At the moment, weare experiencing challenges on a global scale. The news of tragic situations affecting our planet conspires to take our breath away and leaves us living under a very dark cloud that blocks our view of a brighter horizon. Hope seems like a fragile commodity, almost a mirage. Itis natural to ask if we can still “hope” for a better future for humanity, or are we doomed to simply resign outselves to the situatation?

In the current circumstances, the thoughts of the German philosopher, Ernst Bloch (1885-1977), may be helpful. He said, “Hope is not a passive illusion but a ‘forward dream’, an active principle that anticipates what is not yet given. It is linked to the idea that the future is not predetermined but is open and flexible.” [1].

This is how each of us “can still hope”, how we can day dream whilst keeping our eyes open. If we look carefully, we may glimpse sight of a new dawn which is gradually awakening. This is already at work in so many different ways: it can be seen in the commitment of a teacher, the honesty of a business man or woman, the integrity of an administrator, the fidelity of a married couple, the embrace of a child, the tenderness of a nurse, the patience of a grandmother, the courage of those who peacefully oppose crime and the welcome offered by a community.

The example of children who have found safety and protection in certain facililities situated in war torn areas speaks even more powerfully of hope. This is evident in the drawings of the young people who have followed the “Save the Children” psychosocial programmes. Their colourful pictures illustrate their hopes of becoming doctors, writers or fashion designers. These safe environments provide a space where they can play, freely express themselves and imagine a future beyond conflict. Their drawings were first shown to the public on World Mental Health Day, 10 October 2025, and testify to the resilience of children in the face of war. [2].

Last but not least, we find hope in millions of people around the world: children, young people, adults and the elderly who, afflicted by serious illnesses, face the challenges that “life” has given them with strength, tenacity and resilience and try to overcome the obstacles they encounter. Such people show incredible courage and their example shows great love for life.

These small, everyday signs remind us that hope is not an illusion, but a real force, the fruit of love that spreads and is capable of transforming society step by step.

Everyone thirsts for hope, both those who are close to us and those who are far away (physically, existentially or culturally). The idea this month invites us not to remain inactive but to take the initiative in bringing hope to those who need it and see no meaning in life. Let us take notice and draw close to them by loving generously and sensitively. There are many who await this and we are called to reach out to them all. As the Congolese poet, Henri Boukoulou, writes, ‘O divine hope! Behold the desperate cry of the wind wherein the first lines of the most beautiful love poem are etched. And tomorrow, there is hope!’ [3].

Photo: © byFreepik.com

[3]Cf. AA.VV. Poeti Africani Anti-Apartheid, I vol., Edizioni dell’Arco, Milano, 2003.

[2]https://www.cittanuova.it/multimedia/i-sogni-dei-bambini-di-gaza-tra-guerra-e-colori

[1]Ernst Bloch (1885-1977), Das Prinzip Hoffnung (1954-1959)-“Il principio speranza” (ed. italiana)

THE IDEA OF THE MONTH is currently produced by the Focolare Movement’s “Centre for Dialogue with People of Non religious Beliefs”. It is an initiative that began in 2014 in Uruguay to share with non-believing friends the values of the Word of Life, i.e. the phrase from Scripture that members of the Movement strive to put into practice in their daily lives. Currently, THE IDEA OF THE MONTH is translated into 12 languages and distributed in more than 25 countries, with adaptations of the text according to different cultural sensitivities. www. dialogue4unity.focolare.org

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