As I mentioned in a previous pastor’s corner, quoting an article in the Vatican News, we have begun a year of Jubilee, a time of celebration and renewal, though I think with a greater focus on the renewal of the individuals on this pilgrimage of life, but also with an eye on the corporate, the Body of Christ called the Church. This time of renewal is to be seen through the lens of hope, the belief that the future can be different, better than the present moment.
In his letter announcing the Jubilee, written in 2022, he referenced the fact that the world had suffered much under the global COVID pandemic, and was in need of hope.
“We must fan the flame of hope that has been given us, and help everyone to gain new strength and certainty by looking to the future with an open spirit, a trusting heart and far-sighted vision. The forthcoming Jubilee can contribute greatly to restoring a climate of hope and trust as a prelude to the renewal and rebirth that we so urgently desire; that is why I have chosen as the motto of the Jubilee, Pilgrims of Hope”.
As Fr Rus sell Pollitt points out in his opinion piece for the Jesuit Institute, the prophet Isaiah calls us to a radical discipleship of preaching good news to the poor, of bringing sight to those who are blind and liberty to captives. This is part of the mission that we have been given and the particular way in which Christians are called to not only be pilgrims of hope but also be bringers of hope.
On Saturday morning Cardinal Brislin will launch the Jubilee Year in our Archdiocese and open the designated Holy Door of the Cathedral. Entering through the Holy Doors becomes a visible sign that we have committed ourselves to this journey of hope, that not only can we imagine a world which is better than one we currently find ourselves in, but also commit ourselves to working for that future.
The Jubilee Year is an invitation for us to reflect on those things that we can do individually to make the world a more hope-filled place, or those things which will positively impact those around us. It is also an invitation to the Church. What can we do as a parish or archdiocese to bring hope to others? Remember that a useful definition of hope is the belief that things can be different, that the future can be better than the present.
And now, how do we do it?
A prerequisite step is prayer and reflection. What is the vision of the different future that draws us into tomorrow with hope. As a parish we will spend time reflecting on the question “who are we and who do we want to be?” This will help us come up with our own parish mission and vision statement. This shared vision will help us face in the same direction, walking together into the future. The ministry of prayer will be crucial in helping us as a parish to listen attentively to voice of the Holy Spirit, moving with each of us and in the body of the Church.
Along this journey we will be doing things like offering opportunities to people to encounter Christ at a deeper level. We will have faith development classes and a school of prayer. In my homily last weekend I gave each of you an invitation to commit yourself to the journey of faith that we are on. It can also be seen as an invitation to depth.
