At the door of hope

Fr. Livio Tonello, director

This year at Christmas we will be celebrating the birth of Jesus and the beginning of the Jubilee year at the same time. The opening of the Holy Door symbolically marks the beginning of the Holy Year. Pilgrims and penitents pass through it as a gesture of leaving the past behind and crossing the threshold from sin to grace. The bull of indiction invites us to be Pilgrims of hope, this virtue that our world needs so much. The only way to develop this virtue is to come closer to Jesus.The birth of Jesus that we celebrate on 25 December has brought hope to the world and we continue to ask for it. “In the heart of each person, hope dwells as the desire and expectation of good things to come, despite our not knowing what the future may bring” (Bull of Indiction of the Jubilee n.1).

This gift invites us to be the witnesses of hope and to announce it to people in despair. The birth of Jesus has marked a turning point for mankind. Jesus made himself a pilgrim amongst pilgrims and he still walks alongside us and helps us to find meaning and hope in a war -torn world. Passing over the threshold of the Holy Door symbolises the passing into the presence of God to live the new life he has given us . From a symbolic viewpoint, the Holy Door takes on a special significance: it expresses the decision to follow and be guided by Jesus, and to find in Him hope for a better world.

“During the Holy Year, we are called to be tangible signs of hope for those of our brothers and sisters who experience hardships of any kind (n.10). Signs of hope should also be shown to the sick, at home or in hospital. Their sufferings can be allayed by the closeness and affection of those who visit them (n 11). Signs of hope are also needed by those who are the very embodiment of hope, namely, the young. Sadly, they often see their dreams and aspirations frustrated. We must not disappoint them, for the future depends on their enthusiasm” (n.12). There is something for all if we want to pass over the threshold of God’s immense mercy and to be renewed.

Merry Christmas and good Holy Year.