ADVENT WITH PILGRIMS OF HOPE

Advent is above all a time of hope. Isaiah chapter 9 speaks of the people who walk in darkness seeing a great light. The last five years have seen times of deep darkness over our world with a global pandemic and the outbreak or continuance of devastating conflicts. You may also have been through times of personal darkness through bereavement, illness or losses of different kinds.

 As pilgrims of hope our Advent journey this year invites us to travel in confidence, looking to the birth of Jesus as the source of all hope for our world.

Pope Francis once spoke about the opportunity Advent offers us like this: “The time of Advent that we begin again today returns us to the horizon of hope, a hope that does not disappoint because it is founded on the Word of God. A hope that does not disappoint, simply because the Lord never disappoints! He is ever faithful!” the Holy Father emphasized.

Indeed, Advent offers us a time to re-anchor our hope in God alone, who never disappoints and never lets us down! Yes, things, events, and even people in this world can let us down at times, but God never does, so we need to keep our true hope always in Him.

So, this Advent is a time for us to open our hearts more widely to Christ as we prepare for His coming into the world, so that it is always His love that directs all our words and actions, who directs our desires, wants and wishes.

This new liturgical year also marks the opening of a Jubilee Year within the church, to which everyone is invited. The year’s title is ‘Pilgrims of Hope’. Jubilee is a biblical concept of a time of rest, renewal, and liberation. It emphasizes God’s faithfulness, justice, and compassion. We look towards the coming of Christ as the ultimate jubilee, who comes to restore, renew, and liberate.

Sr. Tina Oliver, OP

Asian Continental Novitiate, Manila Philippines