A sign of Hope in the Book Corner

Last Sunday, we met for a special book corner gathering bout “The Pilgrims of Hope” by Father Miled Abboud. Thank you to everyone who joined us, specially to Father Miled for his trust and for being with us!

يوم الأحد الماضي، اجتمعنا في ركن الكتاب لمناقشة كتاب حجاج الرجاء للأب ميلاد عبود. شكرا جزيلا لكل من انضم إلينا في هذا اللقاء المميز, وشكر خاص للأب ميلاد على ثقته بنا وعلى تواجده معنا!

The meeting began with an introduction by Marina, who provided some context about both the author and the book. “Today, our meeting is very special one, since both the book and its author are with us!”

Following Marina's introduction, Sumar gave a brief summary of the book, highlighting its central theme: hope. She shared how the author frequently discusses how to practically live hope in our daily lives, making the concept both relevant and actionable.

After that, Father Miled Abboud began by explaining the meaning behind the cover of the book, which features an image of an anchor used to stabilize boats in the middle of the ocean. This, Father Miled explained, symbolizes hope. Just as this device keeps boats steady in turbulent waters, hope serves as our anchor in life's challenges. He further clarified that our ultimate hope is in one thing, one person: Jesus Christ. In our human nature, we have an inherent longing for heaven; it is a part of our being to seek something greater, something beyond this world. This hope, represented by the anchor thrown for us in heaven, is the hope that sustains us and drives us forward. It reminds us that, despite the challenges we face in life, our ultimate destination and purpose lie in heaven.

The author then made a distinction between the "sons of religion" and the "sons of the church." He described the sons of religion as individuals driven by fear and a desire for control, while the sons of the church are those who are driven by hope in Christ. “Hope, not fear, should be the driving force of our daily life.”

Then he explained that hop, just like faith and love, is a divine grace and is an essential component of the Church’s progress. A Church that lives with hope cannot be misogynistic, cannot harbor hatred, nor can it discriminate based on nationality or other divisions. Such a Church, Father Miled pointed out, must be open and relevant to the youth, and it should always move forward with a message of love and inclusivity.

In conclusion, Father Miled Abboud encouraged us to share The Pilgrims of Hope with others, especially in this significant year—the Jubilee Year, or as Pope Francis has called it, the "Jubilee of Hope." Hope is not just a personal experience, but something to be shared, especially in a time when the world needs it the most.