CHRISTMAS MESSAGE
ACCRA ARCHDIOCESAN NINE LESSONS AND CAROLS
HOLY SPIRIT CATHEDRAL, ADABRAKA
20TH DECEMBER, 2024
THEME: PILGRIMS OF HOPE: A YEAR OF DISCIPLESHIP (ROMANS 5:5)
DELIVERED BY MOST REV. JOHN KOBINA LOUIS
AUXILIARY BISHOP OF ACCRA
OUTLINE
- Introduction
- Definition of Terms
- Pilgrims of Hope
- A Year of Discipleship
- Conclusion
1.0 INTRODUCTION
His Holiness, Pope Francis has declared next year (2025) as a Jubilee Year with the theme, “Pilgrims of Hope”. In the Archdiocese of Accra, this theme has been expanded as follows: “Pilgrims of Hope: A Year of Discipleship (cf. Romans 5:5)”. Therefore, a Christmas message based on this theme is an invitation to follow evermore closely Jesus Christ who is both the Divine Pilgrim and our ultimate hope (cf. 1 Tim. 1:1).
2.0 DEFINITION OF TERMS
A “pilgrim” is someone who embarks on a journey to a sacred place, typically seeking spiritual renewal and a more profound encounter with God. In the Catholic tradition, all the faithful are pilgrims. Thus, Pope Francis affirms: “The Church is not a fortress but a pilgrim community that constantly walks toward the Kingdom of God” (Evangelii Gaudium, 24).
2.2. Hope
Hope, according to the Catechism of the Catholic Church, is “the theological virtue by which we desire the kingdom of heaven and eternal life as our happiness, placing our trust in Christ’s promises and relying not on our own strength, but on the help of the grace of the Holy Spirit” (CCC 1817).
2.3. Discipleship
Discipleship is the lifelong commitment to following Jesus Christ and living according to His teachings (cf. Verbum Domini, 83). It is a call to transformation, marked by a deeper relationship with Christ and a witness to the Gospel. Discipleship involves personal holiness and active participation in the mission of the Church.
3.0 PILGRIMS OF HOPE
The expression “Pilgrims of Hope” should remind us that Christian life is a journey of faith which thrives – especially in difficult and uncertain times – on hope in heavenly life. Let us now consider some of the pilgrims of hope in the Christmas story.
3.1 Blessed Virgin Mary and St. Joseph
Whereas the journey to Bethlehem by the Blessed Virgin Mary and St. Joseph was occasioned by the census decree by Caesar Augustus (cf. Luke 2:1-5), it was actually a special pilgrimage for them. This is because, it was a journey with great spiritual significance undertaken with the hope that the child would be born in Bethlehem. Firstly, this was in fulfillment of the prophecy of Micah about where the Christ would be born (cf. Micah 5:2). Secondly, Mary and Joseph had in Bethlehem some awesome spiritual encounters through the birth of the Son of God, the visits by the shepherds and the wise men, dreams, etc.
Like Mary and Joseph, let us be always conscious of Christ within us or in our company on our journey. And may we be hopeful of His greater manifestations in our lives.
3.2 The Shepherds of Bethlehem
As Jews, the shepherds had hope that in the first coming of the Christ, Son of David, to save Israel. However, they did know that the trip that fateful day with their flock would become a pilgrimage and the place which they were probably familiar with would become a holy ground, as the host of angels visited them. Moreover, at the prompting of an angel they would make a further pilgrimage that very night to see the new born King and worship Him as Lord, though they saw a mere infant (cf. Luke 2:15-16).
Like the shepherds, as we go about our normal duties with hope, may we encounter the Lord in ways which uplifts our spirits; and may we humbly worship Him with faith.
3.3 The Wise Men
The wise men were not Jews and so they were not expecting a Messiah to save them. Yet, through diligence in their profession of astrology, they became pilgrims of hope when by God’s grace they saw the unique star of the new born King. That is, they made a journey to Judah hopeful to see the new born King. Wonderfully, God led them to encounter the Saviour whom they humbly worshipped and generously offered precious gifts to. They further encountered God’s saving hand through the message of a dream (cf. Matt. 2:1-12).
As pilgrims of hope, like the wise men, may we encounter God more through diligence in our profession, sacrifice, humility, worship and generosity.
3.4 Simeon
Simeon the old man looked forward with hope to the fulfillment of the promise God had made to him and so he often made pilgrimages to the Temple in Jerusalem. God fulfilled His promise to the amazement and satisfaction of Simeon (cf. Luke 2:29-32). In Simeon, we have a great example of the assurance that they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength (cf. Isaiah 40:31). So, like him, let us be steadfast in the hope we have in God’s promises, most especially, the hope of eternal life.
4.0 A YEAR OF DISCIPLESHIP
The theme of the Archdiocese of Accra draws our attention to the fact that it is only by being disciples of Christ that we can be true “pilgrims of hope”. This section, therefore, begins by considering Christ as the supreme model of pilgrims.
4.1 Christ, the Divine Pilgrim
Christ is the Divine Pilgrim. Firstly, He journeyed to the earth in obedience to His Father. However, not because it was a sacred place but because He wanted to reconsecrate it with His divine presence and precious blood. Secondly, He came to earth not to encounter God, but to bring us God, since He is Emmanuel (God-with-us). Thirdly, by His return to heaven, He teaches us about the ultimate destination of our pilgrimages. We should, therefore, learn from Him the obedience, humility, selfless love, sacrifice, heavenly life, etc. with which He undertook His pilgrimage.
4.2 Living as Disciples of Hope
Discipleship involves embracing the challenges of the Christian life, persevering in faith, and carrying out the mission of Christ. Jesus calls His followers to take up their cross, deny themselves, and walk in His footsteps (Matt. 16:24, Mark 8:34, and Luke 9:23).
Hope is essential for discipleship, as it enables Christians to persevere through trials. Thus, St. Paul assures us: “For in hope we were saved” (Romans 8:24), and “hope does not disappoint us” (Romans 5:5). Discipleship demands a vision that transcends earthly concerns, focusing instead on the Kingdom of God. The faithful are invited to be instruments of hope, bringing the light of Christ to those in darkness. The Church’s mission is not only to proclaim the Gospel but also to serve the world with love and hope, especially to those in need (Gaudium et Spes, 1).
5.0 CONCLUSION
The 2025 Jubilee Year, with its theme “Pilgrims of Hope”, invites Catholics to renew their commitment to faith and hope. It is a time for us to reflect on our pilgrimage towards God, sustained by the hope that does not disappoint. Secondly, the extension of the theme with the phrase, “A Year of Discipleship” by the Archdiocese of Accra, calls us to live out this hope as followers of Christ, bearing witness to the Gospel through love and service to others. By focusing on the virtue of hope and discipleship, the Church calls all pilgrims to journey together, united in faith, with the ultimate goal of reaching the eternal Kingdom of God.
Finally, I wish you all a Merry Christmas and a hope-filled New Year!
Thank you!
