Gazing at the logo for this Jubilee Year, I felt lost, confused, and a little overwhelmed. How could I be a ‘Pilgrim of Hope’ in the coming year?
“There isn’t much to be ‘hopeful’ about,” I thought, as I listened to the news of a world which politically, socially and economically seems increasingly unstable and uncertain.
In ‘Spes Non Confundit’, Pope Francis says, “I ask with all my heart that hope be granted to the billions of the poor, who often lack the essentials of life.” [15]
He continues, “The Jubilee reminds us that the goods of the earth are not destined for a privileged few, but for everyone. … Here I think especially of those who lack water and food: … [16]
It slowly dawned on me that the ‘Hope’ referred to in the logo had little, if anything to do with the feeling and everything to do with bearing witness to faith in Jesus and the Christian virtue of Hope which is a call to action in our world. So, what am I called to do?
“And what does the Lord require of you?
To act justly and to love mercy
and to walk humbly with your God.
(Micah 6:8)
As I Journey through this Lent, how can I show solidarity with ‘billions of the poor’, ‘those who lack water and food’, those who suffer injustice and struggle because they lack resources where they live?
I could ask the UK Government to cancel unjust and unsustainable debt. I could work with others to ensure that we meet targets in the battle against Climate Change, ensuring we can live in peace, enjoying the whole of God’s Creation which is His gift to all of us.
I could stand against injustice by joining the campaign to clear Fr Stan Swamy’s name. He was wrongly imprisoned, along with others and later died in Prison.
I could welcome the stranger, donate to a food bank, support those combatting homelessness in our towns and cities. The list is endless.
In this way, we can all be pilgrims and bringers of Hope, living out our calling as people of action and mindful that what we do, matters.
Lectio Divina (The word of God)
Take a few minutes to reread Sue’s reflection and the passage from Micah. Read it several times over carefully and slowly. What resonates for you? How is God speaking to you? How is God calling you to be a bringer of hope?