Walking in hope, mark of the People of God. Analysis of Rom 5,1-5

Abstract

In times when the world seems disoriented, with disillusioned people and aimless societies, it becomes urgent and necessary to speak of hope. A Church that journeys in hope can point the world toward a new path, or rather, a resumption of its trajectory toward more promising times. This is precisely the subject addressed in this study, based on the Pauline reflection found in Rom 5:1-5. The objective is to explore the theme through the term “ἐλπίς/hope” within the pericope of Rom 5:1-5, examining its implications for the community in Rome and, of course, for the early centuries of the Church. The relationship between Trinitarian action and the hope cultivated by the Roman Christians is another step taken in the course of this investigation. This study also examines the fruits borne through a life grounded in hope, observing the terms Paul uses to describe each dimension experienced through the perseverance of believers. For the production of this study, some steps of the Historical-Critical method are used (diachronic), taking care of the segmentation and translation of the pericope, as well as critical analysis. The next step involves applying the Semitic Biblical Rhetorical Analysis (synchronic) method to identify distinctive linguistic elements min the composition of the text as well as its structural framework. Following the technical study, an exegetical-theological reflection is presented, emphasizing the theme of hope that the Church celebrates in this Jubilee Year (2025). It raises possibilities for reflecting on the hopeful pilgrimage of all the People of God, sustained by Sacred Scripture.