Pope Leo XIV Shares Enduring Message of Hope as Jubilee Year Concludes
Vatican City, October 2023
As the Jubilee Year approaches its conclusion, Pope Leo XIV delivered a powerful message centered on hope, emphasizing a continuous journey of faith. Addressing the faithful during the final Saturday Jubilee Audience of this Holy Year, the Pope stated, "The Jubilee is drawing to a close, but the hope that this Year has given us does not end: we will remain pilgrims of hope."
This call to maintain a spirit of pilgrimage resonates with the biblical principle that hope is a defining aspect of the Christian experience. The Pope reflected on the upcoming celebration of Christmas, highlighting the essence of Christian hope as not fearsome but instead founded in the comforting presence of God as revealed in Jesus Christ. He poignantly articulated, “In Him, there is no threat, but forgiveness,” underscoring how the mystery of the Incarnation represents a continuous renewal—a reminder that through Christ, despair is transformed into mercy.
The Vitality of Hope
Quoting Saint Paul, "For in hope we were saved," the Pope emphasized that hope is not merely wishful thinking but a vibrant, generative force. “Without hope, we are dead; with hope, we come into the light,” he proclaimed. This aligns with Romans 15:13, which states, “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Through faith, believers are encouraged not just to endure but to thrive, reflecting a theological virtue that brings forth life, thus instilling strength in God’s promise rather than the fear of domination.
A Call to Action
In a world increasingly characterized by inequality, Pope Leo XIV urged the faithful to heed "the cry of the earth and the cry of the poor." He lamented that the goods of creation, meant for all, are often concentrated in the hands of a select few. “Our task,” he declared, “is to generate, not to steal,” calling for just stewardship of resources with a commitment to serve those in need. This notion mirrors the biblical teaching of stewardship found in Genesis, where humanity is tasked with caring for creation.
Finding Meaning in Suffering
Pope Leo XIV also reframed the concept of suffering, suggesting it can transform into a "suffering of childbirth" where hope prevails and history unfolds under God’s guidance. In this context, the Pope echoed the belief that history is "in the hands of God and those who hope in Him.” This message encourages believers to view challenges as opportunities for collaboration with the divine in shaping a better world.
In his poignant remarks on Mary of Nazareth, the Pope illustrated her as the embodiment of hope, the one who gave "face, body, and voice to the Word of God." As he concluded, “Jesus wants to be born again; we can give Him body and voice. This is the childbirth for which creation waits.”
Encouraging Reflection
The potent message from Pope Leo XIV invites us all to reflect on our roles in this ongoing narrative of hope and renewal. As believers are called to embody hope, they become agents of transformation in their communities and the world at large.
In these times of uncertainty and strife, let us remember the words from Jeremiah 29:11: "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." As we embrace the spirit of hope, we are ultimately invited to contribute positively to our surroundings, transforming despair into joy and sorrow into promise.
As we transition from the Jubilee Year into the future, what steps can we take to ensure we remain pilgrims of hope in our daily lives?
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