From Helen Osman: Signs of Hope

In Spes non confundit, the document announcing the Jubilee Year of Hope 2025, Pope Francis expressed his desire that all Christians join in a spiritual pilgrimage of hope this year, quoting Romans 5:5: “Hope does not disappoint.”

     He wrote, “In addition to finding hope in God’s grace, we are also called to discover hope in the signs of the times that the Lord gives us. As the Second Vatican Council observed: ‘In every age, the Church has the responsibility of reading the signs of the times and interpreting them in the light of the Gospel. In this way, in language adapted to every generation, she can respond to people’s persistent questions about the meaning of this present life and of the life to come, and how one is related to the other (Gaudium et Spes, no. 4).’ We need to recognize the immense goodness present in our world, lest we be tempted to think ourselves overwhelmed by evil and violence. The signs of the times, which include the yearning of human hearts in need of God’s saving presence, ought to become signs of hope.”

     In reading those words, some written 60 years ago, I find myself convicted. It seems it’s easier for me to find signs of despair, rather than signs of hope, this year.

     Yet, I am grateful to all who contribute to our Living Faith devotionals. They are, indeed, “reading the signs of the times and interpreting them in the light of the Gospel.” I’m also grateful to each of you, who are part of our Living Faith community. I know you are also praying and acting as signs of hope.

     Jubilee years, which focus on reconciliation and restoration of right relationships, give us the opportunity to reflect on our spiritual journey, or pilgrimage, toward Christ, finding meaning in our lives. A pilgrimage on foot can be a great way to trace the journeys of the faithful who have gone before us, connecting their faith, which lives on through our own Living Faith.

     In June, my husband and I, along with our pastor, will be leading a pilgrimage, Pathways of Grace, in France. Please consider joining us as we visit such holy and historical sites as Lourdes; the newly-renovated Cathedral of Notre Dame in Paris; the town where St. Thérèse of the Child Jesus and the Holy Face (one of four women who are doctors of the Church) and her parents, Marie-Azélie Guérin and Louis Martin, the only married couple canonized together, lived their faith; Mont-Saint-Michel, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the memorials and cemeteries in Normandy. It promises to be a memorable pilgrimage, a Living Faith journey where we will travel across centuries and locations. If you’re not able to join us in person, please do pray with and for us.

Helen Osman

President, Living Faith Foundation