On the Feast of Saint Mark, April 25 1467, the people of Genazzano, Italy witnessed a marvellous sight. A cloud descended upon an ancient church dedicated to Our Lady of Good Counsel. When the cloud disappeared, an image of Our Lady and the Child Jesus was revealed which had not been there before. The image, on a paper-thin sheet, was suspended miraculously. 
Emperor Vespasian reigned in Rome when Cletus assumed leadership of the Church. His specific responsibilities, like those of his predecessor Linus, can only be surmised because a monarchial episcopate had not yet emerged in Rome. Little is known of Cletus, perhaps due to the confusion over his name. Some historians refer to him as Anacletus or, more correctly, Anencletus, which is a Greek adjective meaning "blameless." There is, however, no doubt that he is recognized as the third successor and is commemorated in the ancient canon of the Mass. 
St. Marcellinus was Pope during the Diocletian persecution (296-304). With wise forethought he ordered large rooms to be constructed in the catacombs for liturgical use. Such a chamber in the catacomb of Callistus still recalls his action. According to one ancient account (certainly erroneous), this pope strewed incense before the gods when arrested during the persecution, but later atoned for his weakness by a glorious martyrdom. His grave in the catacomb of Priscilla was an object of highest honor. You have faith in God; have faith also in me. (John 14:1)
These words might have sounded all right while Jesus and the disciples were celebrating the Last Supper. But can you imagine how the disciples felt the next day, when Jesus had been crucified? “Have faith? How? The One we hoped would be the Messiah has died. What hope can we possibly have—let alone faith?”
Have you ever felt like this? You had so much excitement and expectation, and suddenly everything changed. With it, you felt hurt and alone. You felt as if your hope had died. Even as you went on living, a little part of you felt isolated, buried, and entombed. But just as death could not hold Christ in the tomb, he wants you to know that you can have faith in him. You can still trust that he will restore you and bring you new hope.
Maybe you can think of a situation right now that you just find difficult even to contemplate. In your quiet time, picture Jesus in the room with you. Look at the smile on his face as he gazes at you. Listen to his words: “I want you to know my peace. I know the places that hurt and feel dead. I want to bring them to new life. But don’t worry. I’ll work only when you are ready. Whether it is today, next week, or even months from now, I will wait as long as you need me to. But right now, can you take one small step of faith toward me?”
It’s okay if you don’t feel too much progress. Remember, the disciples didn’t dare to hope right away either. So if even accepting God’s love in this area is a struggle, ask the Holy Spirit to help you navigate the emotions that keep this part of your heart buried away. Ask him to help you release them to him: disappointment, frustration, self-blame, guilt, discouragement—whatever they may be. Just exposing these emotions to him is already an act of faith. Give it time, and you’ll find the Lord slowly, gently restoring your hope. You do have faith in God—or you wouldn’t be reading these words. Jesus sees that faith, and he is blessing it right now.
“Jesus, help me to find hope again. I believe that you are merciful and kind. Help me, Lord, to find new life in you.”
Acts 13:26-33; Psalm 2:6-11