Pilgrims of Hope

Dear Friend,

At this month’s round-table conversation with catechists for Family Faith Formation I felt I was in a place super charged with grace. Led by a master facilitator, Daniela, and Master Catechist, Conchita, we moved through the agenda sharing questions and insights that eventually pointed us to the bold themes Pope Francis sets forth in his proclamation of the Jubilee Year: 2025 Pilgrims of Hope. 

The essence of the year’s significance is that we’re celebrating the 2,025th anniversary of the Incarnation of our Lord Jesus Christ, that is, God’s entrance into history as Son of God and Son of Mary. Here is the birthplace (literally!) of all hope. Moving through the year liturgically, we couldn’t have a better guide than Luke. But brace yourself, the next three weeks promise a tough start.   

Don’t be fooled by the “stretch of level ground” Luke puts us on to start our trip with Jesus this weekend. We’re immediately directed to what feel like massively challenging ethical and spiritual heights. I’ve never used crampons, but in this week’s Gospel it seems like Jesus is gesturing to a rock face hard to get a grip on, requiring the use of muscles we didn’t know we had. We’re told to “leap for joy” when we’re denounced, hated, and excluded. We’re told the poor, the weeping, the hungry, and the hated receive the hand of God’s blessing – and presumably, ours. We’re told the rich are in a place of “woe,” as are those who laugh and sit content when all speak well of them. Next week it’s “Love your enemies”. 

The Incarnation is turning everything upside down. To make this pilgrimage Luke has Jesus tell us further on that we’ll have to pick up our cross daily (9:23). For now, stay tuned, if you can!

Gratefully,

Father Dan