Paula Porter/For the Gazette This shot of downtown Calumet this week reminds us of how the cold and snow of winter can make us dull and often despair.

Winter seems to isolate everything; perhaps it is the cold, the sparse landscape, or the limited movements of our very bodies that make us dull and often despair. Melancholy has always been one of the basic themes of cold culture’s literature. The cold can also make us more introspective. Maybe it is the limited ability to move out of our house, or the repetition of tasks done in a cold environment, that makes us ponder ideas, situations, or the past. For whatever reason, winter can challenge our concept of Hope.

As Christians, we often hear Hope, united to Faith and Charity, or we have often heard the three virtues listed as Faith, Hope, and Love. These are bedrock building stones of a Christian life. What is interesting is that Faith has difficulty existing without Hope. Our current world of the Church manifests this. Currently, many have left the Church or are lukewarm in attendance at the Church community. Why is this? Hope demands a commitment and a confidence in God’s care and grace. Hope opens us up to a commitment to the truth of salvation and the path that has been given to us as followers of Jesus. Hope kindles the grace of Faith; they feed each other. Currently, many have lost their Faith in the message of Salvation and have abandoned Hope. This is obvious when you look at the world we live in today. The lack of concern for others, the need to consume, and the dwindling of person-to-person communication. Celebrity offers attraction, and the exhibition of material wealth has become the hallmark of self-acceptance in society. Hope presupposes that your life is a work in progress to your ultimate reward, that is, heaven. For many today, that seems like pie in the sky or wishful thinking. Christianity is a long-haul religion. It is a religion that offers a path to eternal life. It does not shield us from life’s ups and downs, but it gives us the grace to stay on its path and overcome problems.

Much of the anxiety and suffering in our current culture is lacking in Hope. People who do not have the love of God in their lives find themselves in situations that often lead to despair. Despair is one of the chief causes of suicide. These souls lose hope in their lives, finding death preferable to living in the well of despair. They have lost Hope that their world will become animated and loving with care and belonging. The very values that a Christian life has built into it. Our Christianity does not save us from the suffering of living, but it gives us tools to work through the obstacles of living. Because we have this path given to us by Jesus, in Faith, Hope, and Love. Faith, the love of our Christian life, hope that God has made us a promise of His care and love that will triumph over death, and love. Love, that has made us Children of God and given us the ability to sacrifice and see others as we are seen by our Father in Heaven.

Christianity, we could say, is a religion that gives us certainty. Gives us a companion in Jesus himself and a path of living that brings us to our true potential as human beings. But it is a work in progress; each day offers challenges and obligations. With our Christian teachings in hand, we can navigate the problems and still find deep peace and joy within ourselves. This seems to be lacking in so many of our neighbors and friends, for the community at large. It was these very concepts that allowed the Early Christians to open their hearts and lives to a closed and sad pagan world. Their ability to suffer for their Faith even unto death was impressive to the Roman society. The Roman community was amazed that Faith and Hope allowed this ultimate sacrifice, so willingly and without fear. Roman society was bankrupt in ideals that sustained a life of joy and meaning.

The Christians not only gave their lives but also aided people regardless of their identity. When people were in need, they helped, some as nurses, during the many plagues that ancient societies suffered. Lip service is just that, words. We can teach our religion, but more powerfully, our witness is open to all and expressed by the lives we lead. Our age needs Hope. Needs to know about love and compassion, and about our Hope in eternal life. Hope that brings Faith home to heaven.

May the God of hope fill you with joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. (Romans 15:13)