What is the object of hope?
First, and above all, it is God Himself according as He is Himself His own happiness, and according as He deigns to give Himself to us one day in heaven to make us happy (XVII. 1, 2).
Can there be anything else other than God which can be the object of hope?
Yes, every true good can be the object of hope, provided it be subordinated to the principal object, which is God Himself (XVII. 2, ad 2).
What is the motive upon which hope relies?
The motive upon which hope relies is nought but God Himself, who Himself comes to our help or uses His creatures to this end that we may one day possess Him in heaven in token of reward (XVII. 2).
Does hope then necessarily imply virtuous and meritorious actions performed with God's help that we may approach Him in the way that He desires, namely, that He might give Himself to us in heaven?
Yes, hope necessarily implies these virtuous and meritorious actions.
Next - The Catechism of the Summa -SECOND SECTION - A DETAILED SURVEY OF MAN'S RETURN TO GOD - V. OF HOPE AND ITS NATURE -- OF THE VICES OPPOSED THERETO, NAMELY, OF PRESUMPTION AND OF DESPAIR -- OF THE FORMULA OF AN ACT OF HOPE, AND OF THOSE ABLE TO MAKE THIS ACT (C)
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