By developing and nurturing a trusting relationship with the Lord, through prayer, reaching out to caring, trusted role models, and participating in the Eucharist, young people can find hope that they can use to bring about much-needed, positive changes, big and small, in the world around them. 

Given the difficult, often confusing and anxious times we are living in, young people often feel tired, alienated and deeply unsure of how to develop and sustain hope in their lives. However, by nurturing the gift of the Holy Spirit, they will find ways to live productively. According to Pope Francis, it is certainly reasonable for young people to be tired and overwhelmed by life’s responsibilities and pressures as well as by the inundation of contradictory advice and information that permeates their lives. Last September, for World Youth Day, he stated that “hope is precisely a new kind of strength that God instills in us, enabling us to persevere in the race, to see beyond present difficulties and to press forward to the goal of communion with him and the fullness of eternal life.” In other words, by having faith in the Lord’s support, young people’s spirits will be lifted; by doing so, they can set an excellent example for all of us of maintaining hope, even in turbulent times. Strengthened by their faith, they can live their lives more positively, making themselves happier and enriching the lives of those around them and those suffering in some way. Hope will come to them when they rely on the Lord to provide them with strength, which will come slowly through consistent, honest prayer and listening to Him. 

Pope Francis has spoken often of the urgent and great need for hope, especially to young people. During his Angelus at the beginning of January, he spoke to young people directly, encouraging them to think about how they might help others, and put those thoughts into action. Pope Francis also acknowledges how difficult it can be for young people to sustain hope. First they must get help and support themselves as they struggle with their own cares and fears; they must try to hold onto hope to avoid sinking into despair. Although it is difficult to live out hope, young people must try to hold on to it and move forward. 

In order for young people to live hopefully, they must trust in the Lord. I taught at a school named after St. Thomas Aquinas. The school day began with his words, on the wall in every classroom: Grant me, O Lord my God, a mind to know you, a heart to seek you, wisdom to find you, conduct pleasing to you, faithful perseverance in waiting for you, and a hope of finally embracing you. Amen. By placing their hope and trust in Jesus, they can be missionaries, carrying forth a message of hope and an invitation for all to turn to Jesus. They can be an example to others through their idealism, enthusiasm and approach to life. Hope will help them use their energy to share their faith with others, including those who are less fortunate than they are. They must have the courage to use their hope to bring about change in the world around them.

By Maria Fornasier