The Eternal Hope: Reflections on the 2025 Spiritual Exercises
Welcome to the 2025 Spiritual Exercises of the Roman Curia, where the theme “The End will be the beginning” sets the tone for a journey of reflection and renewal. The Preacher of the Papal Household, Fr. Roberto Pasolini, OFM Cap, leads us in the first reflection, inviting us to delve into the timeless truth of eternal life.
In a world where the promise of life beyond death has been overshadowed by indifference, Fr. Pasolini reminds us of the profound hope that the resurrection of Christ offers to believers. This hope is not merely a concept but a reality that is central to the faith of the Church. As we navigate through the challenges of this Holy Year of the Jubilee, it becomes even more crucial to rediscover the beauty and significance of eternal life.
Drawing from the rich theological tradition of the Church, Fr. Pasolini guides us through the Christian Revelation as presented in the Catechism of the Catholic Church. Here, death is not seen as an end but as a passage to eternal life in communion with Christ. The journey of spiritual exercises prompts us to reflect on the Particular Judgment, the Final Judgment, and the three possible destinies of humanity: Paradise, Hell, and Purgatory.
While these concepts may evoke fear, the true essence of the Church’s reflection on eternity is to nurture hope. It is a reminder that our destiny is intricately woven with the love we choose to live by. In the midst of our imperfections and struggles, the idea of Purgatory offers a unique opportunity for purification and acceptance of God’s infinite love.
Ultimately, the reflection on eternal life is a call to embrace the present moment with love and communion with Christ. It is a journey towards the fulfillment of our true identity and a deepening of our relationship with God. As we ponder on the mysteries of life and death, we come to realize that the end is not a defeat but a new beginning, where we will behold the face of God and experience the eternal embrace of His love.
Let us embark on this spiritual journey with open hearts and minds, eager to explore the depths of eternity and discover the timeless truth that the end is only the beginning.
