HOPE IN DESPAIR BY V.R. FR PREYE PAUL

HOPE IN DESPAIR: A THEOLOGICAL EXAMINATION ON THE HUMAN CONDITION
By:
Very Rev. Fr Preye Samson Paul

(First published in “COME AND SEE” Magazine, Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria, Abuja, 2025)

INTRODUCTION
In the spirit of the Jubilee Year, themed “Pilgrims of Hope” as aptly declared by the Holy Father, Pope Francis, this paper undertakes a theological examination of the human condition, delving into the intricate relationship between hope and despair. The motivation behind this exercise is to provide a beacon of hope to the countless individuals in Nigeria who find themselves engulfed in the void of hopelessness.
Nigeria, a nation blessed with abundant human and natural resources, is currently grappling with myriad challenges that have left many of its citizens feeling hopeless. The issues of poverty, corruption, insecurity, and social inequality in the nation’s body polity have created a sense of unusual desperation among its people. It suffices to state that the situation is growing worse daily as many Nigerians, go to bed without food and are still not sure of a meal the next day because of a seemingly clueless government that they find themselves. The lack of access to some basic necessities of life such as functional and quality healthcare delivery system, quality education and unemployment among other challenges have exacerbated the sense of hopelessness.
It is against this backdrop that this paper aims to explore the theological underpinnings of hope and despair, drawing inspiration from some biblical narratives, theological framework, and existential realities that can provide a nuanced understanding of the complex dynamics between hope and despair. By undertaking this exercise, the paper seeks to provide strands of renewed vigour to hopeless Nigerians, reminding them that despite the challenges and difficulties they face, with hope and unwavering trust in God, there is always a reason to live.

THE HUMAN CONDITION: DESPAIR AND HOPE
The biblical narrative of the fall of man in Genesis (3:1-7) portrays a human condition marked by both despair and hope. The fall initiates a trajectory of man’s separation from God, culminating in despair. Conversely, the promise of redemption through Christ Jesus restores hope, as articulated in Romans 5:1-11.
From a theological perspective, despair is defined as the loss of hope of salvation. When a sinner despairs, they believe that their sins are unforgivable by God even with a sincere act of contrition. In such a situation, it is the sinners who condemned themselves due to their lack of understanding God’s ability to forgive rather than holding a misconceived belief that God rejects sinners. God never hates a sinner, he rather abhors the sin and is always willing to pardon a repentant sinner (Cf Rom. 5:8,10; 1 John 1:9). Therefore, no one should allow their sinful ways drive them to despair, preventing them from approaching God’s immeasurable ocean of mercy and forgiveness for their spiritual wholeness and well-being.
In modern times, some preachers who thrive on prosperity gospel have misled lots of people, teaching them to believe that their material poverty is a clear sign that God has forsaken them. It is an erroneous teaching that has driven many Christians to deep state of desperation and despair. Consequently, some Christians including some men of God have given up their faith while some others have committed suicide due to wrongly perceived comprehension of the nature of hopelessness.
Furthermore, some hold that man’s identity, preferences, place and status are defined in reference to society, thus the society is considered the arbiter of man’s success or failure. Thus, many people are under unnecessary pressure. It can further be argued that the society or religious demands, expectations, rules, norms and values, form who we are, who we hope to be individually and our successes or otherwise are assessed through the binoculars of societal or religious expectations. Despair and hopelessness set in when we have not lived up to the expectations of our immediate family members, environment or the society in which we belong. Therefore, despair in some cases, breeds lack of self-confidence and low self-esteem leading to depression, insanity and suicide if there is no timely intervention.
So, while hope is oriented positively towards finding a reason to live, despair is oriented towards ending the perceived meaninglessness that is associated with life. Those who despair do not only see themselves as useless but equally perceive themselves in most instances as completely abandoned by God and their family members in particular.
People who live in despair have no control over their life anymore, and so give up on everything since nothing is possible. Despair affects them even at the spiritual level, leading them to contemplate on anything but the consciousness of living a life that has no meaning, no value either now or in the future.

THE QUEST FOR MIRACLES: A MISGUIDED PURSUIT
In contemporary society, the pursuit of miracles can become not only an idolatrous endeavor but an insatiable quest for meaning. It is not also a sign of holiness, nor a proof that God is with the individual. Rather, it is a misinterpretation and misapplication of the deposit of the revealed truth not geared for the deepening of faith of adherents but in most cases is orchestrated for monetary gains, fame and show of power. This argument supports the periscope of Matthew 7:22, that some people claimed to be miracle workers in the name of the Lord but they were said to be workers of iniquities and not known by Christ. Thus, faith is not built on miracle rather the reverse should be the case. Miracle is triggered or built on trusting in God’s providence. Therefore, one may submit that, when the expected miracles promised by prosperity preachers are not forth coming, there is most likely for people to relapse into despair where all manner of evil thoughts emanate as it is seen around us today. Honestly, our economic situation can weigh down individuals. It can make someone question their faith about where God is when things get tough. Regrettably, some prosperity gospel preachers have exploited the economic struggles and gullibility of their members, using manipulative tactics to amass personal wealth and expand their own earthly empires under the guise of serving God.
Consequently, some of us are faced with countless disappointments, setbacks, loss of dear ones or job, grief, poor health, abuse, economic upheaval, unemployment, poverty, injustice, welfare dependency, marital and domestic violence showing up daily on various newspapers. These have caused hopelessness and demoralization among the people. More worrisome here is the obvious administrative failures by successive governments in Nigeria that have multiplied more hopeless situations leading a vast majority of Nigerians to indulge in all manner desperate activities that are unethical.

ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL CHALLENGES: A CATALYST FOR DESPAIR
The complexities of modern life, including economic hardship, severe hunger and several other social challenges in Nigeria, have exacerbate feelings of despair. The absence of basic amenities and the insecurity of lives and property have created unusual desperation that lead to despair among Nigerians. However, as Christians, it is essential to recognize that our hope is not predicated on temporal goods and material success, but rather on the eternal promises of God-a loving Father who is always interested in the well-being of his children.

THE ROLE OF PRAYER: A LIFELINE IN DESPAIR
In times of trouble, prayer serves as a vital lifeline, connecting us to the divine. Psalm 23 offers a paradigm for prayer, illustrating the importance of trust, surrender, and hope in God’s unequal care, compassion and providence for his Children. By carrying everything to God in prayer, we acknowledge our dependence on divine providence.
Hope is not simply a feeling or an emotion, but a virtue that is grounded on faith. As Pope Benedict XVI reminds us in his encyclical “Spe Salvi”, “In hope we were saved, says Saint Paul to the Romans, and likewise to us” (Spe Salvi, 2). Hope is what allows us to look beyond our present circumstances and to see a brighter future. Furthermore, the Pope writes, “Faith is the ‘substance’ of things hoped for; the proof of things not seen” (Spe Salvi, 7). Even when we cannot see a way forward, our faith gives us the assurance that God is still with us.
Additionally, Pope Benedict XVI notes, “The fact that this future exists changes the present; the present is touched by the future reality, and thus the things of the future spill over into those of the present and those of the present into those of the future” (Spe Salvi, 10). When we have hope, we are able to see our present circumstances in a new light, and to find meaning and purpose even in the midst of despair.
Pope Francis, in his Apostolic Exhortation “Evangelii Gaudium”, emphasizes the importance of hope in our lives, stating, “The Gospel, radiant with the glory of Christ’s cross, constantly invites us to rejoice” (Evangelii Gaudium, 5). Hope is what allows us to rejoice, even in the midst of difficulties.
Pope John Paul II, in his encyclical “Redemptoris Missio”, highlights the role of hope in our mission as Christians, stating, “Hope is the anchor of the soul, and it is this hope that sustains us in our mission” (Redemptoris Missio, 11). Hope is what sustains us, even when faced with challenges and difficulties.

THE CHURCH: A COMMUNITY OF HOPE
As pilgrims of hope, we are integral components of the Church, a community sustained by Jesus through the invaluable sacrifices offered by Apostles, Prophets, Evangelists, Pastors, and Teachers. Each of these roles contribute to the edification of the Body of Christ, fostering an environment of hope, love, and charity (Eph. 4:11-16). For instance, the Apostles GUARD the Church from false doctrines and practices (2 Tim. 1:13-14; Jude 1:3). The Prophets GUIDE the Church in evangelization and missionary outreach (Rom. 10:14-15; Acts 13:1-3). The Evangelists GATHER the unbelievers through preaching the Word accompanied by care for the poor and needy and compassion made manifest in charity healing (exorcism) and miracles (Mark 16:15-20; Acts 8:5-8). The Pastors GROW believers until they reach spiritual maturity (Eph. 4:11-13; 1 Peter 5:1-4), and the Teachers GROUND the believers on the solid rock, Christ Jesus, the Hope of the hopeless (Matt. 28:19-20; 2 Tim. 2:2). This fact must be cherished with all sense of devotion and as long as we live, we will never stop to draw inspiration and courage from the works of our Fathers in faith.

HOPE IN DESPAIR: SEEKING GOD IN THE MIDST OF SUFFERING
In times of trouble, as human beings, we often find ourselves asking God existential questions such as:
1. God, where are You when life seems worthless?
2. Will You allow my enemies to mock and criticize me because of my vulnerabilities?
3. Where is God when a devoted woman, despite her fervent prayers, heartfelt sacrifices, and faithful support of God’s work, endures the painful wait for the fruit of the womb for years on end, only to face ridicule and shame from friends and family members, leaving her to wonder if God has forgotten her plea for motherhood?
4. Where is God when a mother loses her only child and is then ostracized and labeled a witch?
5. Where is God when herdsmen invade our farms, destroying livelihoods and perpetrating violence and rape against our women?
6. Where is God when Boko Haram and other extremists groups destroy Christian churches, terrorize communities, and take innocent lives?
7. Where is God when resources are stolen, leaving our people to suffer?
8. Where is God when farmers struggle to make ends meet?
9. Where is God in the midst of personal struggles and pain?
10. Where is God when the scourge of suffering and hunger seem relentless?
11. Where is God when loved ones are afflicted with avoidable illness ultimately leading them to death?
12. Where is God when new life is threatened by various challenges during childbirth?
13. Where is God when human dignity is stripped away by shame and ridicule as a result of poverty?
14. Where is God when the homeless are left to suffer on the streets or under bridges?
15. Where is God when the sick are left to die without access to medical care?
16. Where is God when innocent people are kidnapped and held captives by evil men?
17. Where is God when lives are brutally cut short by murder and violence?
18. Does God derive joy in our suffering, or is He indifferent to our pain, or does He weep with us in our sorrow?
19. Does God’s silence mean approval or disapproval?
20. Is God’s presence felt only in moments of joy, or also in depths of despair?
21. Can we trust God’s goodness when evil seems to prevail?
22. How can we reconcile God’s love with the harsh realities of life?
These questions, though born out of the several unpleasant events around us, can serve as catalysts for deepening our hope and knowledge of God. Nevertheless, we ask these questions not because we are faithless or hopeless, but because we seek to deepen our understanding of God’s plan for humanity. We yearn to discern God’s presence in the midst of suffering, so as to assist us trust in His goodness, and to find hope even as we seem to grope in darkness. As we seek answers, we should bear in mind that God is still where He is when His only begotten Son died on the Cross, hence we may discover that our prayers and inquiries transform us, aligning our perspectives with God’s redemptive plan for the entire humanity – for anything short of this may lead to a crisis of faith.

CONCLUSION
This paper has demonstrated that hope and despair are intertwined aspects of the human experience. As pilgrims of hope, we are called to navigate these complex dynamics, recognizing that our hope is anchored in the steadfast love and redemptive work of God through Jesus Christ in the Holy Spirit. Through prayer, and a sincere fraternal solidarity among us laden by a deepened relationship with Jesus Christ, we can emerge victorious from the abyss of despair and criticism, radiant with hope and illuminated by the ever abiding presence of God. After all, people don’t throw stones at trees that do not produce fruits. May God help us in our weakness and hopelessness. Amen!