Why is the symbol of hope an anchor?
“The anchor, because of the great importance in navigation, was regarded in ancient times as a symbol of safety. The Christians, therefore, in adopting the anchor as a symbol of hope in future existence, merely gave a new and higher signification to a familiar emblem. In Christianity's teachings, the virtue of hope occupies a place of great importance; Christ is the unfailing hope of all who believe in Him. St. Peter, St. Paul, and several of the early Fathers speak in this sense, but the Epistle to the Hebrews for the first time connects the idea of hope with the symbol of the anchor. The writers says that we have "Hope" set before us "as an anchor of the soul, sure and firm" (Hebrews 6:19-20). The hope here spoken of is obviously not concerned with earthly things but with heavenly things, and the anchor, as a Christian symbol, relates only to the hope of salvation. It ranks among the most ancient of Christian symbols.” Hassett, M. (1907).
What does hope mean to you? Most would say longing for something they want or need, the hope for things in our lives. But what if we take the same question and say, what does hope mean from a spiritual point of view? I believe most would not have a quick answer.
Every new day is the hope of things to come and the hope of being with God. We must be careful not to let everyday needs override our union with God. In Catholicism, hope is one of the three theological virtues; faith, hope, and charity. The virtue of hope comes from the Divine. As we trust in God’s salvation that we will be in heaven one day united with the Trinity.
What makes this difficult for most is that one can’t imagine what it would be like to live in eternity with God.
When we compare our spiritual hope to our everyday needs, it seems insignificant. This is not to say that our ordinary hopes and dreams should not be a priority, but we just have to put them in perspective. Our earthly hopes come and go, and as we grow older, our priorities change. But, our hope in God should be constant and never change.
“Hope is the theological virtue by which we desire the kingdom of heaven and eternal life as our happiness, placing our trust in Christ’s promises and relying not on our own strength, but on the help of the grace of the Holy Spirit.” Doubleday (1989)
With the help of the Holy Spirit, we can remain focused on our ultimate end.
So, what happens when we lose hope? First, we have to look deep inside and ask why? Being honest with ourselves can usually determine the root of being hopeless. We can start with prayer. Our faith in God is our strength when we are hopeless. And the strength of the people we interact with can build hope. St. Thomas Aquinas states;
“Sometimes it is not we ourselves who have the capacity to make something possible but someone helps us. Perception of difficulty alerts us and perception of achievability quickens our efforts; so hope inspires us to apply ourselves to action and to enjoy it.” Doubleday (1989)
Once the glimmer of hope is in us, it will dwell inside and begin to grow. We have to kindle hope like fire, always feeding it fuel to keep it burning. We must pray along with the fire that comes with the Holy Spirit to keep faith in God for the hope of heaven and our hopes on earth.
Prayer
Jesus, Help Me!
Let me come to You with humble trust in every need, saying, Jesus help me!
In all my doubts, perplexities, and temptations, Jesus help me!
In the hours of loneliness, weariness and trials, Jesus help me!
In the failure of my plans and hopes; in disappointments, troubles and sorrows, Jesus help me!
When others fail me, and Your grace alone can assist me, Jesus help me!
When I throw myself on Your tender love as a Brother and Savior, Jesus help me!
When my heart is cast down by failure to see any good come from my efforts, Jesus help me!
When I feel impatient, and my cross irritates me, Jesus help me!
When I am ill, and my head and hands cannot work and I am lonely, Jesus help me!
Always, always, in spite of weakness, falls and shortcomings of every kind, Jesus help me and never forsake me!
Apostolic (2007)
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Doubleday (1989) Catechism of the Catholic Church. New York , p. 499
Apostolic Publishing Co. (2007) The Catholic Devotional. Oakdale, MN. p. 29
