Missionaries of hope among all peoples
Dear brothers and sisters,
“May the light of Christian hope illumine every man and woman, as a message of God’s love addressed to all! And may the Church bear faithful witness to this message in every part of the world!”
1. In the footsteps of Christ our hope
Jesus is “the divine Missionary of hope, the supreme model of all those down the centuries who carry out their own God-given mission, even amid extreme trials.” Jesus was sent by the Father to bring healing and comfort; through today‘s Church, he continues to reach the poor and afflicted. By his inspiration, let us be “signs and messengers of hope for all, in every place and circumstance that God has granted us to live.“
2. Christians, bearers and builders of hope among all peoples
All the baptized are called to share Christ‘s love through daily life and service, especially to the poor and forgotten. In a world marked by loneliness and indifference, it is essential that we live compassionately with others, just as Jesus did. “The heart of Christ… is the very core of the initial preaching of the Gospel.“ We must generously offer the hope and consolation that we have received from God.
3. Renewing the mission of hope
“Prayer is the primary missionary activity.” It is strengthened by the sacraments and the word of God (particularly the Psalms). “We believe and know that death and hate are not the final word pronounced on human existence,” so by our prayer, “we keep alive the spark of hope lit by God within us.“ In this way, “the constant ‘missionary’ desire that God be praised by all peoples” will become a burning flame within us.
Pope Francis has urged each of us “to participate actively in the common evangelizing mission of the Church by your witness of life and prayer, by your sacrifices, and by your generosity. … May all the baptized, as missionary disciples of Christ, make his hope shine forth in every corner of the earth!”
Mary, Mother of Hope, guide us in bringing God’s love to all.
(April Frigge, Diocesan Director in Iceland)