Word of Hope for Lent in the Jubilee Year

Sarah Pedrozo offers some simple ways to find hope using Scripture in this season of Lent, during the Year of Jubilee. 

It’s Friday of the fourth week of Lent already! The month of April has just begun, and we are well into the Year of Jubilee. Today is certainly a grace-packed time, liturgically speaking, being both a Friday of Lent and within a Jubilee Year. 

The Responsorial Psalm for the Mass readings today is from Psalm 34, and it is a call to hope, a reminder for us to put our faith in the Lord who loves us so much that He draws near, becoming a man and offering Himself on the cross. Psalm 34 proclaims, “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted.” It is this closeness that gives us hope, that encourages us to be Pilgrims of Hope during this Jubilee year. The psalm proclaims that “those who are crushed in spirit He saves,” and “when the just cry out, the Lord hears them” (Psalm 34:19,18). 

But sometimes it is difficult to walk in hope. Perhaps this season of Lent has been a hard one for you. Maybe it’s tough to find a way forward through afflictions and troubles, and the Year of Jubilee, this time of favor from the Lord, does not feel very jubilant.  

At times like these, it can be helpful to turn to Scripture and ponder its words. Below are several passages from the Bible to write or journal, or even simply say out loud.  

Words of Hope from the Old Testament  

• They that hope in the Lord will renew their strength, they will soar on eagles’ wings; They will run and not grow weary, walk and not grow faint. (Isaiah 40:31) 
  
  
• For I know well the plans I have in mind for you — plans for your welfare and not for woe, so as to give you a future of hope. (Jeremiah 29:11) 
  
  
• And now, Lord, for what do I wait? You are my only hope. (Psalm 39:8)
  
  
•  The LORD, your God, is in your midst, a mighty savior, Who will rejoice over you with gladness, and renew you in his love, Who will sing joyfully because of you. (Zephaniah 3:17)

Words of Hope from the New Testament 

• For in hope we were saved. Now hope that sees for itself is not hope. For who hopes for what one sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait with endurance. (Romans 8:24-25)
  
  
• Hope does not disappoint. (Romans 5:5)
  
  
• May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope. (Romans 15:13)
  
  
• God chose to make known the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; it is Christ in you, the hope for glory. (Colossians 1:27) 
  
  
• He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there shall be no more death or mourning, wailing or pain, [for] the old order has passed away. (Revelation 21:4)

Questions for Reflection and Journaling 

1. Can you name one time something you hoped for happened? What was it? How did you feel? 
2. Did any of the quotes above speak to you personally? Why? 
3. After reading the words of Scripture, do you feel more hopeful? Why or why not? 
4. What is one specific thing you hope for this Jubilee Year? 
5. Memorize one or more of the passages above and repeat it often, especially when you struggle to feel hopeful. You could even post it in places where you’ll see it often, like on the bathroom mirror or the sun visor in your car. 

Another way to find hope is to participate in any Jubilee Year activities that are happening in your diocese or at your parish. If you’d like to learn more about what a Jubilee Year is, Jesus and the Jubilee: The Biblical Roots of the Year of God’s Favor by John Bergsma is a great place to start. Pope Francis reminds us:

Hope dwells as the desire and expectation of good things to come, despite our not knowing what the future may bring ... God’s word ... helps us find reasons for that hope.” (Spes Non Confundit)

May we all be filled with hope this Jubilee Year and in this Lenten season, as we journey with Christ! 

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Copyright 2025 Sarah Pedrozo
Images: Canva

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