Missionary thought for the 11th of the month

By Fr. Alfred Maravilla SDB
General Councilor for Missions

Sacro Cuore, Rome, 10 August 2020 -- We are living in a world that has broken down barriers of travel and communication. The social media have created a truly global village where physical space is not anymore a hindrance of being more connected than ever. But crises have made us also more aware of our human frailty and a pervading deep-seated pagan mentality that believes that science and technology alone can overcome the present evil, and specially, without God. On the other hand, populist politicians have tapped into the simmering discontent against immigration and a globalised economy that make people feel being left behind. Indeed, today many men and women feel disappointment, disoriented and weary causing deep within their hearts a dimming of hope. And one without hope lives a meaningless and unbearable life.

Similarly, the disillusion of believers with our socio-political situation, with the Church and with themselves, are translated into small-mindedness, a ‘tomb psychology’ which is expressed through ‘the gray pragmatism of the daily life’, discouragement and inner weariness (Evangelii Gaudium n.83). These, in turn, slowly consume all zeal to live one’s faith radically and share the gospel.

Don Bosco faced all adversities, but he never closed the window of hope! Living the missionary spirit today means always keeping wide open our window of hope. Indeed, only the person with a vision of hope is able to see that signs of hope abound today, even amid the contradictions of our time: the generous availability of many young people to serve others; the commitment to promote solidarity and human dignity; authentic holiness of so many men and women, lived in the hiddenness of ordinary daily family and professional lives. It is Christian hope that sustains our joy in bearing witness to the gospel with our lives. Let us not allow ourselves to be robbed of hope! Indeed, we are bearers of hope because we believe that the Spirit of God continues to renew the face of the earth: “Behold I make all things new!” (Rev 21, 5).

Questions for Reflection and Sharing

• Do I have a vision of hope?
• What are the signs of hope we see around us?

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