A Year of Sundays: The 44th Sunday (11/2/25)

Relentless Hope

Hope! Wow! This week unfolded with transitions in every direction—social, political, and personal. It has been a week of shifting ground, yet through it all, one message rang clearly: hope must be relentless.

I realized once again that while I cannot control the events of the world, I can control my response to them. My reactions shape my peace of mind, my health, and my sense of purpose. As the storms of uncertainty swirl around, the practice of grounding myself in faith and self-discipline has been both my anchor and my compass.

When I center myself—through affirmations, reflection, and gratitude—I remember that every challenge contains an invitation to rise higher. My focus must remain on what I can control: my thoughts, my energy, my kindness, and my daily intentions.

The Philosophy of Hope

Hope has long been considered one of humanity’s most vital psychological and spiritual resources. Viktor Frankl (1946), in Man’s Search for Meaning, wrote that even in the most devastating conditions, “those who have a ‘why’ to live can bear almost any ‘how.’” His work reminds us that meaning is the backbone of hope—that when we find purpose, even in difficulty, our resilience deepens.

Similarly, positive psychologist Martin Seligman (2011) defined hope as a learned response rather than a passive feeling. His theory of learned optimism suggests that by consciously reframing adversity, we cultivate inner strength and future orientation. Hope, then, becomes a skill—something we can nurture and practice daily.

Albert Bandura’s (1997) concept of self-efficacy adds another layer to this reflection: our belief in our ability to influence outcomes directly affects how we face uncertainty. The more we trust ourselves, the more effectively we move through challenge toward growth.

Even ancient Stoic philosophers, like Epictetus, offered guidance that feels remarkably relevant: “It is not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters” (c. 135 CE/1995). Their teachings remind us that control lies not in external events but in internal alignment—an idea that echoes across centuries and cultures.

Reflection Practice: Reframing Hope

This week, I invite you to practice active hope—a concept described by environmental philosopher Joanna Macy (2012) as hope that “does not arise from waiting for external agencies to act, but from our own participation in bringing about what we hope for.”

Try this simple reflection:

1. Identify one situation that feels uncertain or overwhelming.

2. Name one thing within your control about it.

3. Write a hopeful statement beginning with, “Even though this feels hard, I choose to…”

You’ll find that reclaiming even one small choice rekindles your sense of agency and calm. Affirmation of the Week

“I anchor myself in the calm center of hope. What I can control, I strengthen. What I cannot control, I release with grace.”

References

Bandura, A. (1997). Self-efficacy: The exercise of control. W. H. Freeman.

Epictetus. (1995). The handbook (The Enchiridion) (N. White, Trans.). Hackett Publishing Company. (Original work published ca. 135 CE)

Frankl, V. E. (1946). Man’s search for meaning. Beacon Press.

Macy, J., & Johnstone, C. (2012). Active hope: How to face the mess we’re in without going crazy. New World Library.

Seligman, M. E. P. (2011). Flourish: A visionary new understanding of happiness and well-being. Free Press.