SHOWING THE WAY TO GOD
Fr Peter Hosking SJ, Rector, Saint Ignatius’ College Adelaide, gave this sermon at the Welcome Mass for College staff on 21 January.
Pope Francis has declared 2025 a Jubilee Year—a special time dedicated to forgiveness, reconciliation and renewing our relationship with God, one another and with creation. It is an invitation to embrace hope, strengthen our faith, and draw closer to God. The theme, “Pilgrims of Hope”, calls us to embody the Church’s mission to bring light and hope to the world.
What does hope mean for us? Hope is what keeps us looking forward. It’s built on optimism, confidence and trust, helping us believe in a better future. Optimism lets us see possibilities, confidence gives us the courage to take action, and trust reminds us we’re not alone. Hope also comes from aspiration, desire, and dreams — the things we long for and work toward. Aspiration and desire push us to set goals and strive for more, while dreams spark our imagination, sometimes reaching beyond what seems possible.
At the heart of hope are promise and trust. Promise reassures us of commitment, while trust, built through reliability, strengthens our connections with others. While optimism can make the future seem bright, confidence requires faith in ourselves, and trust grows when we prove dependable. Together, these qualities help us live with purpose, resilience, and the belief that something better is always within reach.
The Christian virtue of hope is the confident expectation of God’s promises, trusting in His faithfulness. It anchors believers, offering strength during trials, knowing that God’s love will prevail. Hope looks beyond present struggles, focusing on the fullness of life with God, and inspires acts of love, compassion, and perseverance.
In schools, hope plays an essential role. It fosters resilience, purpose, and vision, reminding educators and leaders that their work is meaningful, even in the face of challenges. Hope inspires belief in each student’s potential, encouraging not just intellectual growth but also the development of character. It builds trust, strengthens communities and unites us in shared purpose. For Catholic and Jesuit educators, this hope is deeply rooted in faith, aligning our work with God’s greater plan.
What is our context? We live in a rapidly changing world filled with both challenges and opportunities. Generation Z (born 1995–2010) grew up in the internet era, benefiting from instant access to information, global connectivity and new opportunities in remote work and creative industries. However, they also faced challenges such as misinformation, cybersecurity threats, mental health issues linked to excessive screen time, and the digital divide limiting access to education and economic opportunities.
Generation Alpha (born 2010–2025) has been shaped by the widespread use of smartphones. These devices have made communication seamless, improved access to information and services, and enhanced productivity through tools like apps and digital reminders. However, excessive smartphone use has led to issues such as distraction, addiction, privacy concerns and mental health impacts, reducing focus, real-world interactions and digital security.
Generation Beta (born 2025–2040) will grow up in a world increasingly influenced by artificial intelligence (AI) and other emerging technologies. AI promises to boost efficiency, automate tasks, revolutionise healthcare and enhance learning and creativity through personalised tools. At the same time, it raises ethical concerns, risks bias, displaces jobs, demands new skill sets and poses privacy threats through data collection, surveillance and cybersecurity risks.
Each generation navigates both opportunities and challenges as technology continues to reshape the world. In a world often divided by cultural conflicts and polarisation, we are called to be witnesses to truth and love. This involves engaging in respectful dialogue and serving as ambassadors for Christ’s way. It challenges us to listen carefully, reconcile differences and approach tensions with humility and care. By understanding others’ needs, discerning what is right, and working toward practical solutions, we embody our faith in action.
In today’s post-truth era, where emotions and beliefs can overshadow facts, living with integrity and cultivating virtues are more important than ever. A commitment to truth calls us to seek, speak and act with honesty, even when it is difficult. With hope, we trust that truth will bring clarity, joy and healing to our communities.
Discernment helps us evaluate information critically, courage strengthens us to stand for truth, humility keeps us open to new perspectives, empathy allows us to communicate with compassion, and wisdom helps us see the bigger picture.
What is our mission today? Today, we pray for peace in places of conflict like Ukraine, Gaza and Myanmar, among others, and for those affected by natural disasters such as the Vanuatu earthquake and the wildfires in Los Angeles. Many are working tirelessly to help with recovery. Saint Augustine wrote, “If the times are bad, we must be better, so the times are better. For we are the times.” In uncertain times, we are called to respond with love and service, going not where it’s easy but where the need is greatest.
Inspired by Saint Ignatius’ call to “Go, set the world alight,” we recognise that education is about serving others and improving the world. Guided by Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam — “For the greater glory of God” — we see God’s presence in all things and commit ourselves to leadership, service and justice.
As a College community, we have a chance to renew our hope and join the Church’s mission to bring hope to the world. We’re invited to let our kindness, faith and integrity light the way for others. When we focus on goodness, beauty and truth, we reflect these and become a source of hope and inspiration. Let our hearts shine with light so that our actions spread encouragement and joy to those around us.
By supporting and welcoming one another, we open our hearts to the Spirit. Together, we can create a school marked by curiosity, creativity, forgiveness and care. Let’s celebrate the gifts God has given us by encouraging each other’s talents and striving to follow Jesus in all we do. Saint Ignatius calls us, in the great and the small things, to be magnanimous – having a big heart, a broad vision and a desire to do great things for God and others.
As we begin this new school year, let’s approach our work with enthusiasm and open hearts. Every day brings a new opportunity to make a meaningful impact and together we can create a hope-filled environment for growth and learning. May this year be filled with hope, purpose and joy. Together, let us inspire hope, faith, and love as we commit to improving the world for God’s greater glory.
Banner image by johannes.k, Canva
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