Christian hope since the Bull "Spes non confundit".

35 Jubilees and 58 Jubilee Ways in the Eternal City

Jonathan RoumieI always start by praying to interpret Jesus".

In this Holy Year of Hope, inaugurated by Pope Francis, the Church invites us to reflect on this fundamental theological virtue. One of the main tools for this reflection is the papal bull "Spes non confundit"This document presents a profound theological meditation on Christian hope, based on a careful selection of biblical texts, especially from the Pauline letters.

If I were to assess what percentage of influence the biblical quotations have on the composition of the document, I would estimate it to be around 70-80%. It may seem exaggerated but I have based this appraisal on the way the document interprets and applies biblical teachings to the Jubilee context; on the frequent and direct use of quotations to substantiate the main points; on the structure of the document, which closely follows the biblical teachings on hope; and, finally, on the language and concepts used, which are strongly rooted in the biblical tradition. I will try to demonstrate this in this article.

The Scripture in "Spes non confundit"

The document displays a selection of biblical passages that form a clear thematic outline on hope. The main quotations and their theological context are presented below:

Romans 5,5And hope will not be disappointed, because the love of God has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us". This passage highlights the certainty of Christian hope, based on the divine love communicated by the Holy Spirit.
John 10,7.9Therefore Jesus said again, "Truly I tell you the truth, I am the door of the sheep". [...] "I am the door. He who enters by me will be saved; he may come in and go out, and he will find his food."" These words of Jesus highlight his role as the only means of salvation, the essential foundation of Christian hope.
1 Timothy 1:1Paul, apostle of Christ Jesus by the command of God our Savior and of Christ Jesus our hope". This text underlines the Christocentric character of hope, presenting Christ not only as its foundation, but also as its personification.
Romans 5,1-2.5Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we are at peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. By him we have obtained through faith the grace in which we are established, and through him we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. [...] And hope will not be disappointed, because the love of God has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us." This passage integrates hope as the fruit of justification and the peace with God that it generates.
Romans 5,10For if while we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more now that we are reconciled, we shall be saved by his life." Here the hope in salvation as a gift arising from reconciliation with God is enhanced.
Romans 8:35,37-39Who then can separate us from the love of Christ? tribulation, distress, persecution, famine, nakedness, peril, the sword? but in all these things we have obtained a great victory, thanks to him who loved us. For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities, nor things present nor things to come, nor spiritual powers, nor height nor depth, nor any other creature will ever be able to separate us from the love of God, manifested in Christ Jesus our Lord." This passage emphasizes the indestructibility of the divine love that grounds hope.
Romans 5,3-4"Moreover, we glory even in tribulations themselves, for we know that tribulation produces steadfastness; steadfastness, tested virtue; tested virtue, hope." This verse highlights how trials and tribulations strengthen and perfect the virtue of hope.
2 Corinthians 6:3-10Although not quoted verbatim, this passage describes the difficulties Christians face in following Christ, along with the profound joy and spiritual richness they generate.
Romans 15,5May the God of constancy and consolation grant you to have the same sentiments towards one another, after the example of Jesus Christ. Here the importance of unity and mutual consolation in the Christian community as a fruit of hope is highlighted.
1 Thessalonians 1:3We remember without ceasing the work of their faith, the labor of their love and the constancy of their hope in our Lord Jesus Christ before God, our Father". This text links hope with persevering effort and love in the Christian life.

Theological scheme of hope

From the biblical quotations in the document, we can configure a theological outline that illuminates the main dimensions of Christian hope:

1. Foundation of hope

The love of God (Romans 5:5).
Faith in Christ (Romans 5:1-2).
The action of the Holy Spirit (Romans 5:5).

2. Christ as center

Christ is the "Door" of salvation (John 10:7,9).
Christ is our hope (1 Timothy 1:1).

3. Effects of hope

Peace with God (Romans 5:1).
Glory in tribulations (Romans 5:3-4).
Perseverance (Romans 5,3-4).

4. Security of hope

Hope does not disappoint (Romans 5:5).
It is based on reconciliation with God (Romans 5:10).
Nothing can separate us from the love of God (Romans 8:35,37-39).

5. Living in hope

Constancy and consolation (Romans 15,5).
Faith, hope and love in action (1 Thessalonians 1:3).

Spiritual consequences

From the outline of biblical quotations presented, we can draw important conclusions and spiritual applications that highlight the theological and practical scope of Christian hope:

A hope based on God's love
The central quotation from Romans 5:5, "Hope will not be disappointed," constitutes the thematic axis of the document, emphasizing that Christian hope is not based on human expectations, but on the love of God poured into hearts by the Holy Spirit. This divine love is the guarantee of the solidity of our hope and of its capacity to sustain us at all times.
The Christocentric character of hope
Biblical reflection underlines that Christ is not only the object of our hope, but also its foundation and personification. The metaphor of Jesus as the "door of the sheep" (John 10:7,9) and the affirmation that Christ is "our hope" (1 Timothy 1:1) reinforce the idea that salvation and fulfillment can only be achieved in him.
Justification and reconciliation as the basis for hope
The link between justification by faith, reconciliation with God and hope (Romans 5:1-2,5) underlines that this virtue is not an abstract idea, but a reality deeply rooted in the salvific work of Christ. Peace with God and the promise of divine glory are the pillars on which the believer's hope is built.
Hope in the midst of tribulations
A key teaching of the document is the capacity of hope to flourish in difficulties. According to Romans 5:3-4, tribulations strengthen steadfastness, which in turn strengthens the virtue of hope. This Pauline approach, complemented by 2 Corinthians 6:3-10, offers a vision of hope as a robust force that not only perseveres in suffering, but is refined through it.
The indestructibility of divine love
Romans 8:35,37-39 emphasizes that nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus. This certainty provides an unshakable basis for hope, even in the face of the most severe trials, showing that Christian hope is immutable because it is rooted in divine faithfulness.

Conclusion

The analysis of the biblical quotations in "Spes non confunditThe book "The Theology of Hope" reveals a theology of hope that is both profound and practical. This virtue, anchored in the love of God, finds its center and guarantor in Christ, and is designed to sustain the believer in the midst of tribulations and strengthen his spiritual life.

In this Holy Year of Hope, Pope Francis invites us to rediscover this theological virtue as a transforming force, capable of renewing hearts and communities. In a world facing uncertainties and challenges, the message is clear: in Christ, hope does not disappoint, but inspires, sustains and gives life.

The authorRafael Sanz Carrera

Doctor of Canon Law