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Question Title Posted By Question Date
Hope VS Faith Omar Wednesday, May 30, 2007

Question:

Hello Brother,

Theologically, what is the difference between hope and faith?

Thanks and God Bless.

Question Answered by Bro. Ignatius Mary, OLSM

Dear Omar:

The infused theological virtue of faith is received at baptism. It is a virtue whereby a person is enabled to "believe that what God has revealed is true -- not because its intrinsic truth is seen with the rational light of reason -- but because of the authority of God who reveals it, of God who can neither deceive nor be deceived" (Vatican I Council, Denzinger 3008)

The infused theological virtue of hope is also received at baptism together with sanctifying grace and having the possession of God as its primary object. It belongs to the will and makes a person desire eternal life, which is the heavenly vision of God, and gives one the confidence of receiving the grace necessary to reach heaven. The grounds of hope are the omnipotence of God, his goodness, and his fidelity to that he has promised. (Hardon, "Catholic Dictionary)

To put it in simpler language, faith is that which allows us to believe in God based upon a trust in His authority to reveal the truth. It is a trust in God, a belief in His truth.

Hope is also trust; a trust that God does not lie and thus we can be assured that He will keep His promises to grant us His saving grace if we have the willingness to receive it. Thus a "hope" of heaven is not a trivial "wishing for" or "hoping for" but an assurance that the grace we need to reach heaven will be given to us if we do our part to remain in God's friendship.

The third tier of the theological virtues is Charity. Charity is the infused theological virtue by which a person loves God above all things for his own sake, and loves others for God's sake. The virtue of Charity is based on divine faith or in belief in God's revealed truth, and is not acquired by mere human effort. Charity can only be conferred by divine grace. (Hardon, Catholic Dictionary)

God Bless,
Bro. Ignatius Mary

 


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