Pilgrims of Hope: Prayer Is the Way
Linda Mastro
Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. ~ Romans 12:12
In this Jubilee year, Pope Francis calls us to be Pilgrims of Hope. How do we embrace hope when the world feels dark and the way forward is unclear? Adopting the attitude of a pilgrim may help us cross the divide.
Pilgrims step up to challenges that appear along the way because they are:
- up for adventure in good company;
- looking for the biggest context they can find or imagine in which to live their lives;
- willing to ask for visible and invisible help;
- open to how the nature of the path and the destination changes as the journey unfolds;
- courageous and humble enough to welcome friends and strangers they meet along the way.
The optimism of St. Paul’s instruction in the scripture verse above may seem hard to grasp amid life’s daily struggles. Yet it reminds us that prayer is the compass that pilgrims rely on when they are buoyed by hope and when they are sunk low by despair. Praying for ourselves, for our loved ones, and for the world at large is an antidote when any other action seems futile.
Jesus showed us that prayer is essential when we face demands for our time and attention. He often went off alone to pray to restore his body, mind, and spirit. During Lent, prayer becomes a priority along with fasting and almsgiving. On Palm Sunday weekend we stand at the crossroads, longing to rejoice yet knowing what lies ahead during our Holy Week observances. As Lent draws to a close, we stand in the liminal space between suffering and salvation. If you are not sure how to make the transition, ask, “What would Jesus do?” Then heed the counsel of St. Paul. Turn to prayerful conversation with God, as Jesus did throughout his ministry and every step of his Passion.
For more information about living life as a Pilgrim of Hope, visit www.livingpilgrimage.com.
Linda Mastro is a graduate of the Bon Secours Spiritual Direction Institute, where she now serves as a faculty member. In addition to being an Associate of Bon Secours, Linda is a spiritual companion for individuals and groups and brings a spirit of compassion and light-heartedness to her work as a retreat facilitator, pilgrimage leader, and workshop guide. She will facilitate Pilgrims of Hope: Walking into Holy Week at Bon Secours on April 12 from 9:30am-4pm.