“Faith has to do with things that are not seen and hope with things that are not at hand.”
- 1225 – March 7, 1274
- Born in the Kingdom of Sicily (Italy)
- Theologian, philosopher
- A representative figure of scholasticism, who systematized the relationship between the doctrines of the Catholic Church and reason through his masterpiece, the Summa Theologica
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Quote
“Faith has to do with things that are not seen and hope with things that are not at hand.”
Explanation
Thomas Aquinas draws a distinction between faith and hope, highlighting the unique role each plays in the spiritual life. Faith is about believing in things that are not immediately visible or tangible—it is the assurance of the unseen, such as belief in God, the promises of Scripture, or the existence of a higher purpose that cannot be empirically verified. Faith requires trust in what lies beyond our direct experience or understanding. In contrast, hope is oriented towards things that are not yet realized or currently beyond our grasp. It is the expectation that what we desire, especially the fulfillment of divine promises, will come to fruition in the future.
Aquinas lived during a time when theology and philosophy were deeply intertwined, and his understanding of faith and hope was influenced by Christian teachings and classical thought. For Aquinas, faith is the foundation of the spiritual life because it is through faith that one accepts the truths revealed by God. Hope, on the other hand, builds on faith, giving individuals the confidence to persevere in the journey toward salvation and fulfillment, even when the goal is not yet in sight. Hope keeps the believer oriented towards the ultimate good—eternal life and union with God—despite the challenges and uncertainties of the present.
In a modern context, this quote resonates with the challenges of maintaining belief and optimism in a world that often demands tangible proof and instant gratification. Faith allows individuals to find meaning beyond what is immediately evident, fostering a deeper sense of purpose that goes beyond the material world. Meanwhile, hope encourages persistence and resilience, motivating people to work towards their aspirations even when outcomes are uncertain. Aquinas’s insight reminds us that both faith and hope are essential aspects of the human experience: faith helps us trust in a reality beyond what we see, and hope gives us the strength to keep moving forward, believing that what is good will ultimately be achieved.
