The year 2020 like any other year began with the merry feelings of joy, excitement, expectations and the like. But see what happened during the year! An ‘unseen’ entity named Covid-19 threatened to wreak havoc throughout the world and to a large extent it did unsettle the globe.
Suddenly, we had to huddle within the confines of our homes (for those blessed to be close to home), had to wear masks, had to physically distance ourselves from others and were uncertain about the future. Amid all uncertainties and fears, the most important virtue that might have kept us ticking was ‘Hope’. Hope that we would get through these times, that better days lay ahead for all of us.
As Desmond Tutu once said, “Hope is being able to see that there is light despite all the darkness”. Each one of us has had this virtue within us that has kept us going- some with more hope, some with less. It was hope that put us back on track despite the setbacks, to get up and get back to doing what we love doing. There might have been moments of uncertainties, laziness, helplessness, but eventually we all got up and moved on with hope. Pope Francis in one of his homilies at daily Mass gave us this beautiful imagery saying, “Hope is like throwing an anchor to the other shore”.
It is during worry, uncertainty, and tension, that the virtue of hope for a new beginning springs forth. The birth of Jesus which we just celebrated a few days ago is a gift from God that brings people hope and courage in troubled times. It did to a troubled world back then, and it continues to do so in our troubled world of today.
Here are a few practical suggestions given to us by Pope Francis regarding hope and new beginnings. It can help you to start somewhere in case you feel lost and do not know where to begin and what exactly you are to do. The best time for new beginnings is now!
* Wherever you are, build!
* When life gets hard, and you have fallen, get up. Never stay down. Get up and let people help you to your feet.
* If you are sitting, start walking! Start the journey.
* If you are bored stiff, crush (boredom) with good works.
* Don't listen to those who spread hatred and division.
* If fear or evil looms so large it seems insurmountable, remember that God lives in you. And, through you, it is He, who, with His meekness, wants to subdue all enemies of humanity: sin, hatred, crime and violence.
* Be courageous in speaking the truth, but never forget, "you are not above anyone." Even if one feels certain that he or she is the last person on earth who holds to the truth, "do not spurn the company of human beings for this" reason.
* Hold onto ideals and live for something greater than yourself, even if it comes at a high price.
* Live, love, believe, and with God's grace, never despair.
Here’s wishing all of you a hopeful, safe and blessed 2021!
(The writer is the administrator at Xavier Centre of Historical Research at Porvorim)
