As we look at the state of the present world  in which we live, we can become very depressed and despondent. I like this reflection from Henri Nouwen: "The state of the world suggests to me the urgent need for a spirituality that takes the end things very seriously, not a spirituality of withdrawal, nor of blindness to the powers of the world, but a spirituality that allows us to live in this world without belonging to it, a spirituality that allows us to take the joy and peace of the divine life even when we are surrounded by the powers and principalities of evil, death, and destruction."

What we need is a spirituality of hope, which is based on our personal relationship with God, who calls us to keep our eyes on him as we traverse through the destructive behaviors of human beings. It is a hope that says: "This too shall pass." For we believe that those who persevere will be blessed in the presence of God. It is the spirituality of hope we find in the words of the prophet Habakkuk: "For though the fig tree does not blossom, and no fruit appears on the vine, Though the yield of the olive fails and the terraces produce no nourishment, Though the flocks disappear from the fold and there is no herd in the stalls, Yet I will rejoice in the LORD and exult in my saving God." (Habakkuk 3:17-18)