Your name save me." —Psalm 54:3
Inside every human being, there is "inconstancy and all kinds of vile behavior" (Jas 3:16). Our inner cravings make war within our members (Jas 4:1). In our envy, we manipulate, quarrel, fight, and even murder to get what we want so as to squander it on our pleasures (Jas 4:2-3). We are by nature mutually destructive, self-destructive egomaniacs, repeatedly thinking or arguing about who is the most important (Mk 9:34).
Who can free us from this wretched condition? (Rm 7:24) "All praise to God, through Jesus Christ our Lord" (Rm 7:25), we are saved from ourselves, sin, self-destruction, Satan, hell, and damnation.
Consequently, totally give your life to Jesus. Renew and live your baptismal promises. Thank Jesus for saving you. Express your thanks by telling everyone you meet that there is Hope, only one Hope, and His name is Jesus.
Prayer: Father, thank You for loving me so much that You sent Jesus to save me (see Jn 3:16).
Promise: "Freely will I offer You sacrifice: I will praise Your name, O Lord, for its goodness." —Ps 54:8
Praise: Praise the risen Jesus, Who is the Hope that will not disappoint! (Rm 5:5)
Reference: (For a related teaching, order our series of tapes, Parish Renewal Series. The six-set audio series starts with AV 6A-1. The three-set video series starts with V-6A.)
Nihil Obstat: Reverend Richard L. Klug, February 27, 2003
Imprimatur: †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, March 3, 2003