Bearers of Hope Through Evangelization

Objectives

At the end of the session, the participants are expected to

1.    Understand the reality that the world is in need of hope

2.    Embrace and live the virtues of hope

3.    Commit to be bearers of hope to others through active evangelization

Expanded Outline

I. Introduction

This 2025, the Holy Father declared a Jubilee Year in the Catholic Church, an event that occurs every 25 years. With the theme “Pilgrims of Hope,” the faithful are encouraged to embark on pilgrimages, repent of their sins, forgive others, and renew their spiritual lives. As MFC are called to evangelize, as said in our MFC Covenant shall be a witness to the world of God’s love. We seek to actively evangelize and do mission as we are to share this message of hope with others.

II. A World In Need of Hope

The world today is in desperate need of hope. In a time marked by uncertainty, division, and suffering, people are searching for something greater to hold on to—something that brings meaning, purpose, and peace. As Christians, we are called to be the bearers of that hope, sharing the love of God through evangelization.

Hope is not just a feeling or wishful thinking; it is a profound, unshakeable trust in God's promises and His presence in our lives. It is a hope that transforms hearts, heals wounds, and brings light into the darkest places. Through evangelization, we have the unique opportunity to offer this hope to others, to testify to the power of God's love, and to invite people into a relationship with Christ, the source of all true hope.

In a world in need of hope, we are called to actively live and share the hope we have in Christ. Our words and actions can inspire others to see beyond their struggles and find the peace and joy that comes from a life with God. Through the example of our faith, we can bring the hope that the world so desperately needs.

 III. Bearers of Hope through Evangelization

As Pope Francis said, we are called to fan the flame of hope, helping others find strength and certainty through an open heart and far-sighted vision. During this special year, we are invited to actively evangelize and bring hope to those in need.

Through evangelization, we are called to embrace hope in its fullest form and share it with others, following the path of HOPE: humility, openness, passion, and endurance. These virtues guide us as we spread God’s love and hope to the world.

1.    H – Humility

Humility is at the heart of evangelization. To truly know God is to realize our total dependence on Him. A humble heart recognizes that we are nothing without God’s grace. Humility allows us to share our faith not as something we impose on others, but as something we joyfully offer from our own experience. Humility helps us listen with compassion, understand others’ struggles, and present the Gospel in truth and love. Humility grants us purity of intentions as we seek to evangelize. 

2.    O – Openness

Openness to God’s will is essential to bringing hope to others. We may not always understand what God is doing, but we trust that He is leading us in ways we cannot yet fully see. In evangelization, this openness allows us to meet others where they are, and with an openness to dialogue. When we are open to God’s plan, we invite others to discover His love, even if their path looks different from our own. Through openness, we create an environment for people to explore their faith. This is an opening towards conversion. 

3.    P – Passion

Passion for God is a powerful motivator in evangelization. Passion is a deep desire to see others encounter the love of Christ and experience the hope that we have. When we are passionate about our faith, we share it with enthusiasm, joy, and a desire to help others experience God’s transforming love. Our passion for the Gospel becomes contagious, inspiring others to seek a deeper relationship with God and offering them the hope of salvation.

4.    E – Endurance

Endurance is crucial in the mission of evangelization. God’s plan unfolds in His time, not according to our schedules or expectations. In our efforts to bring hope to others, we may face difficulties, setbacks, and even rejection. But it is in these moments that our endurance shines through. When we continue to witness to God’s love with perseverance, even when the results are not immediately visible, we demonstrate the power of hope in action. Endurance in evangelization allows us to be a constant witness of God’s faithfulness and a beacon of hope for those around us.

IV. Conclusion: Our Mission to Bring Hope

In the book “A Future Full of Hope” by Frank Padilla, he mentions “Salvation and hope are not just for certain individuals, but are intended by God to be available to all. The bases for our hope are also the bases for never giving up on anyone. If God does not discriminate, neither should we.” 

Hope empowers us to evangelize, inviting others to share in the joy of faith. Let us embrace the grace of this Jubilee Year by embarking on a pilgrimage and inviting others to join us in encountering Christ. Hope strengthens our mission to evangelize. As Christians, we are called to share this gift with the world, knowing that Jesus is our greatest hope.

Reflection Question

1. How can I actively bring hope to those around me through my words and actions?

2. In what ways can I embody the virtues of humility, openness, passion, and endurance in my mission to evangelize?