It appears that Merton and Havel (especially) speak of hope after all; it's not hope for a specific outcome but knowledge that our righteous actions matter and have meaning regardless of their consequences visible to our eyes. This hope is grounded in belief in God or however one wants to call the loving (yes) intelligence that's involved in our existence -- or more accurately, in knowledge of his presence which allows us to surrender to his will in all circumstances.
ORIGINAL COMMENT
Interesting post -- and thank you for it.
It appears that Merton and Havel (especially) speak of hope after all; it's not hope for a specific outcome but knowledge that our righteous actions matter and have meaning regardless of their consequences visible to our eyes. This hope is grounded in belief in God or however one wants to call the loving (yes) intelligence that's involved in our existence -- or more accurately, in knowledge of his presence which allows us to surrender to his will in all circumstances.