For many of us, the start of a New Year is a time of reflection and a call to action. This is especially true now as we face the dire consequences from COVID-19 and climate change. Both of these crises have revealed that all humanity is inextricably connected. They have also shined a light on what is most important in our lives and made us more grateful for the things we’ve always taken for granted. For example, we have greatly missed our gatherings with family and friends, but have found solace and joy from our walks in the outdoors surrounded by nature.
In his new book, “Let Us Dream: The Path to a Better Future,” Pope Francis encourages us to heed God’s call to action when he asks: “How will we deal with the hidden pandemics of this world, the pandemics of hunger and violence and climate change?” He exhorts us to change the way we think so that we come out of this crisis less selfish and more empathetic to the needs of others.
Out of these crises, God is asking us to create something new. Just as in today’s Gospel when Jesus asks those
following Him, “What are you looking for?” (John 1:38), Jesus is inviting all of us to ponder the same question. Pope Francis points out, “This is a moment to dream big, to rethink our priorities – what we value, what we want, what we seek – and to commit to act in our daily life on what we have dreamed of.” Jesus gave us the roadmap to a better future by teaching us to pray, the “Our Father”.