Many people today describe our time as hopeless…
We have wars, suffering, displacement, fear, economic uncertainty, migrants and refugees searching for safety and belonging; growing numbers of people struggle with loneliness and anxiety in an unknown future. Young people are overwhelmed and looking for direction. In conversations, we often hear: 'I no longer see hope’.
At the same time, in everyday life we see little gestures and signs of hope: a friendly word, a kind act, the beauty of a flower, the smile on a face, neighbour reaching out to neighbour, staying close to somebody who is hurting by a simple presence, offering a comforting word, young people reaching out to the homeless with a listening ear.
We need to see more ‘hope born in ordinary places’ and have a positive outlook.
Nicolas Barré encourages us to ‘hope against all hope’
St. Paul in Romans 5:5 reminds us that ‘Hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit’. God remains faithful.
As the Holy Father told us during his homily at Mass in the Place de la Concorde in Paris: ‘Do not keep this faith in Jesus Christ to yourselves, but let it overflow to water and satisfy the people you meet. It is up to you to bring hope where discouragement and spiritual dryness reign…’
Hope is God’s gift to us. Let us share it!
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