Mid-week Meditation: Hope And Consolation
Spes, Esperanza, Espoir, Speranza, Mieć nadzieję, Ελπίδα, Pag-asa, Надеяться, 希望, आशा, Tumaini The person who experiences consolation never gives up in the face of difficulties because he or she always experiences a peace that is stronger than any trial. | Pope Francis We cannot come to a conclusion about the state of our soul from its suffering or its rejoicing…Consolation indicates, certainly, that the soul has taken a step in the spiritual life, but desolation may be a sign that it is even nearer to the summit. | Jennie Ewing, The Four Consolations of the Holy Spirit Hope is a lush garden wherein peace resides. Without the nurturing water of God's grace, the edges grow rigid and turn into a wall, casting shadows. The heart risks becoming hardened and lifeless, leaving one paralyzed and lost as negativity creeps in. Weeds of irrationality take over, choking the flowers. In a recent article, Jenny Ewing at Catholic Exchange (2SEPT2020) provides a brief but beautifu...