Below is an excerpt from the introduction to Praying in the Presence of the Lord with Fulton Sheen , edited by Michael Dubruiel, originally published in 2002.
Excerpts from the book will be published in this space over the next few weeks, in honor of Archbishop Sheen's beatification on September 24, 2026.
Hope (3)
"Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise" -LUKE 23:43 (RSV)
Spend some time reflecting on the following:
1. Reflect on those who despair. Why is this not a holy act? Does a person who despairs really believe in a merciful God? Ask God for the grace to always trust in His mercy.
2. Reflect on the sin of presumption. Why is it wrong to presume on God's mercy? Ask God for the grace to see that His will is truly merciful and any time we choose other than His will we are worship- ing something or someone else.
3. Reflect on the virtue of hope. What areas of your life could use this virtue? Do you trust in the companionship of Our Lord? Do you have assurance that He loves you and wishes for you to be with Him for all eternity? Ask for this grace.
