the pure hope of saints
"Everyone who has this hope based on Him keeps himself pure, as He is pure." —1 John 3:3
Why does impurity abound in modern society?
- "Hope is the confident expectation of divine blessing and the beatific vision of God; it is also the fear of offending God's love and incurring punishment" (Catechism, 2090). Accordingly, those lacking in hope will not be afraid to offend God by impure actions and lifestyles. Based on its rampant impurity, modern society must be lacking in hope.
- The only solid hope is hope based on Jesus, which leads people to keep their lives pure (1 Jn 3:3). When people place their hopes in worldly things such as prosperity, relationships, or status, that is an empty hope incapable of producing the fruit of purity and holiness.
The pure of heart shall see God (Mt 5:8, JB) as He truly is (1 Jn 3:2). Do we want to see Jesus as He truly is? Or would we rather see the latest popular movie or TV show, with all its impurity blatantly displayed for all present to see and hear?
Do we even want to be pure? Then we must imitate the saints who have gone before us by directing our thoughts to all that is pure (Phil 4:8). "Purify your hearts" (Jas 4:8). "Keep yourself pure" (1 Tm 5:22). "Call on the Lord in purity of heart" (2 Tm 2:22). Hope in Jesus, and you will not be disappointed (Rm 5:5).
Prayer: Father, may I desire a pure heart and a pure lifestyle far more than I desire pure water to drink and pure air to breathe.
Promise: "Who can ascend the mountain of the Lord? or who may stand in His holy place? He whose hands are sinless, whose heart is clean." —Ps 24:3-4
Praise: All you angels and saints, praise the Lord!
Reference: (This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.)
(Men, you are being called to lead those in the work force to God. Attend our Men's Retreat, Dec. 4th. Call 513-373-2397 or 937-587-5464 to register.)
Rescript: †Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, April 6, 2010
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