Pilgrimage to Hope - Let us be Beacons of Hope
Pope Francis said, "We are called to become women and men of hope".
As our Christmas season comes to a close, we are reminded that when Christ became Incarnate, he brought a new and more lasting peace to the world. Our peace comes from the forgiveness of sins, the promise of eternal life, and through the Sacraments as signs of his presence. Because of the hope that comes from Him, we are called to be Beacons of Hope, spreading Christ's hope throughout the world.
Questions to ponder
At our Lenten retreat last year, our facilitator, Annie McEntee gave us some wonderful reflection questions that I would like to invite you to ponder as our pilgrimage to hope points us to becoming Beacons of Hope:
- Is there a relationship in your life that lacks peace? What can you do to bring peace to this relationship?
- What brings you peace?
- How can you bring peace to others?
- What do you picture when you hear the words enghusiasm for life?
- What gives you enthusiasm for life?
- How can we share this enthusiasm with others?
- Who has been a sign of hope for you when you felt chained down by life's worries and challenges?
- How can we beomce a sign of hope for those who are struggling with life?
- What would it mean to work for the liberation of those imprisoned or held captive by addiction?
- Who has comforted you and been the presence of Chist when you have suffered illness?
- What are ways we can show God's mercy to the sick?
- How can you become a sign of hope to those suffering illness?
- In whom did you find hope when you were young?
- How do young people today need hope?
- What are ways that you can bring hope to the young?
- Who welcomed you when you were a visitir? How did it affect you?
- How can we welcome migrants?
- What would it mean for you to welcome the stranger?
- What has been your experience of encountering people who are elderly?
- How are elderly people in need of signs of hope?
- How can you become a sign of hope to elderly people?
- When have you been in need? Who gave you a helping hand?
- What hope can we bring to the poor?
- What can you contribute to this hope?
After reflection, what commitment can you make to become a Beacon of Hope?