Photo from Jesuit.Media
O Root of Jesse’s stem, sign of God’s love for all his people: come to save us without delay!
In a world scarred by suffering, sin, and death, where can we find hope in our midst today? In many parts of the world, including our Conference, particularly in Myanmar, the ravages of war impact not only combatants but also women and children daily. Peoples across nations continue to grapple with grinding poverty caused by rampant corruption and the relentless destruction of the environment, resulting in even greater suffering, especially for the marginalised.
Pope Francis, in his weekly general audience on 11 December, said that the “most beautiful gift” that the Catholic Church and its members can give to the world is a reason to live with hope. He went on to say, “The Christian cannot be satisfied with having hope; he or she must also radiate hope, be a sower of hope…. Hope is not an empty word or a vague desire of ours that things may turn out for the best; it is a certainty, because it is founded on God’s fidelity to his promises. This is why it is called a theological virtue: because it is infused by God and has God as its guarantor.”
Looking back over the past year at the Conference’s various ministries and networks, I have uncovered nuggets of hope in the humble and collaborative efforts of laypersons and Jesuits. To name a few: the Social Apostolate and Migration network continues to assist our sisters and brothers most affected by the war in Myanmar through financial assistance, relief work, education, refugee support, and advocacy. Those addressing the devastating impacts of climate change continue to find small but creative solutions at the community level, including harnessing the important contributions of the youth and indigenous peoples. The education and spirituality networks have sought to re-imagine the formation of our youth through the lens of Ignatian spirituality while using 21st century technology. While outwardly oriented to those on the margins, the formation of laypersons and Jesuits continues to build on developing a greater capacity for building a safeguarding culture and pursuing dialogue with other faith traditions. I am also grateful for finding hope among ministries joyfully engaged in providing support functions—communications, treasury, and socii—to all the other works of the Conference.
At the end of his talk to the same general audience, Pope Francis said that hope is not “a passive virtue, which merely waits for things to happen. It is a supremely active virtue that helps make them happen.” We offer these humble efforts to radiate hope to others at the feet of the Child-God, who has already guaranteed that his kingdom of peace and justice will prevail!
May you have a truly HOPE-filled Christmas and joy-full New Year! +AMDG+
