A Contemplative Moment: Keeping Hope Alive in a Troubled World

Kepping Hope Alive

by

Joyce Rupp, OSM

When fear of the Unknown and other concerns

move my spirit to feel uneasy or troubled,

I will look for trust in my heart.

When pain or soreness in some part of myself

continues unabated and will not leave me,

I will look for comfort in my heart.

When grief due to the death of cherished persons

take over a large portion of my emotional space,

I will look for solace in my heart.

When night arrives and the endless attempts 

to fall asleep fail to bring peaceful slumber,

I will look for quiet in my heart,

When I experience disappointment

and become increasingly disheartened,

I will look for joy in my heart.

When I feel useless, ignored, and rejected

and cannot find purpose in my life,

I will look for self-worth in my heart.

When the days fill with medical visits

that entail an over-extension of energy,

I will look for patience in my heart.

When I long for peace in our world

to alleviate and cease global suffering,

I will look for compassion in my heart.

When I attempt to commune in prayer

but the Ancient One seems unreachable,

I will look for faith in my heart.

When I ignore the hurts inside myself

and forget to provide self-compassion,

I will look for empathy in my heart.

Compassionate Holy One, there are always reasons for hope, no matter how precarious or challenging the days might be. I turn to you with trust that you will not abandon me. You will be my companion throughout the remainder of my earthly life. I place my sufferings and uncertainties in your care. I will continue to make an effort to live with a positive spirit even when days are especially difficult.

Shared from Evening Prayer, Sisters of the Holy Family, Tuesday, 18. March. 2025