Today, more than ever, we need people who will be witnesses of hope in a world mixed with evil actors and a plethora of ideologies promising to right all the ills of society, usually by oppression and violence. The world cannot be saved by catchy soundbites or social reform. It is only saved by the sacrificial love of the Incarnate Son of God, Jesus Christ.
This weekend, we observe Catechetical Sunday, with a highlight on the role of the Catechist. Pope Francis reminded us that the Catechist is an ancient ministry in the Church. (cf. “Antiquum Ministerium,” 1) Pope Francis described the Catechist, dawning upon the “Directory for Catechesis,” as “a witness to the faith, a teacher and mystagogue, a companion and pedagogue, who teaches for the Church. Only through prayer, study, and direct participation in the life of the community can they grow in this identity and the integrity and responsibility that it entails.” (ibid., 7)
This description fits with the theme for Catechetical Sunday 2025: “Always be ready to give an explanation to anyone who asks you for a reason for your hope.” (1 Peter 3:15) When we think of the Catechist, we tend to think of them as teacher of the faith. Their being teachers of the faith begins with their witness. They believe that Jesus is the Savior of the world and live as a New Creation. (cf. 2 Corinthians 5:17) They live in the midst of the world, enjoying and using the things of the world, not as an end in themselves, but as a way to give glory to God.
Faith engenders hope. Faith leads us to know that we have a future: eternal life. Hope leads us to be steadfast during the difficulties of life, to overcome the obstacles that seem to hinder reaching the goal. Hope reminds us that we are helped by God to reach the goal of eternal life. Hope leads the believer to arrange his or her life in such a way as to reach heaven. Hope leads one to be merciful and meek, generous and caring toward our neighbor. Hope leads to imitating Jesus’ sacrificial love, to be the New Creation.
The ultimate reason for our hope is that we are loved by God! When we live in this hope, we see the goodness of creation and the dignity of every human being. This leads to a sense of fraternity with others, allowing us to love them with the love of God, leading those who do not know Him to faith and the salvation won for us by Jesus.
The role of the Catechist is crucial today. The Catechist is charged with awakening in the youth or adults seeking further understanding of the faith the excitement of being created in the image and likeness of God. The Catechist arouses in the student the excitement of being made a child of God by partaking in the life of the Incarnate Son through the sacraments. The Catechist nurtures in the student a hope that stretches out for eternal life while letting the glory of God shine in all they do.
Sadly, there is much evil in the world. A recent news headline even read, “The world is an evil place.” This is a common reaction to all the violence, war and aggressive speech that seems to be happening so often these days. So much violence takes place that some might even become indifferent to it. This indifference, mixed with a touch of boredom and lack of social contact, only breeds more violence. As such, many are turning to ideologies that promise a peace and justice that is usually only brought about by violence and oppression.
Christian Hope is no ideology; it is rooted in the reality of God. The Catechist is called to be a witness to this hope, inspiring those they teach to share this same hope with all the world.
Father Jason Rocks is Chancellor for the Diocese of Camden and pastor of Holy Eucharist Parish, Cherry Hill.
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