First Reading Numbers 24:12-25
Gospel Reading Matthew 22:23-40
Romans 8:18-25
18I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory about to be revealed to us. 19For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the children of God; 20for the creation was subjected to futility, not of its own will but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope 21that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to decay and will obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God. 22We know that the whole creation has been groaning in labor pains until now; 23and not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly while we wait for adoption, the redemption of our bodies. 24For in hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what is seen? 25But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.
Who has seen hope? Maybe not us this year. But that’s just the thing: we wait for patience because we haven’t had much to hope for. Surely things will get better? It can’t stay like this forever? Doesn’t God hear our prayers? Slowly, imperceptibly, the hope builds. We know things will get better, because we know that God is at work for the groaning creation, preparing us for nothing less than our adoption and redemption and hope and salvation. Now, all of a sudden, we don’t worry about our hope. How could we have anything but hope?
Gracious God, enliven us by your Spirit to wait on you with expectant hope, trusting that the love that is always behind us and with us is always before us, too. We pray in the hope of the Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.
