The world situation seems desperate. The wars in Ukraine, the Middle East as well as in parts of Africa are far from being resolved, combatants are being killed daily, and others are dying in the thousands from famine and the other effects of war. I use the word “desperate” because despair is a lack of hope. Pope Francis, in declaring 2025 to be a Holy or Jubilee Year with the theme ‘Pilgrims of Hope’, has hit the nail on the head. Unless our human actions are infused with hope, then they have little chance of succeeding. We know that man-made peace settlements are only a beginning. True peace comes from within and is a gift of the Holy Spirit.

 

Jesus told the disciples, “In this world you will have sorrow, but take heart I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). This life is not trouble free. Jesus did not sugarcoat what it means to follow him. Life will be hard. But our hope lies in what Christ has done: by his resurrection he overcame sin and death.

 

This Holy Year is not only about recovering or strengthening our personal hope based on a deep faith in the resurrection of Jesus and showing itself in the love we share with others, but it must also be action and prayer that restores the gift of hope to those who have lost hope at home and in war-torn places.

​

​

Most Reverend Malcolm McMahon OP

Archbishop of Liverpool

​