Hope is born of love [Romans 5:10]

In these challenging times, hope rooted in love is essential. In his message for the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation 2024, Pope Francis emphasised that love is the foremost fruit of the Holy Spirit and summarised its other manifestations. This profound love not only inspires us to pursue eternal goodness but also compels us to actively participate in protecting our environment.

Today, we live in a traumatised creation where many people feel powerless in the face of a deteriorating environment. Yet, as the Apostle St. Paul stated, “All creation is groaning in labour pains even until now.” These groans do not signify despair; they represent a call for hope in the future. Hope enables us to remain steadfast under challenging situations and harness the power of love to transform our surroundings.

True freedom comes from obedience to love, where we care not just for humanity but for the entire creation. When we recognize that we are the guardians of creation, we can approach nature with humility and learn to cherish life.

At this critical juncture, we need to unite our efforts to actively protect creation. The power of hope lies in our actions, whether through small acts of kindness or by participating in environmental movements; these are all genuine expressions of love. Through our efforts, we not only improve our living conditions but also plant seeds of hope in the hearts of others.

Thus, “to act in hope and together with creation” is not merely a call but also a practical challenge. Let us hold on to hope in the love of Christ and move forward together to create a bright future for our home and all of creation. Hope stems from love, and this love will guide us toward a better tomorrow.

Lenten Campaign Organising Committee, 2025