It is hard to believe that we are nearing the end of January! I am still enjoying the afterglow of being in Rome with my Sisters for Christmas, the opening of the Jubilee Year, and New Years. A friend recently gave me a Jubilee Year of Hope booklet from Twenty-Third Publications. I would like to share with you some of Pope Francis’ thoughts and challenges.
Pope Francis has called us to be ‘Pilgrims of Hope.’ He is asking us to ‘be passionate about life and commit ourselves to caring lovingly for those around us in every place we live.’ He is strong in urging us to be builders of peace as well. Pope Francis reminds us that our strength lies in reflecting and living the Gospel message, for it is there that we receive the strength to be joyful in hope.
We are in challenging times and to be hopeful is risky. There is the Emmaus story where the disciples are complaining to Jesus on how all their hopes are dashed with Jesus' death. What does Jesus do? He listens patiently and then begins to teach them and remind them that throughout history God has been present. We need to remember that even in the darkest of times God will spark the light of hope we have deep within us to shine and help us see our way.
These are all wonderful words and ideas, but where am I in the midst of all of this? Have I opened the door to the Jubilee Year of Hope? Am I a hopeful person or do I tend to be despondent? Do I believe that God loves me unconditionally? Have I considered the fact that I carry the seeds of hope within me? And lastly, am I willing to take the risk of living with hope?
I must say that I often stare at the picture of me praying at the Holy Door in St. Peter's Basilic and ask myself, am I really a hope filled person? Can I lay aside some of the doubts that challenge us at this time? Is my door open, or is it half closed where I can remain safe? There is a lot to think about and so I encourage you to sit with these questions and be bold and take the risk of being a HOPE-Filled person. Spread the joy, it is a blessing of being hopeful!
Till next week,
Sister Theresita
