Signs of hope at the end of
this century
H. H.
John Paul II
General Audience
November 18, 1998
1. A deeper
understanding of the Holy Spirit’s action in the Church and in the
world encourages us to pay attention to the “signs of hope present
in the last part of this century, even though they often remain
hidden from our eyes” (Tertio millennio adveniente, n. 46). It is
true, in fact, that our century is marked by very serious crimes
against humanity and is darkened by ideologies that have encouraged
neither the liberating encounter with the truth of Jesus Christ nor
integral human development. But it is also true that God’s Spirit,
who “fills the world” (Wis 1:7; cf. Gaudium et spes, n. 11), has not
ceased to scatter abundant seeds of truth, love and life in the
hearts of the men and women of our time. These seeds have produced
fruits of progress, humanization and civilization, which are
authentic signs of hope for humanity on its journey.
2. In the Apostolic Letter Tertio millennio adveniente, among these
signs I first mentioned “scientific, technological and especially
medical progress in the service of human life” (n. 46). Without
doubt, human life in our world, at the social and personal level,
has known and continues to experience remarkable improvement, thanks
to extraordinary scientific developments.
Technological progress, when it respects authentic and integral
human advancement, must also be accepted with gratitude, even if —
as is obvious — science and technology are not enough to satisfy
man’s deepest longings. Among today’s technological developments
showing particular promise for humanity’s future, I would like to
mention those that have occurred in the medical field. In fact, when
they improve man's overall life by lawful means, they eloquently
reflect the creative and saving plan of God, who wanted man in
Christ to have the fullness of life. Nor can we forget the enormous
progress in the area of communications. If the mass media are
handled in such a way that they are under full democratic control
and are used to convey authentic values, humanity will be able to
enjoy many benefits and will feel it is one great family.
3. Another sign of hope is represented by a “greater awareness of
our responsibility for the environment” (ibid.). Today, in part as a
reaction to the indiscriminate exploitation of natural resources
that has often accompanied industrial development, human beings are
rediscovering the meaning and value of the environment as a
hospitable dwelling (oîkos), where they are called to live their
life. The threats that hang over humanity’s future, because of the
lack of respect for the balance of the ecosystem, are spurring men
of culture and science, as well as the competent authorities, to
study and implement various measures and projects. They aim not only
at repairing the damage caused thus far, but especially at mapping
out a social development that is in harmony with respect for and
appreciation of the natural environment.
This keen sense of responsibility for the environment must also
encourage Christians to rediscover the deep meaning of the creative
plan revealed by the Bible. God wanted to entrust man and woman with
the task of filling the earth and having dominion over it in his
name, as his representative (cf. Gn 1:28), extending and in a
certain way bringing to completion his own creative work.
4. Among the signs of hope in our time, we must also recall the
“efforts to restore peace and justice wherever they have been
violated, a desire for reconciliation and solidarity among different
peoples, particularly the complex relationship between the North and
the South of the world” (Tertio millennio adveniente, n. 46). In the
century now drawing to a close, we have witnessed the terrible
tragedy of two world wars and today there are further wars and
tensions resulting in great suffering for peoples and nations
thoughout the world. Never as in this century have such enormous
masses of people experienced and continued to experience conditions
of life unworthy of man — due in part to pernicious mechanisms of
exploitation.
For this reason too, the human conscience, urged by the mysterious
action of the Spirit, has grown in its resolve to make peace and
justice indispensable priorities. Today conscience sees the
persistance of unjust conditions, underdevelopment and the violation
of human rights as an intolerable crime. Moreover, war is rightly
rejected as a way to resolve conflicts. There is a growing
understanding that only the paths of dialogue and reconciliation can
heal the wounds caused by history in the life of nations. They alone
can lead to a positive resolution of the problems which still arise
in international relations.
The contemporary world is definitely being structured into a system
of interdependence at the economic, cultural and political levels.
It is no longer possible to reason solely on the basis of the
interests, however legitimate, of individual peoples and nations: a
truly universal awareness must be achieved.
5. For this reason my venerable Predecessor Pope Paul VI wanted
prophetically to focus humanity's sights on the goal of a
“civilization of love”, in which it would be possible to achieve the
ideal of one human family, while respecting the identity of each of
its members and with a mutual exchange of gifts.
On the way towards this “civilization of love”, believers, docile to
the action of the Holy Spirit, are called to make their
irreplaceable contribution, radiating in history the light of
Christ, the Word of God made flesh. As the Council recalls, he
“reveals to us that ?God is love’ (1 Jn 4:8), and at the same time
teaches that the fundamental law of human perfection, and
consequently of the transformation of the world, is the new
commandment of love. He assures those who trust in the charity of
God that the way of love is open to all men and that the effort to
establish a universal brotherhood will not be in vain” (Gaudium et
spes, n. 38).
* * *
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
As we approach the Great Jubilee of the Year 2000, “there is need
for a better appreciation and understanding of the signs of hope
present in the last part of this century” (Tertio Millennio
Adveniente, 46). Such signs include developments in science,
technology and medicine, so long as they respect the ethical demands
of human life and dignity. Another reason for hope is the increasing
sense of responsibility for the environment, which is an invitation
to Christians to rediscover the deeper meaning of God’s plan in
creation. We can also perceive the Holy Spirit’s work in efforts to
safeguard peace and justice, and to overcome conditions of
underdevelopment and the violation of human rights.
In a world marked by growing economic, cultural and political
interdependence, the challenge is to bring about a new sense of
solidarity, that will make everyone more aware of the needs and
interests of others. Christians have a particular responsibility to
build such a civilization of love, and in this task they must follow
the guidance of the Holy Spirit, who teaches us that the fundamental
law of human perfection is none other than Christ’s new commandment
of love.
To the English-speaking pilgrims and visitors, the Holy Father said:
I extend a special greeting to the NATO Defense College. At a time
when tension and conflict continue to threaten certain parts of the
world, I encourage you always to see your professional commitment in
terms of the preservation and promotion of peace. Upon all the
English-speaking pilgrims and visitors, especially those from
England, Finland, Sweden and the United States, I invoke the joy and
peace of the Lord Jesus Christ.
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