I had a difficult time with today’s readings. Then, as often happens, two streams flowed into a river of inspiration. The Responsorial Psalm calls us to hope: “Let your hearts take comfort, all you who hope in the Lord.” That same day, Pope Francis published his design for the Jubilee Year 2025. The theme of this sacred moment in time is “Hope Does Not Disappoint.” There, I found my inspiration.

A Jubilee Year is a graced moment. It calls all of us to reflect on and act on the richness of the Jubilee’s theme. Very often, pastors, bishops, and other religious leaders focus on the opportunity to gain a “plenary indulgence” by making a pilgrimage to Rome and walking through the Holy Doors of the four major basilicas of the Holy City. I did so during the Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy several years ago. It was very profound and moving, but the actualization of works of mercy in my parish significantly impacted me.

His proclamation clearly states that we know deep in our hearts what hope is. The Holy Father notes that so many people in the world who are displaced by war or famine still have hope. Their hope rests in the God from whom no one or no thing can separate them. How, then, do we become ministers of hope who reach out to those around us who are grieving a loss, who are incarcerated, who live in poverty or abusive family situations? How do we counteract the vile and untruthful statements made against those seeking hope and a new life in our country?

How will each of us celebrate this unique and sacred time of hope? Can we beacons of hope?

Let Us Pray:

God of the Universe, you have revealed yourself to be a God of hope and second chances. As we celebrate the Jubilee of Hope, please give us an abundance of your grace to renew our trust in you from whom no one can separate. Make us beacons and witnesses of hope to all who are despairing and deeply saddened. May this Jubilee be an outpouring of the Holy Spirit in our hearts and the world. Amen.