We come to a first “chapter” of sorts, titled Signs of Hope. In numbered sections 7 through 15, we’ll look briefly at issues involving peace, families, people of various ages, as well as the sick. Two important groups of the day deserve a look also: those in prison, and those forced to migrate in our world.
7. In addition to finding hope in God’s grace, we are also called to discover hope in the signs of the times that the Lord gives us. As the Second Vatican Council observed: “In every age, the Church has the responsibility of reading the signs of the times and interpreting them in the light of the Gospel. In this way, in language adapted to every generation, she can respond to people’s persistent questions about the meaning of this present life and of the life to come, and how one is related to the other”. [Gaudium et Spes 4] We need to recognize the immense goodness present in our world, lest we be tempted to think ourselves overwhelmed by evil and violence. The signs of the times, which include the yearning of human hearts in need of God’s saving presence, ought to become signs of hope.
My own sense is that in my surroundings, we do have signs of hope. I’d include fathers more involved with the raising of children. I was also thinking of the good ministry done with prisoners and those released into society–finding work and creating a positive thrust in communities. Do you have one or two?
You can check the full document on the Vatican website here.
Catholic Sensibility 