Hope and Forgiveness in the Holy Year (Mary, Mother of God C)

As we gather together to celebrate the Feast of Mary, Mother of God, we find ourselves at the brink of a New Year—a special year, the Jubilee Year 2025. This year, we are called to be Pilgrims of Hope. As we journey together, we are invited to become agents of hope in the midst of so much uncertainty and struggle in our personal lives and in our aspirations as a nation.  Pope Francis’ message for the World Day of Peace 2025, entitled “Forgive us our Trespasses; Grant us your Peace” calls us to find hope in forgiveness and in our commitment to work for justice and peace in the world.   Let us reflect on three key points: embracing the Jubilee spirit, understanding forgiveness as a path to peace, and the Pope's three concrete proposals for building a more just society.

Embracing the Jubilee Spirit for 2025. The Jubilee is a time of liberation and hope, echoing the ancient Jewish practice where every fiftieth year was proclaimed a time of forgiveness and freedom. This year, we are called to embrace this spirit of hope as we aspire for our own restoration and healing as a people. For many Filipinos, the weight of economic challenges, political turmoil, natural calamities owing to climate crisis, and social injustices can be overwhelming. From the struggles against poverty and unemployment to the cries for justice from victims of violence, we badly need our anchor of hope to offer us a sense of stability and security as we struggle in our journey. 

Mary, as the Mother of God, embodies hope and resilience. Her acceptance of God’s plan reminds us that even in our darkest moments, there is a glimmer of hope. Jesus, her Son, is our anchor amidst this turbulent time. This year, let us embrace the Jubilee spirit by acknowledging our own burdens and calling for communal healing. How can we, inspired by Mary, actively contribute to lightening the load of our neighbors? Whether through acts of compassion, solidarity in our communities, or advocacy for systemic change, each of us plays a role in fostering a spirit of renewal and hope.

Forgiveness as a Path to Peace. Forgiveness is crucial to healing the deep divisions in our society. In the Philippines, where we experience on-going cycles of conflict—be it between communities, within families, or against the backdrop of political strife—approaching one another with a spirit of forgiveness can be revolutionary. In his message for the World Day of Peace 2025, “Forgive us our Trespasses; Grant us Your Peace,” Pope Francis emphasizes that forgiveness is not an easy act but is essential for our collective peace.

Consider the wounds inflicted by violence and injustice, such as those faced by families who have lost loved ones to extrajudicial killings, or those who bear the scars of historic injustices and discrimination. Forgiveness does not dismiss the pain but allows for transformation. Mary, Mother of God, brought Jesus to the world whose entire life had shown the power of forgiveness to bring healing and reconciliation. As we enter the New Year, we are invited to ask ourselves: Who do we need to forgive in our hearts? How can we foster peace in our communities? By prioritizing reconciliation over resentment, we contribute to the healing of a fractured society.

Pope Francis’ Three Proposals. Let us also reflect on Pope Francis’ three proposals for building a more just and compassionate world, which resonate deeply within our Philippine context:

Debt Forgiveness: The Pope calls for the cancellation of international debts that threaten the future of many nations, particularly in the global South. In the Philippines, where many families struggle under the weight of poverty and economic instability, advocating for debt forgiveness is a crucial step toward justice and equity. We must work towards policies that alleviate the burden of debt and promote sustainable development.

Respect for Life: Upholding the sanctity of life is paramount. In a society where violence and injustice are prevalent, we are called to be champions of life. This includes advocating for the abolition of the death penalty still in place in some societies and correcting this culture of extra-judicial killings which undermines the hope for rehabilitation and forgiveness. We must strive to create a culture that values every life and offers hope for a better future.

Redirecting Resources for Peace: The Pope urges the international community to redirect funds from war expenditures to initiatives that combat hunger and promote education. In the Philippines, where many children go hungry and lack access to quality education, we must advocate for a shift in priorities that invests in our youth and communities. By supporting programs that promote peace and development, we can help build a brighter future.

As we celebrate this New Year and the Feast of Mary, Mother of God, let us carry these reflections in our hearts. May we embrace the Jubilee spirit filled with hope, commit ourselves to the path of forgiveness, and actively engage with the Pope’s proposals for a more just and peaceful Society. Let us follow the example of Mary, who teaches us to trust in God’s plan and to be vessels of peace in a world that so desperately needs it. Amen.