In this critical moment in which we live, to be summoned to walk together in hope, trusting that the provident hand of the Father directs history and holds everything in his hands, is a true challenge.  In the night of this world, hope is like a beacon that shines in the distance, guiding us through the storms and the darkest moments, and that in spite of everything drives us forward, even when circumstances seem insurmountable. In a world full of challenges and adversities, hope is our ally so as not to lose faith that Christ makes all things new and that everything will end well. It is for good reason that Francis summons us all to this Jubilee of Hope. 

… “Christian hope, in fact, neither deceives nor disappoints, because it is founded on the certainty that nothing and no one will ever be able to separate us from divine love: ”Who then can separate us from the love of Christ? …But in all these things we have a great victory through him who loved us. …no other creature will ever be able to separate us from the love of God, made manifest in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Rom 8). This is why this hope does not give way in the face of difficulties”.  Pope Francis

Knowing how to wait means letting ourselves be surprised by God in the everyday and ordinary of our lives, letting ourselves be amazed by Jesus, who comes to meet us every day and not only at the end of time, wanting to see the creative ways in which he visits us and dwells in our days and helps us.

 Step 4 of the Way of the Heart tells us: “Jesus goes out to meet the faith that hopes and believes in the promise of love and salvation beyond extreme difficulties, pains and failures. The faith of those who believe and the infinite mercy of God revealed in Jesus are the ingredients of encounters that heal and restore life”. The Way of the Heart, Step 4

Walking together in hope and spreading it to others is this year’s mission. The Way of the Heart will help you in this challenge if you wish. “The Lord ‘primes us’ in love and compassion and invites us to replicate it with others. …We must take on the role of manifesting to the world the joy and hope born of faith. We must dare to shock the world with tenderness”. The Way of the Heart, Step 8.

International Editorial Team

Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network