What can we do in the face of evil, violence, and seeming lack of respect for life itself? Pope Francis said, "We must fan the flame of hope that has been given us, and help everyone to gain new strength and certainty by looking to the future with an open spirit, a trusting heart and far-sighted vision." (Letter of the Holy Father to the President of the Pontifical Council for Promoting New Evangelization for the Jubilee 2025, Nov. 2, 2022)
It seems an impossible task to remain hopeful. Yet, many encourage us with their words. Fr. James Martin says, “Despair does not come from God, hope does. Life is always going to be a mixed bag of good and bad.” (The Sunday Paper interview, Meghan Rabbitt, editor)
“Rejoice in hope, endure in affliction, persevere in prayer.” Romans 12:12
Bishop Robert Barron reminds us, “We have a mission. Pope St. Paul VI articulated it this way, the Church doesn’t have a mission, the Church is a mission. We go forth therefore with God’s authority and empowered for his work.” (Daily Gospel Reflection, Sept. 24, 2025)
Are you ready to be on mission? “Love one another as I have loved you,” is our marching orders. We are called to love the people in our families, our friends, and the people we meet on the way.
“Do not fear: I am with you; do not be anxious: I am your God. I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my victorious right hand.” Isaiah 41:10
The world needs God more than ever. Not all are called to share God’s love on a world stage, but we are all called to love others in our homes, our workplace, neighborhoods, wherever we meet someone who needs it.
Christ has no body now but yours,
No hands, no feet on earth but yours,
Yours are the eyes with which he looks
Compassion on this world,
Yours are the feet with which he walks to do good,
Yours are the hands, with which he blesses all the world.
Yours are the hands, yours are the feet,
Yours are the eyes, you are his body.
Christ has no body now but yours.
Attributed to St. Teresa of Avila
I pray that the good God gives all of us the hope, courage, and strength to be His body here on earth.
Blessings,
Sister Mary Ann Barnhorn, SNDdeN