Drawing b Zizi Pascal

I knew well the road we were to take – we take it regularly, every year – and I set off confident, knowing my landmarks, confident that I would make my way on this track I had covered so many times before.

On the way woods alternated with small prairies and wide open fields surrounded by ditches; and all looked very different in these difficult circumstances.

I continued confidently, not recognizing anything since I could see nothing with the wind and the heavy snow. My usual landmarks were invisible, and yet I knew they were there. The small field suddenly appeared to be bigger, the next wood a little bit further along should be a maple grove I thought, but maybe not, and then there are those great coniferous trees, unless… And then this great tree which was on the corner of the field not so long ago, it isn’t there anymore, maybe it has fallen down? I relied on the fact that we knew each other, that road and I, and that over and above the doubt was the certainty that I was on known territory.

The same thing applies to our spiritual and community journey, this path of truth and life that we have chosen. I have landmarks on it but they are bound to change. What was clear, visible, tangible can all of a sudden become fuzzy and confused. Inevitably, there are gaps, things wear out, there are crises, things that were but aren’t any longer, and all that is still to be discovered and that tomorrow will bring. There is also the temptation of doubt: is the right road? What if I am mistaken?

Our world is in constant change, closer to us community life changes too, with its questions, its new challenges and its part of losses and grief. There is also the wonder of births, of new roads and old ones cleared away. There is the wonder of re-births.

One certainty remains: the faithful presence of a God of tenderness, of those relationships that express a loving presence day after day, and the many small gestures of everyday life, in all our communities. To all of us, they remain our reference points. And there is also the homecoming, to the warmth of the fireside, and the ultimate return to the house of our Father.

At the end of this year I wish you all the warmth, light and love you need for a year f Peace and Joy.

Best wishes,

Jean-Christophe Pascal