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Pope Benedict XVI Dedicates New Encyclical to Christian Hope
Pope Benedict XVI signed his second encyclical on November 30, 2007. The pope summarized the central message of the encyclical by saying the world needs God otherwise it is without hope. The name of the encyclical is “Saved in Hope.” The title of the new encyclical refers to Paul’s Letter to the Roman, “For in hope we were saved” (see Romans 8: 24).
The three theological virtues—faith, hope, and love—are considered the foundation of Christian moral activity. The pope’s first encyclical, “God is Love” was published in December 2005. However, his third encyclical will be published next year. The expected topic will concentrate on social justice issues. Speculation by Vatican officials is that a fourth encyclical will eventually be published on faith.
A Summary of “Saved in Hope”
The main points of “Saved in Hope” can be summarized as follows:
• Jesus Christ brought humanity the gift of trustworthy hope in salvation and eternal life—a hope that is directly related to faith.
• Theological hope is confidence in God, not in human nature. Hope presupposes the virtue of faith and leads to charity. It is a force that impels Christians into active service to others and to the world.
• The contemporary world often replaces religious faith with faith in technology. This fosters a crisis in Christian hope.
• One of the greatest forms of human cruelty is false ideology that supposedly creates a perfect world through political structures rather than religious values.
• Human experience shows that anyone who does not know God is ultimately with hope.
• We must do all we can to overcome human suffering. In reality it is not in our power to banish suffering. Only God is able to do this.
• Religion cannot limit its attention to the individual. Its transforming role includes all of society.
• Prayer makes believers more responsive to the needs of others. In fact, the lives of the saints through the centuries demonstrate a very persuasive “school of hope.”
• Sufferings cannot be eliminated in this world. It can only be transformed by Christian hope and a deep sense of compassion for the suffering.
• The prospect of divine judgment is based on hope because it promises God’s grace and justice.
What Is An Encyclical?
An encyclical is a pastoral letter written by the pope and sent to the whole world. It is an important document that conveys timely teaching on matters of faith and morals. Encyclicals express the mind of the pope on matters of great concern. They are intended to inform the faithful. Encyclicals demand respect and assent because they represent the universal teaching missions of the pope under the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
The Theological Virtues
There are three theological virtues:
• Faith is the virtue by which we believe in God and everything God has revealed to us.
• Hope is the virtue by which we trust that God is looking after us.
• Charity or love is the virtue by which we love God above all else and love our neighbor as ourselves.
Faith, hope, and charity connect us with God—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—in a very direct way. They connect us in how we believe, in how we hope and trust, and how we love God and our neighbor. The more we let these virtues take hold of our lives, the more God’s life grows within us.
What Difference Does This Make in My Life?
1. What is your definition of Christian hope?
2. What can you do to show that the theological virtues of faith, hope, and charity are at work in your life?
3. Pope Benedict XVI’s encyclical on Christian hope was officially released just a few days before Advent. Why is the season of Advent an especially appropriate time to hear the pope’s message that people need God otherwise they remain without hope?
4. Why is Christian hope needed in modern society?
5. Why is it necessary for us to rediscover the true meaning of Christian hope?
6. In what way do the lives of the saints—ancient and modern—help us learn about hope even in the face of suffering?
7. What are some personal examples “everyday hopes” in your life?
8. Why does prayer open us to God and to the needs of our neighbor?
9. Closing prayer: Act of Hope.
My God, relying on your infinite goodness and promises,
I hope to obtain pardon of my sins,
the help of your grace,
and life everlasting through the merits of Jesus Christ,
my Lord and Redeemer.
Amen.
Connecting to Faith First® Legacy Edition
Theme: Jesus Teaches Us about Life and Hope
Kindergarten, chapter 8
Grade 1, chapter 19
Grade 2, chapter 15
Grade 3, chapter 18
Grade 4, chapter 18
Grade 5, chapter 20
Grade 6, chapter 19
Junior High, Mystery of God, chapter 12
Junior High, Church and Sacraments, chapter 8
Junior High, Morality: Life in Christ, chapter 6
Junior High, Jesus in the New Testament, chapter 1
Special note: The biweekly Current Events articles have also been useful to supplement high school religion classes.
Connecting to Faith First® Original Edition
Theme: Jesus Teaches Us about Life and Hope
Kindergarten, chapter 8
Grade 1, chapter 19
Grade 2, chapter 15
Grade 3, chapter 18
Grade 4, chapter 18
Grade 5, chapter 20
Grade 6, chapter 19
Junior High: Liturgy and Morality, chapter 10
Junior High: Creed and Prayer, chapter 16
Special note: The biweekly Current Events articles have also been useful to supplement high school religion classes.
