Hope in uncertain times: Bishop Elbs calls for confidence

Hope in uncertain times: Bishop Elbs calls for confidence

In a moving message for Lent, Bishop Benno Elbs from Feldkirch called on people to view this time as a “time of hope”. In the midst of uncertain times, in which peace is fragile and trust in democratic structures is dwindling, he calls for the light of hope to be rekindled. “Aggression and fear are poisoning our social interactions,” warned Elbs, asking where people can still find meaning and orientation. He emphasizes that Christian hope is the most important anchor in difficult times. Elbs refers to the Benedictine David Steindl-Rast and emphasizes that hope is based on trust in life and in God. “This trusting attitude is also important for the story of our lives,” he continued, encouraging believers to believe in the “promise of the risen Christ,” which promises comfort and healing, even in difficult life situations.

Hope as the key to overcoming crises

At the same time, Bishop Georg Bätzing reminded people on New Year's Eve how important hope is in the face of global conflicts and crises. In his end-of-year service in Frankfurt Cathedral, he stated that hope is the “opposite image of fear and despair”. Believers are called to place their hope in Jesus, trusting that he can save them. However, Bätzing emphasized that hope should not be confused with blind optimism. “Hope is the confidence that my own life is meaningful and moving toward a goal,” he explained.

The chairman of the German Bishops' Conference encouraged people to integrate the attitude of hope into everyday life by consciously looking for and absorbing positive news. In a time that is often characterized by negativity, this could change the view of the good. “It is important to give other people hope in difficult times through small signs and words of comfort,” added Bätzing. Such gestures could make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.

This appeal for hope reflects the challenges and faith that accompany many people today. Both Bishop Elbs and Bishop Bätzing rely on the transformative power of hope in a world full of uncertainty, as do the reports from Kathpress and Church and life show.