The End of Hope

November 11, 2016

By Jill Carattini

Hope is a word I have often wished we had several different options from which to choose (much like ‘love’ in Greek, which puts at our disposal four completely different pictures). Regrettably, we use the same word for ‘hope’ whether we are hoping for light traffic or longing for a cure. We speak of hope with a sense of whimsical curiosity (like Herod, who had heard of Jesus and hoped to see him perform a miracle), and with a sense of dread or uncertainty (like those who hope cancer will not strike anyone near them). We propose hope with a sense of joy (like Paul, who longed that he should see the Thessalonians again), as well as other motivators (like the teachers of the law who sincerely hoped they would catch Jesus in something he said).

(Read the article here.)