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Hope through community: Bätzing inspires with biblical messages
On September 15, 2025, Bätzing will speak in Limburg an der Lahn about hope, faith and social commitment in times of crisis.
Hope through community: Bätzing inspires with biblical messages
In a time marked by challenges, the topic of hope takes on particular importance. The Limburg Bishop Georg Bätzing addressed this in his most recent address. He described Jesus as a “pilgrim of hope” who was faced with the uncertain outcome of his journey to the cross. Despite this uncertainty, Jesus remained true to his convictions and demonstrated how trust in God can give rise to inner strength that makes it possible to resist violence, oppression and greed. These perspectives were derived from the biblical stories, particularly from the Exodus, in which God creates freedom, and the prophet Isaiah's picture of hope, in which the wolf and the lamb live peacefully together.
Bätzing emphasized that hope is understood as a divine virtue. She thrives in songs, stories and communities and has the ability to break through destructive systems and give confidence. He quoted Václav Havel, who stated: “Hope is not the conviction that everything will turn out well, but the certainty that it has meaning.” Such a perspective helps to make life more bearable for many and supports people in their spirituality.
A life for the community
Another inspiring example of living hope is the Frenchwoman Madeleine Delbrêl. Born in 1904 and raised in a family with a strict atheist background, she experienced a radical conversion to Christianity at the age of 15 after meeting a group of believers. Instead of choosing a life in a monastery, she decided to move to a suburb of Paris in 1933 to serve the community, especially the needy and unbelieving people.
Madeleine Delbrêl founded a group of women dedicated to serving the community. Within 30 years their group grew from three to fifteen members. They coordinated various public health and social assistance programs, including soup kitchens and emergency relief during World War II. With great commitment, she built close relationships with the local community and offered people support and companionship.
The message of hope
Delbrêl's life underlines the importance of living the Gospel openly and making it visible in everyday life. Her unexpected death in 1964 left a strong legacy; her funeral was attended by many mourners, including members of the local Communist government, who paid tribute to her achievements. These life stories and the messages they convey show that hope is not just a feeling but an attitude that is anchored in the heart and in actions.
Hope and community are the cornerstones that are evident both in the message of Bishop Bätzing and in the life of Madeleine Delbrêl. They encourage us to face life with an open heart and strong faith, even in difficult times.