What if living with hope isn't about waiting until you feel hopeful, but choosing to act like Christ keeps His promises, even on the hardest days?
This week on All Set for Sunday, Scott and Jeff welcome back Fr. James Brockmeier to prepare for the Thirty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time. Together, they explore a powerful message woven throughout the readings: Christian hope isn't passive. It's something we put into action.
And yes, Jeff is back for the not so two minute drill. All is right with the world.
Hope Is a Verb (Well, Sort Of)
In the Gospel (Matthew 25:1–13), Jesus tells the parable of the ten virgins awaiting the bridegroom. Five come prepared with extra oil, while five find themselves scrambling when the bridegroom arrives.
The difference? The wise virgins lived as though the bridegroom really was coming.
Fr. James connects this readiness to St. Paul's encouragement in the second reading (1 Thessalonians 4:13–18). Christians experience grief and suffering, but we do not grieve without hope. Because Christ has risen, death doesn't get the final word.
As Fr. James explains, hope isn't merely a feeling or an optimistic outlook. It's a theological virtue that shapes our choices.
We can choose to live hopefully even when we don't feel hopeful.
What Does Acting with Hope Actually Look Like?
Fr. James offers a refreshingly practical approach: When you're struggling with discouragement, ask yourself, "What would I be doing if I were hopeful?"
Then take that step.
Maybe it means calling a friend when loneliness creeps in. Maybe it's getting out of bed during a difficult season. Maybe it's showing up for prayer when God feels distant.
These small decisions matter.
The first reading (Wisdom 6:12–16) reminds us that wisdom is available to those who seek it. Likewise, practicing hope helps us grow in the virtue of hope.
And we don't have to do it alone.
St. Paul reminds us that we will always be with the Lord and encourages us to comfort one another with that promise (1 Thessalonians 4:17–18).
Hope is something we live and something we share.
Keep Your Lamp Ready
As the liturgical year draws to a close, the Church reminds us to prepare for Christ's return.
Not with fear, but with faithful action.
So trim your lamp. Keep the oil ready. Take the next step.
Christ is coming. And Christ is already with us.
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🧦 Product Spotlight: St. Jude Socks
When hope feels impossible, St. Jude, patron saint of impossible causes, reminds us to keep trusting in God's promises.
