While living in the midst of a world seemingly on brink of collapse with poverty and hunger made worse by violence and destruction of the natural world, how is it possible to live with hope?

Try this:

Use your imagination:

In the present moment to envision a different world. A world of inclusive love, respect, awe at the wonders of creation including humans.

Slow down, take time, become still and quiet:

Imagine a world in which Gospel values and the Church’s Catholic Social Teaching govern human discourse.

Then begin to take small steps toward your imaginary world:

Admire a flower, smile at a stranger, say thank you for a small kindness.

Your mood will change.

You will begin to experience that your imaginary world is possible. You will begin to feel hopeful and soon you will be in a position to communicate hope to others.

You will experience what author, poet, actress and activist Arundhati Roy describes:

“Not only is another world possible, she is on her way.

On a quiet day, I can hear her breathing.”

By Sister Rosemary Fry

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