I believe we have a responsibility to our community because we trust that God is faithful to his promise. Everything around us may fall apart, but God remains faithful.
Teresa Gutiérrez de Donan
Today’s short story of hope from Teresa Donan is a clear call to living hope, not just speaking about it. Teresa reminds us that prayer, trust and waiting are only part of the story. Hope becomes real when people also build the bridge, the path they are called to walk, so words do not stay empty.
Hope must be embodied. Presence matters. Listening matters. Walking alongside those who suffer matters.
The Passionist way, she says, is never only “I will pray for you.” It is also “How can we help?” Hope requires solidarity.
May this witness strengthen everyone who feels afraid and challenge everyone who is called to stand close.
Pope Francis was very clear when he taught that we pray, we trust, we hope, we wait, but we also must build the bridge—the path we are called to walk—to help make hope a reality. Otherwise, our words become empty or superficial.
I believe we have a responsibility to our community because we trust that God is faithful to his promise. Everything around us may fall apart, but God remains faithful. This truth goes beyond my understanding, but I know it deeply, and I place my whole self in it. God is not going to deceive me. He is faithful.
We need to bring this hope to others, especially now. Being Hispanic, being Latina in this country is very dangerous at this moment. We must be present with our community, staying close to those who are suffering so much that they cannot even go outside. Entire families are living in fear in countless ways.
They need to see that we not only care, but that we are there—that we are listening, praying and walking with them. The Passionist way is not to take the easy route by simply saying, “I will pray for you.” Yes, we pray for them, but we also stand beside them. We ask, “What can we do for you?” Because that is what we believe, and that is what hope requires.
