We allow ourselves to be trapped into the existentialism of Jean-Paul Sartre plagued with anguish. But anguish and despair are conquered by hope. Having a strong spiritual life, no matter what religion you profess, only enhances your capacity to hope. Having a strong spiritual life is the antidote for despair. Charles P quy, the French poet, wrote that hope was given to us one Christmas Eve.
Hope encompasses all.
And so, the father, filled with hope, awaited the Prodigal Son seeing he who would be and loving he who would come home. An Act of Hope O my God, relying on Thy almighty power and infinite mercy and promises, I hope to obtain pardon for my sins, the help of Thy grace, and life everlasting, through the merits of Jesus Christ, my Lord and Redeemer.