A FUTURE FULL OF HOPE
“The very first dream of all, is the creative dream of God our Father, which precedes and accompanies the lives of all his children. The memory of this blessing, that extends from generation to generation, is a precious legacy, that we should keep alive, so that we too, can pass it on.”
(Pope Francis, Apostolic Exhortation to Young People, Christus Vivit, #194)
CALL TO PRAYER
It can be tempting to spend a lot of time thinking about the future – and dreaming about the future can be a form of escaping from the present. But, for Pope Francis, Christians have a duty to look toward the future, and to think about what type of future Jesus wants us to build, for ourselves, our communities, and our world. We are part of God’s creative dream for his world, and we have a role to play in shaping that future in keeping with Gospel values. Our actions today, taken in faith, will help to ensure a hope-filled future for future generations.
OPENING PRAYER
Wise and generous God, we look toward the future with hope, because we know that you, the timeless one, are already there waiting for us, inviting us to embrace your dreams for us. As we look eagerly toward the future you are preparing for us, help us to lay the foundations of that future here and now, with love, courage, and vision, using your gifts to faithfully build up the Kingdom of Jesus. We pray in his name, Jesus Christ our Lord.Amen.
SCRIPTURE: Proverbs 16:1, 3, 4a
A reading from the book of Proverbs.
The plans of the mind belong to mortals, but the answer of the tongue is from the Lord. Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established. The Lord has made everything for its purpose…
The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
CLOSING PRAYER
God, source of all that is, the past, the present, and the future are all held in your loving hands. Help us to be people of Christian hope as we move forward, builders of a world of justice, peace and compassion, according to Jesus’ teachings. In moments of fear, give us courage and confidence. In times of worry and uncertainty, remind us of your constant, unshakeable presence. Bless our future, Lord, and bless us who are the citizens of that future, for we pray in the name of the Risen One, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
“In an age which seems more fearful of the future, we are directed to give an account of the hope that is within us.”
This Moment of Promise, 1989