Aquinas - Summa Theologica v.3 - Theology Tools

193
P(2b)-Q(17)-A(2)-RO(2) — We ought not to pray God for any other
goods, except in reference to eternal happiness. Hence hope regards eternal
happiness chiefly, and other things, for which we pray God, it regards
secondarily and as referred to eternal happiness: just as faith regards God
principally, and, secondarily, those things which are referred to God, as
stated above (Q(1), A(1)).
P(2b)-Q(17)-A(2)-RO(3) — To him that longs for something great, all
lesser things seem small; wherefore to him that hopes for eternal
happiness, nothing else appears arduous, as compared with that hope;
although, as compared with the capability of the man who hopes, other
things besides may be arduous to him, so that he may have hope for such
things in reference to its principal object.
P(2b)-Q(17)-A(3)
Whether one man may hope for another’s eternal happiness?
P(2b)-Q(17)-A(3)-O(1) — It would seem that one may hope for another’s
eternal happiness. For the Apostle says ( Philippians 1:6):
“Being confident of this very thing, that He Who hath begun a good
work in you, will perfect it unto the day of Jesus Christ.”
Now the perfection of that day will be eternal happiness. Therefore one
man may hope for another’s eternal happiness.
P(2b)-Q(17)-A(3)-O(2) — Further, whatever we ask of God, we hope to
obtain from Him. But we ask God to bring others to eternal happiness,
according to James 5:16: “Pray for one another that you may be saved.”
Therefore we can hope for another’s eternal happiness.
P(2b)-Q(17)-A(3)-O(3) — Further, hope and despair are about the same
object. Now it is possible to despair of another’s eternal happiness, else
Augustine would have no reason for saying (De Verb. Dom., Serm. lxxi)
that we should not despair of anyone so long as he lives. Therefore one can
also hope for another’s eternal salvation.