By Their Fruits: The 2021 Prayer Pledge // Day 26

The Second Glorious Mystery // The Ascension

Fruit of the Mystery // Hope + Desire for Heaven

Reflect

About twelve years ago, I lost my vision for a week’s time. I wasn’t completely blind, more like a “Claritin” unclear commercial. At first, I was scared, then a peace rushed through my soul as I recalled Romans 12:12, “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.”

If there is one person who understood what it takes to be joyful in hope, it’s Saint Paul. He was never one to stand around and throw a pity party. Regardless of being beaten, flogged, shipwrecked, or imprisoned, he never ceased preaching and writing to early Christians proclaiming Christ crucified and risen. In fact, Saint Paul has been my greatest advocate of hope during my years battling multiple sclerosis.

Before being diagnosed with a terminal disease, I misunderstood hope. I hoped for a spouse, a successful career, children, and security. Most of us have hoped for similar things. However, when I was temporarily blinded, the lens through which I saw hope changed.

I never hoped my eyesight would be restored; I hoped God would be glorified through my life. I didn’t hope for my multiple sclerosis to go away; I hoped that God’s will would be done in me. Previously, my hope was based on what I wanted and not on what God wanted for me; on my expectations of this life, not the expectations of the eternal life God has prepared for me in heaven.

Saint Paul was once blinded—in fact, it was the pivotal turning point of his life. The sight he regained was one firmly focused on the hope of the beatific vision. The Catechism reminds us that, “Hope is the confident expectation of divine blessing and the beatific vision of God” (CCC 2090).

Is this where your hope is found? Are you like the Apostles standing around looking up at the sky?

Saint Paul and I didn’t watch Jesus’ Body ascend into Heaven, but that doesn’t mean our eyes are any less capable of seeing where God is leading us. As you pray the Mystery of the Ascension of Jesus, take a hard look at where your hope is found.

When I was temporarily blinded, the lens through which I saw hope changed. #BISblog #prayerpledge //Click to tweet

Let Us Pray

“Hope, O my soul, hope. You know neither the day nor the hour. Watch carefully, for everything passes quickly, even though your impatience makes doubtful what is certain, and turns a very short time into a long one. Dream that the more you struggle, the more you prove the love that you bear your God, and the more you will rejoice one day with your Beloved, in a happiness and rapture that can never end." // Saint Teresa of Avila

For Discussion

Romans 12:12 says, “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” Which of these three encouragements from Saint Paul come easiest for you? Which one is more difficult for you to live out?

“Hope is the confident expectation of divine blessing and the beatific vision of God” (CCC 2090). What is your hope based on; things of this world or the hope of Heaven?

Praying the Rosary

Throughout the Prayer Pledge and beyond, we really encourage you to pray the Rosary! Since we will be looking at the fruits of the Mysteries of the Rosary, it only makes sense to actually pray it!

Here is a guide on how to pray the Rosary.

I like this podcast and this podcast for praying the Rosary.

Hallow also has a marvelous Rosary meditation.

And if you want to go even deeper in to the Rosary, check out Mystery!

By Their Fruits: The 2021 Prayer Pledge // Day 26 #BISblog #prayerpledge //Click to tweet

About Tricia Tembreull

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Tricia Tembreull is a seasoned ministry professional dedicated to guiding young hearts toward spiritual growth, healing, and the love of Christ. With a background in youth and young adult ministry, Tricia has served in various roles, including as a youth minister, college campus ministry at USC Caruso Catholic Center, and Regional Director for Life Teen International. As a devotions writer for Blessed Is She, she shares scripture reflections that resonate deeply with women of faith. Recognized as a compelling Catholic speaker, Tricia challenges audiences to embrace their faith with authenticity. Additionally, as a spiritual director, she provides compassionate support to those seeking deeper connections with God. Currently serving as the Coordinator of Young Adult Ministry and Evangelization for the Diocese of Orange, Tricia continues to inspire young adults to embrace their faith journey with zeal and purpose, embodying a commitment to spreading the gospel while fostering communities of love.