There have been times I've felt God and hope are too far away, impossible for me to reach. Everything goes dark and cold. Yet hope found its way through the darkness that enveloped my shallow heart.
One day, while watching a podcast, I heard a priest quote these words from Pope Francis which struck me: "Faith is not something that dispels the darkness of a tunnel but works as a glimpse of light that empowers us to take one step in the dark."
These words empowered me to start the journey anew with a small step; with a glimpse of light which is faith, and hope accompanied it.
This glimpse of light led me to hope. I was enlightened to see the “gift of presence” during difficult times. I discovered that there were people who took their part in igniting the light of hope in my darkest time. Subsequently, I too am called out to attend to those in need of my presence.
The theme Pilgrims of Hope, remind me of my own experience. As a pilgrim in this world, I am not alone. I encounter fellow pilgrims on the way, who may or may not face difficulties. Yet, the question is how can I be present to them? I guess being a pilgrim of hope means more than just wishful thinking that life will be a bed of roses. More importantly, it is being able to reflect the effective value of the gift of presence to fellow pilgrims. Just like Christ being present to us in humankind; we too are called to be present to others.
Though we may be in different stages of life, as fellow pilgrims of hope, we can bring light to others through our presence. Just as hope brought God to people and people to God, and just as Christ made Himself present as a human person, we too are called to be present to our loved ones through our various roles - whether as sons and daughters, as teachers devoted to their students, or as working adults learning to be present for family elders, friends, and God. Ultimately, our presence brings hope and the light of God's love to those seeking a kindly light in their darkness.
Jonathan Noga Soeitoe
A Young Working Adult