HOPE IS NOT AN ILLUSION, IT EMPOWERS...NOW

Sisters and brothers, especially those of you experiencing pain and sorrow, your silent cry has been heard and your tears have been counted; not one of them has been lost!... The resurrection of Jesus is indeed the basis of our hope. For in the light of this event, hope is no longer an illusion.... That hope is not an evasion, but a challenge; it does not delude, but empowers us. —Pope Francis (1936–2025), "Urbi Et Orbi," Easter, 2025

I feel touched by the spirit of Pope Francis this morning...this Easter message was his last, and it touched me deeply. Unusually deeply considering that I am not a religious person, much less Catholic...but I feel blessed that I was...am...so touched by his message.

I wonder if my new friend Gertrude is in my life, and I in hers, for a special reason, spiritual in nature. It seems to be, then reason takes hold and doubt comes running.

There is truth in hope. Trust the message...that hope is not an evasion, but a challenge; it does not delude, but empowers us. 

Now, let that lead us...now.

Thank you.