A Lenten Journey of Hope
Where are we and where are we going?
Hope is a journey. While this entire Jubilee Year is a comprehensive call to be “Pilgrims of Hope”, there are certain times and seasons where this embodiment of a journey is quite a distinct parallel to real, physical journeys indeed—an adventure, even, if you will.
If we think about great stories of adventure, those that are worth their salt will most certainly be filled with acts of courage. Usually, these acts involve taking steps into the unknown to fulfil a mission or quest that, whether succeed or fail, carries certain stakes that will determine the fate of one or of many. Courage is bound by taking those steps in the first place. Without them, there would perhaps be no journey to speak of.
In adventures, there are also perils to be reckoned with. Without trials and tribulations along the way and obstacles that must be overcome, I do not think that we could consider journeys to be journeys at all—a walk in the park or a pony ride in May sunshine would be the better terms. From physical labours and pain to tests of mental fortitude and faith, the perils that stand in the way, like a dragon guarding its horde, are the challenges that absolutely must be overcome to achieve the fulfilment of those crucial stakes.
And finally, there is of course the inevitable change that is part and parcel of any adventure. A journey is taken for a reason, but whether the adventurer knows that reason or not, they will nonetheless be left with a change within themselves and without. Furthermore, it has the strong likelihood of affecting other people and other things in the world around them—the great forces at work in our world will in one way or another be touched by that journey’s undertaking and certainly only God knows where all threads lead, but we can be assured that change, nonetheless, will incur.
There are perhaps few times and seasons throughout the year that so perfectly embody a journey as does the season of Lent. At the publishing of this article, we are now well underway with our own Lenten journeys, so it is worth reflecting on the weeks that have passed, the weeks that are to come, and the state of our own hearts as we look forward to an adventure ending in the crowing of Easter. This year, let us entrust ourselves to the words of our Holy Father in his traditional Message for the 2025 Lent:
Dear brothers and sisters,
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This Lent, as we share in the grace of the Jubilee Year, I would like to propose a few reflections on what it means to journey together in hope, and on the summons to conversion that God in his mercy addresses to all of us, as individuals and as a community.
First of all, to journey. The Jubilee motto, “Pilgrims of Hope”, evokes the lengthy journey of the people of Israel to the Promised Land, as recounted in the Book of Exodus. This arduous path from slavery to freedom was willed and guided by the Lord, who loves his people and remains ever faithful to them. […] A first call to conversion thus comes from the realization that all of us are pilgrims in this life; each of us is invited to stop and ask how our lives reflect this fact. Am I really on a journey, or am I standing still, not moving, either immobilized by fear and hopelessness or reluctant to move out of my comfort zone? Am I seeking ways to leave behind the occasions of sin and situations that degrade my dignity? […]
Second, to journey together. The Church is called to walk together, to be synodal. [1] Christians are called to walk at the side of others, and never as lone travellers. The Holy Spirit impels us not to remain self-absorbed, but to leave ourselves behind and keep walking towards God and our brothers and sisters. [2] Journeying together means consolidating the unity grounded in our common dignity as children of God (cf. Gal 3:26-28). It means walking side-by-side, without shoving or stepping on others, without envy or hypocrisy, without letting anyone be left behind or excluded. Let us all walk in the same direction, tending towards the same goal, attentive to one another in love and patience.
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Third, let us journey together in hope, for we have been given a promise. May the hope that does not disappoint (cf. Rom 5:5), the central message of the Jubilee, [3] be the focus of our Lenten journey towards the victory of Easter. […] Christ, my hope, has risen! [4] He lives and reigns in glory. Death has been transformed into triumph, and the faith and great hope of Christians rests in this: the resurrection of Christ!
This, then, is the third call to conversion: a call to hope, to trust in God and his great promise of eternal life. Let us ask ourselves: Am I convinced that the Lord forgives my sins? Or do I act as if I can save myself? Do I long for salvation and call upon God’s help to attain it? Do I concretely experience the hope that enables me to interpret the events of history and inspires in me a commitment to justice and fraternity, to care for our common home and in such a way that no one feels excluded?
Sisters and brothers, thanks to God’s love in Jesus Christ, we are sustained in the hope that does not disappoint (cf. Rom 5:5). […]
Pope Francis
To read Pope Francis’ message in entirety, click here.
The words of Pope Francis are a key guide that anchors the hope of the Jubilee Year into the journey of Lent. In conclusion, let us all be aware that we are, in fact, on an adventure of great proportions. Step forward courageously. Have faith through the perils before you. And, look forward to the grace of God that will undoubtedly reign at journey’s end.