INTRODUCTION
"Hope … might be called a memory of the future," according to the late French philosopher Gabriel Marcel. This favorite quote inspires me in the best of times and provides comfort in times of distress. It speaks to forward movement toward a future place of new possibilities. It is a reminder that the steadfast love of God never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are renewed every morning (Lamentations 3:22-23). The journey and destination are not clear, but we trust in the grace of God to guide us to what is possible.
How often have we found ourselves in an impossible place — trying to understand the meaning of things in our life and desperately seeking a place of newness and understanding? In these moments, we might feel alone, but we come to realize that the Grace of God is with us and that hope in God does not disappoint.
Without clarity but with certainty in the love of God, we step forward on a pilgrimage of discovery, strengthened by the hope of finding something that will bring new meaning to our lives. In this progression, at times, we walk alone, and, at times, we are joined by other pilgrims of hope who help open our eyes and serve as the presence of God in moments of doubt. They guide us to this new place of becoming, where we allow what has always been within us to grow and find new life.
PAUSE AND REFLECT
As we celebrate this year of our faith anchored in hope, I invite you to embark on your own pilgrimage of discovery to understand how you are being called to serve as a beacon of hope for your family, ministry or community. Take a moment to reflect on the people who have shaped you, and ask yourself: What wisdom do they hold? What light did they bring to your life? How are they prompting you forward? How have they helped you bring hope to others?
CLOSING PRAYER
God of the Journey:
Bless my steps as I travel on this spiritual pilgrimage of hope.
May You bring light to my journey, guiding my every step as I grow closer to You and to the people who have guided me on my way.
Open my heart to the moments that I will experience and the wisdom that they bring.
As I journey, let me recognize the pilgrims who travel with me and reach out to those who need Your sacred light, bringing them into community.
Help me to embrace the moments of Your grace that are leading me to a new place of hope and becoming.
Be with me now and forever. Amen.