The flame of hope
As I write this reflection, it is 8 degrees outside in Maine. I can’t help but remember the people I was with Saturday morning — the homeless in Augusta. Last night many of them slept in tents or doorways as the temperatures plummeted and the wind picked up.
I know many of them by name. I know their stories and that they live in fear every day and every night. Many of them fled their homes as children, judging the uncertainty of the streets to be safer than the certainty of abuse, incest and neglect. On the streets they’ve formed new communities built upon love, mutual care and forgiveness.
At a Catholic Charities event, Angolan and Congolese refugees and asylum seekers shared with me that they fled their homelands because of their opposition to the political powers. They knew they and their families were in danger of being killed. They turned their fear into courage and sought to find a new home where they could hopefully live in peace, love and justice.
Right now, people all over the world live in fear of hunger, bombs, robbery, rape or losing their home or homeland. Even in our land of opportunity, our unhoused neighbors and newly-arrived refugees and asylum seekers face new nightmares as they become victims of negative media campaigns. But the story does not end there.
In the gospel, Joseph is told by the angel to take his family and flee to Egypt, for Herod intended to destroy his child. In the night, Joseph does as he is told. Like other refugee families, the Holy Family left their homeland in fear, but also knowing that God is with them.
Catholic Charities has a story to tell grounded in God’s love. When we share food and build community with our unhoused neighbors or welcome refugees and asylum seekers and help them find housing, employment and community, we become light for one another and help one another to recognize the light in our world today.
Paraphrasing a friend, when I see the commitment of Catholic Charities and Caritas staff all over the world, I’m reminded that as long as there are people willing to stand up for what is right, help others in need, protect those in vulnerable situations and work for the good of all people and the planet, the flame of hope burns as bright as ever.
During this Jubilee Year may we accept Pope Francis’ invitation to be pilgrims of hope by being a flame of hope for one another.
Blessings during the Christmas Season and in the coming year!
Kathy Brown is on the Board of Catholic Charities Maine. Prior to retirement she worked for Catholic Charities USA and Catholic Relief Services, and she served as the coordinator for Caritas North America. She and her husband, Scott, live in Gardiner, Maine.