Jan Paweł II – świadek nadziei

Abstract

From the beginning of his pontificate John Paul II preaches the message of Christian hope, and at the same time he testifies to it with his own life. This hope is a significant dimension of the Christian life, that is a pilgrimage to “the Father’s home” However, its special topicality today results from the contemporary situation – when so many people have lost even the human hope and meaning of life. Against the background of contemporary anxieties, hopelessness, as well as of delusive hopes, the article shows a testimony of hope in the Pope’s teaching and life. It stems from the faith in the crucified and resurrected Christ and it bears an ecclesiastical mark: it is the hope of the whole Church. With reference to St Peter’s appeal to “give an account for the hope” which exists in a believing man (cf. 1 Pet 3, 15), the author shows a few significant features of this testimony of hope that John Paul II realizes during the twenty-five years of his service in the Holy See. He refers this testimony to suffering and disease, he finds it in the attitude of fortitude and the ability to be “a sign of opposition”, as well as in the attitude of faithfulness that is based on the belief in God’s mercy and is expressed in prayer. Entrusting everything to Mary is a special sign of the Pope’s message and testimony. This universal message of hope that is designed for the whole world, should be also understood from the point of view of the Polish nation.