As we enter the season of Advent, our hearts are troubled by the calamities of our times. Indeed, the tragedies of migrants perishing at sea, the rise of the Extreme Right in our democracies, characterised by a rejection of diversity and universalism, as well as conflicts, natural disasters and poverty, plunge many into anxiety. As a result, this context of fear and vulnerability leads some people to think that ‘God is far away’ or that ‘life no longer has any meaning’. Yet Advent calls us to hope. So we are invited to ask ourselves some essential questions: when will we find security again? Who will protect us from evil? Who will help us renew our strength to face the changes of this world?
A call to hope
In the face of these uncertainties, Advent invites us to become pilgrims of hope. As believers, we have the grace to discern glimmers of hope in the midst of darkness. Pope Francis, in his Bull for the Jubilee Year entitled Pilgrims of Hope, exhorts us to do just that: “We must fan the flame of hope that has been given us, and help everyone to gain new strength and certainty by looking to the future with an open spirit, a trusting heart and far-sighted vision”.(Letter to Msgr. Rino Fisichella for the Promotion of the Jubilee, Feb. 2022) This exhortation is also in line with the spirit of faith of Father Pierre-Bienvenu Noailles, who wrote in a letter: ‘Blessed are the souls who take advantage of trials to love and fear God Alone... Who will take our God away from us? And with Him, why fear?’ (Letter to Mme Machet, 4 March 1827). These words remind us that even in adversity, hope enables us to walk with God.
With this in mind, the texts for the Sundays of Advent Year C accompany us on this journey of hope.
- The first Sunday invites us to courage and strength in the face of doubts and setbacks, assuring us that God will not abandon us.
- Then, the second Sunday urges us not to give in to worry, giving us remedies to get us through trials, such as prayer, love, righteousness and discernment lived in joy.
- The third Sunday focuses on joy, the true joy that comes from knowing that God is at work in our lives.
- Finally, the fourth Sunday calls us to hope, following the example of Mary and Elizabeth, who firmly believed that ‘nothing is impossible for God’ (Lk 1:37). In fact, their total trust in the Lord opened the doors of salvation by welcoming the Saviour, the source of light and hope
In this spirit, our responsibility as bearers of hope takes on its full meaning. We are called to translate this spiritual dynamic into concrete action in the service of God's mission.
Our responsibility as bearers of hope
At the Council of the Family in Martillac in August 2023, three priorities were identified for moving forward in communion or synodality. Firstly, we need to deepen and live out the synodal dimension of the Charism of the Holy Family. Secondly, we need to work creatively with young people. Finally, it is crucial to protect the web of life by recognising its sacred value. These commitments reflect our collective responsibility in God's mission today, making Advent a ‘favourable time’ for renewal and commitment.
To begin with, living out the synodal dimension of our Charism requires an inner conversion, moving from ‘me’ to ‘we’. In this sense, it implies sincere prayer, attentive listening and attention to vulnerabilities, while promoting co-responsibility through participative leadership. Furthermore, it is imperative to improve internal and external communication, particularly via digital means, in order to build a supportive and active community.
Secondly, working with young people requires a special sensitivity in order to listen to them, understand their language and organise initiatives that fully involve them. Furthermore, accompanying them in their vocation, while offering them an inspiring future through our testimony, strengthens this mission.
Finally, protecting the web of life means respecting and preserving every being in accordance with God's will. This requires a commitment from all members to adopt a lifestyle that is responsible, ecological and respectful of human dignity. To this end, it is essential to educate and raise awareness in communities, drawing in particular on Church texts such as Laudato Si', which call for a profound ecological conversion. However, this approach requires a change of mentality, encouraging everyone to transform their lifestyles in a harmonious relationship with themselves, others and nature. Indeed, in a context full of challenges, our Delegation may be faced with a variety of actions to undertake, while responding to the crucial need to promote this transformation.
Building communion through solidarity
Advent invites us to make these commitments a reality in our personal, community and social lives. As Pierre-Bienvenu Noailles reminded us: ‘Always speak favourably of those who persecute us, let us return good for evil... We will soon reach the goal’ (Letter to Madame Machet, 13 March 1827). Through our acts of faith, solidarity and communion, we can transform our communities into places of hope and light, responding to God's call to the world.
Fr. Pascal DJEUMEGUED
Priest Associate, Cameroun