God calls us to be Pilgrims of Hope
by Sister Lynne Marie Simonich
Choices!
| Jeremiah: | Blessed is the one who trusts in God. Cursed is the one who trusts in humans. |
| Jesus: | Blessed are the poor … blessed are the hungry … blessed are those who weep. Woe are the rich … woe are those who are not hungry … woe are those who laugh. |
Jeremiah tells us that those who trust in God will have no need to fear. In Luke’s Gospel Jesus tells us that the “blessed” will “rejoice and leap for joy”. He shows us what life in the kingdom includes -- stand with the poor, the hungry, those who grieve and those who are excluded. In our troubled world how do we bring the kingdom to life? The words of Jeremiah and Jesus are not easy to hear. They challenge us to make difficult choices – trust in God, be for others. Know and believe that no matter what lies ahead, our faith and trust in God will bring us all we need.
Pope Francis has designated the 2025 Holy Year as a time to renew ourselves as "Pilgrims of Hope." The hymn specifically composed for this special year is one of hope and trust. May we, as pilgrims journeying together, be sources of hope and light. More information about the Jubilee Year is found on the U.S. Bishops' website, www.usccb.org/jubilee2025.
And may our immigrant pilgrims be protected.Thanks, Lynne.