Servants of Hope

In June, I was invited to speak at the National Convention of Saint Vincent de Paul, where Vincentians from across Canada gathered in Calgary as servants of hope for the poor. The theme, Spes Servi (servants of hope), was explored in light of the Synod Synthesis Report No. 4, Pope Francis' Evangelium Gaudium (EG), and the upcoming Jubilee of Hope. I’m taking this opportunity to share my talk with you, as the call to be Spes Servi extends to everyone. 

Synodal Experience of the Church

The basic thrust or goal of the Synod in its various stages has been expressed as the desire of the Church to be closer to the lives of her people, to become less bureaucratic, and more relational. It is to be seen as an expression of the dynamic and living tradition of the Church that is called to meet the evolving pastoral needs of the world through the witness and teaching of Christ.

The Synod, however, has also raised among the faithful the legitimate fear that Church teaching will be changed. It is important to note that the Synod experience is one that is inviting us to reflect on the mode or way of being Church that seeks to integrate the aspects of communion, mission, and participation into the very life of the local Church for the sake of evangelization. In its essence, it is about walking together in communion with Christ toward the Kingdom of God with all of humanity.

The practice of synodality is not necessarily new. It involves spiritual and pastoral practices of reciprocal listening, open and honest dialogue, communal discernment, prayer, conversation in the Spirit, co-responsibility and participation that guides the Church in taking decisions. The challenge is to expand participation in the synodal way of being Church, and overcome the obstacles to participation that have emerged. This increased participation is essential for the Church's mission, especially for those in poverty, whom we are called to walk with in hope.

...it is about walking together in communion with Christ toward the Kingdom of God with all of humanity.

Photo credit: Diocese of Calgary

People in Poverty - Protagonists of the Church’s Journey
​
The preferential option for the poor is implicit in a Christological faith i.e., in being a follower of Christ. Jesus was poor and humble, he befriended the poor, all people in poverty, he shared his table with them and always spoke against the social and communal causes of poverty.

Today, the many faces of poverty are seen in the following people, our brothers and sisters: migrants and refugees, Indigenous peoples, those who suffer violence, those facing addictions and mental health conditions, human trafficking victims, exploited workers, the underemployed or working poor, and the “new face” of those displaced because of war.

Alongside those facing material poverty, there is also the reality of “spiritual poverty,” which is the lack of meaning or purpose, or of not being able to make sense out of one’s life, in being filled with despair or a lack of hope for the future.

Those who are in poverty, either material or spiritual, ask the Church, those who are Christian, for love. A love that is demonstrated in practical human virtues of respect, acceptance and recognition. The poor must be enabled to determine their own means of development and growth through the support they receive. They must not become the object of the welfare action of others. Furthermore, Pope Francis stated that “the worst discrimination which the poor suffer is the lack of spiritual care” (EG #200). Therefore, the preferential option for the poor must always include religious care, expressed through solidarity with the poor.

Evangelium Gaudium (EG) - Solidarity with the Poor

Being in solidarity with the poor involves more than providing food, money, and support. It is both personal and communal in its witness. Solidarity means the following:
​

1. Standing with the Poor – to be present, and to be with those in need in the circumstances.
2. Addressing the Causes of Poverty – to listen to the voice of the poor, to their concerns, to understand the social structures and practices that exclude, stigmatize, and marginalize them in their vulnerability.
3. Drawing upon the Church’s Social Justice Tradition – it is important to analyze and critique the economic and social injustices that cause poverty in order to engage and respond in social advocacy from a Christian viewpoint that is informed by the Scripture and the Church’s teaching.
4. An Active Commitment of Participation – that is open to collaboration with other groups or agencies in building up the common good of society and of defending and promoting the dignity of human life in all existential circumstances.
5. Creating a new Mindset – it is not sporadic acts of generosity that is individual in focus but it presumes the creation of a new mindset which thinks in terms of community and of the priority of all human life over the appropriation of material goods by a few (EG no. 188).
6. Transformation of Structures – the mindset, the convictions and habits of solidarity when put into practice have the possibility of transforming structures. The structures that can provide affordable housing, access to education and healthcare, and the opportunities for employment which directly impact those in poverty.

 In listening to the poor and the marginalized, we ourselves become evangelized. In being with and in solidarity with the poor we as a Church can go forward to evangelize with greater credibility."

In Section III of the Synod Synthesis Report, it talks about how the Church can build community by weaving bonds of relationships through listening and accompanying others. To listen and accompany others reflects the Christological nature of the Church.

​In listening to the poor and the marginalized, we ourselves become evangelized. In being with and in solidarity with the poor, we as a Church can go forward to evangelize with greater credibility. It reflects the desire of Pope Francis, “I want a Church that is poor and one that is with the poor”.

This means being open to the discernment of the Spirit, to see formation in the ministry of listening and accompaniment with the poor as being open to be evangelized and in discovering how to live out the Church’s mission. It emphasizes viewing the work in the context of the community, parish, and diocese. This mindset must challenge us, in being not just a service to the poor or becoming too “task oriented,” but rather in becoming a community that serves in hope those who struggle with the various forms of poverty. ​​

Photo credit: Vatican News

Jubilee Year of Hope

In the upcoming year of 2025, Pope Francis has declared a Jubilee Year of Hope. Romans 5:5 reminds us that “Hope does not disappoint.” This year provides an opportunity for all to renew their spirituality and witness of serving in hope.

The Apostolic Bull inaugurating this Year states that the Holy Spirit illuminates all believers with the flame of charity or service. It emphasizes the virtue of patience, that is linked to hope. Patience that is reflected in perseverance when faced with obstacles and a confidence that trusts in God while at the same time not seeking to see the immediate results of one’s actions. The virtue of patience is essential if you are to be credible servants of hope.

Please welcome the Jubilee Year of Hope as a time of renewal, where encounters with the many faces of the poor become opportunities to be renewed as servants of hope.

​During the last Extraordinary Year of Mercy, Pope Francis commissioned “Missionaries of Mercy” for the sacrament of reconciliation and is asking each bishop and local church to revive this ministry. He is asking each bishop and local church to take advantage of this ministry again. I might suggest that as bishops we also commission a new ministry, “Missionaries of Hope,”  in which we all could participate and, in fact, become leaders.  This ministry would go into prisons, hospitals, and our communities where people’s dignity is impacted by poverty.

The Jubilee Year of Hope offers an opportunity to revitalize and renew spiritual formation. Without this spiritual foundation, we cannot give what we do not have to the poor. Through the lens of the Jubilee Year, you can also work to increase the profile of your ministry of hope, by exploring synodal structures that might renew the communion, participation, and mission within parishes and our diocese.
​​
Let the words of Scripture always be a source of inspiration in your being with the poor. As Jesus said to his disciples, “I no longer call you servants but friends”. May your friendship with the poor be your source of friendship with Christ.

​Written by Most Rev.  William T. McGrattan, Bishop of Calgary
​