Lent: A Season of Hope in the Jubilee Year 2025

A Voice of Hope Amidst Tragedy

A 16-year-old Ethiopian girl recently moved audiences on America’s Got Talent with her emotional performance, paying tribute to her late parents. Her mother passed away when she was three, and her father tragically lost his life to a lioness while they attempted to flee Ethiopia for a better life in Europe due to severe drought.

She recalled her father’s words: “Anibal, we are going to Europe. A better life is awaiting us there.” This reflects the hope that drives many seeking a brighter future despite immense challenges.

Pope Francis, in his Spes Non Confundit, the Bull of Indiction of the Ordinary Jubilee of the Year 2025, writes that hope dwells in every heart as the desire for good things to come, even in uncertainty.

Lent: A Path to Spiritual Renewal

Lent, from the Latin Quadragesima (“fortieth”), refers to 40 days of fasting, prayer, and charity leading to Easter. This period invites Christians to seek forgiveness and spiritual renewal.

The parable of the Prodigal Son illustrates this journey of repentance, or metanoia. When the son strays and returns in hope, his father welcomes him with love, reminding us that no matter how far we wander, there is always a path back through God’s mercy.

Hope as Our Guiding Light

Lent reminds us that repentance is not just regret but confidence in God’s forgiveness. St. Paul, reflecting on Abraham’s faith, writes:

"Hoping against hope, he believed that he would become 'the father of many nations,' according to what was said, 'So numerous shall your descendants be.'" (Rom. 4:18)

This same hope calls us to trust in God’s promises and move forward in faith.

Lessons from the Israelites' Journey

The 40 days of Lent echo the Israelites’ 40-year journey to the Promised Land. During their time in the wilderness, they faced numerous trials—fear, anxiety, and conflicts. At times, they grumbled against God and Moses, doubting whether they would reach their divine promise. Yet, despite their wavering faith, God remained faithful. Their journey teaches us that hope is not the absence of struggle but the assurance that God walks with us through it.

Pope Francis reminds us that faith, hope, and love are inseparable. In this Jubilee Year 2025, Lent calls us to prepare for Easter—and ultimately, our eternal Pascha.

Lent and the Hope of Baptism

Lent is also a time of preparation for Baptism, which gives us the hope of eternal life. Catechumens prepare to receive this sacrament, while the baptised renew their promises at the Easter Vigil.

The significance of Lent is rooted in God’s promise after the fall of Adam and Eve:

"I will put enmity between you and the woman, between your offspring and hers." (Gen. 3:15)

This foreshadowed Christ’s coming (Gal. 4:4). Jesus affirmed God’s love:

"God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life." (Jn. 3:16)

Through Baptism, we die and rise with Christ, sharing in His promise of eternal life.

Conclusion: Strengthened by Faith, Hope, and Love

The three pillars of Lent—fasting, prayer, and almsgiving—lead us toward hope. Through fasting, we detach from worldly distractions and seek inner renewal. Through prayer, we deepen our relationship with God, drawing strength from His love. Through almsgiving, we extend God’s mercy to others, becoming instruments of His hope.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC 1812-1829) teaches that faith, hope, and love sustain the Christian journey. Hope keeps us moving forward despite hardships, trusting in God’s grace.

As St. Paul assures us: "Hope does not disappoint us ." (Rom. 5:5)

By Fr. William Horo