End 2024

1. The end of the year in the middle of the war.

The main reason for what are here today is to give thanks to God for this year that is coming to a close. This year has presented us with many images, particularly images of war. An some even far, are so close, for example. Many of the priests with whom I was share meals and are serving in Syria, Ukraine, and Gaza.

Our Institute has been blessed to be present in places where Jesus is suffering once again. For example, in Gaza, the only Catholic Church still offering food and hope to those who have lost everything in the war is a signal of Christ's love.

2. In the middle of our suffering the Cristian will bright again.

But the image I want to reflect the most, this year is the blessing of the Basilica of Notre-Dame. I’m sure all of you remember the heartbreak we felt five years ago when we saw the fire consume this monument of our faith.

Yet, this year, it was reopened with even more beauty and radiance, in a ceremony that was followed by people all around the world. This is a powerful symbol of the Catholic Church and to his members. Though she may seem persecuted, after every trial, she rises again with even greater brightness. This is one of the great secrets of our faith, he have hop because we know the end.

3. Cristian cannot be pessimistic.

Pope Benedict XVI, when he was still a Cardinal, gave an interview in the 1980s in which he described the dark situation of the Church and the world at that time explain why, even in those dark moments we must not be pessimistic:

"The Christian, he reminds those who still suspect him of pessimism, knows that history is already saved, that the outcome in the end will be positive. But we do not know through which circumstances and reverses we shall arrive at that great finale. We know that the ‘powers of darkness’ will not prevail over the Church, but we do not know under what conditions that will occur."

This quote reminds us that, even in times of war and persecution, we have no excuse for despair. We may see darkness around us, but we must remember that these are empty powers. Christ has already won the victory for us, and we know how history will end—He will return in glory, and that true his our hope.

4. The science discover also this true

That true is attested no only by the faith, but also by the science.

When Viktor Frankl, the psychiatrist and Holocaust survivor, was in the concentration camp, he sought to understand what helped people endure those horrific conditions. He discovered that those who had a sense of meaning in life were more likely to survive. They believed that their suffering had a purpose, and they attached to the hope that, one day, it would end.

As followers of Christ, we have that sense in abundance. We know that our suffering has meaning because, united with the sufferings of Christ, it brings us grace for our salvation and for the salvation of our loved ones.

Those with little faith, or no faith, do not understand this. But this is our secret: we are not sad because we are not suffering, but because our suffering has a meaning.

5. Our Hope comes from God, no from the rulers.

As this year draws to a close, I want to recall this truth: Christ is our hope. He is the star that leads us. Our hope does not come from the rulers of this world, but from Christ.

The psalmist reminds us:

"Do not put your trust in princes, in human beings, who cannot save. When their spirit departs, they return to the ground; on that very day their plans come to nothing. Blessed are those whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the Lord their God." (Psalm 146:3-5)

6. Do store this for you share with the ones that are in need.

We must live with this hope that springs from the sacraments, and we must share it with others, because the world need this hope, the Bible says: “they are grieving because they have no hope” 1 Th 4 and we should share it, especially through the way we live our lives.

Like this parish in Gaza even Muslim and jews are killing each other, the Christian are with them in their sufferings.

I remember the story of an atheist who went to a Catholic hospital. He told a sister there, "Sister, I give thanks because you didn’t speak to me about God, but with your hands you showed me God."

We know the end of the story: Christ has already won, and we participate in His victory through the sacraments. May we live in that victory, sharing it with the world.

Amen.