Every Increase of Hope: Recognizing TRUE Consolation
Every Increase of Hope
What does St. Ignatius of Loyola mean when he says spiritual consolation includes "every increase of hope"? And how can we tell the difference between hope rooted in God and hope that depends on circumstances going our way?
St. Ignatius teaches that one of the signs of spiritual consolation is "every increase of faith, hope, and love" (Spiritual Exercises, no. 316). In the practice of Ignatian discernment, he invites us to recognize God's voice within us whenever we experience authentic growth in these theological virtues.
While reflecting on this teaching recently, I realized that not every kind of hope is the same. There is a hope that is deeply rooted in God, and there is another kind of hope that depends primarily on favorable circumstances. Both may feel encouraging, but only one remains firm when life becomes difficult.
Two Kinds of Hope: Circumstances vs. Grace
We often hear ourselves say, "I hope things get better." There is nothing wrong with praying for healing, reconciliation, or a change in difficult circumstances. God invites us to bring every desire to Him. However, if our peace depends entirely on those circumstances changing, our hope rests on uncertain ground.
The hope that grows from God sounds different. It says:
"Whether this situation becomes easier or remains difficult, I trust that God will give me the grace I need to live it with faith, courage, and love."
This is the increase of hope that St. Ignatius encourages us to recognize. It is not based on the certainty that life will unfold according to our plans, but on the certainty that God's grace will never fail us. Such hope remains alive even in suffering, uncertainty, disappointment, or loss.
What Christian Hope Looks Like in Suffering
Consider someone caring for a loved one who is approaching death. Christian hope does not deny reality or pretend that everything will turn out as we wish. Instead, it trusts that God will provide the peace, strength, patience, and love needed to walk faithfully through that sacred and painful moment.
This hope brings genuine consolation because it rests on God's unfailing presence rather than on a particular outcome.
A Foundation Built on Rock: What Jesus Teaches About Hope
Jesus illustrates this truth in the Gospel when He speaks of the wise man who built his house upon the rock (Matthew 7:24–27). The solid foundation is not the promise that storms will never come, but the assurance that God's faithfulness endures through every storm. Hope built on His grace stands firm because its foundation is Christ Himself.
The Ignatian Question to Ask in Difficult Times
From an Ignatian perspective, the deeper question is not simply, "Will this situation improve?" but rather:
"What grace is God offering me in this moment, and how is He inviting me to respond?"
When our hope is anchored in God's presence rather than in changing circumstances, we experience the true increase of hope that St. Ignatius describes. It is a hope that frees us from fear, strengthens us to persevere, and fills our hearts with quiet confidence that the Lord will always provide whatever grace is needed for the next faithful step.
This is the hope that leads to authentic spiritual consolation — a hope that deepens our trust, strengthens our love, and draws us ever closer to the heart of God.
FAQ
What is spiritual consolation according to St. Ignatius? Spiritual consolation is any interior movement that increases faith, hope, and love, drawing the soul closer to God (Spiritual Exercises, no. 316). It is one of the key experiences discerned in Ignatian spirituality.
What is the difference between Christian hope and optimism? Optimism expects circumstances to improve. Christian hope trusts that God's grace will be sufficient whether circumstances improve or not. It rests on God's presence, not on outcomes.
How do I practice Ignatian discernment in hard times? Rather than asking only "Will this get better?", ask "What grace is God offering me right now, and how is He inviting me to respond?" Then notice whether your interior movements increase faith, hope, and love.