Homily Cardinal Tagle: “Christ is Our Companion and Our Destination”

Homily at the Pilgrimage of Hope 2025, Minor Basilica of St. Anne, Penang

Penang, Malaysia - The Minor Basilica of St. Anne became the heart of Asia's faithful as 800 delegates representing 30 countries gathered for the Pilgrimage of Hope 2025, a celebration of shared mission and future.

The Holy Mass celebrated by Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, whose message of hope and vigilance inspired pilgrims to continue their journey with Christ toward the fulfillment of God's promise.

Cardinal Tagle began by expressing joy at seeing “faces of people who journey with us in Asia,” noting that the pilgrimage was not only for Asia but for the whole world. 

He reminded the assembly that the Church is setting its sights on the year 2033, the 2000th anniversary of the Paschal Mystery, the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ, which marked the beginning of Christian mission.

A Community of Pilgrims in Confusion

Reflecting on the first reading from the Book of Daniel, Cardinal Tagle highlighted the prophet’s role as a trusted interpreter of mysteries for the king. “It is okay to be disturbed, to be alarmed,” he said. “We are on a common journey, forming a community of confused, unknowing people. But if the vision comes from God, let Him shed light. Beware when humans pretend to interpret mysteries that belong to God.”

Christ Who Burns Our Hearts

The Cardinal drew attention to the Gospel, recalling how Jesus makes ‘our hearts burn within us’ by opening the Scriptures and breaking bread, actions that reveal His very life. 

“The Lord spurs us on to mission. He is our future. He is the one pulling our journey to Himself. He is with us, but He is also waiting for us,” Cardinal Tagle proclaimed.

He emphasized that the end of the journey gives meaning to the story: “A life that does not end is not complete. The kingdom awaits those who journey even in confusion. Do we believe in the future that is assured?”

Warnings Against Losing Sight of Christ

Cardinal Tagle cautioned against distractions that dull the heart and obscure the vision of Christ. He named drunkenness, anxiety, material obsession, consumerism, and vanity as forces that drain energy and lead believers away from the Lord. 

“We forget about the Lord who is waiting for us when we are busy being anxious,” he warned, urging the faithful instead to pray at all times, remain in communion, and be present to family, the poor, the hungry, the imprisoned, the homeless, and the stranger.

“Jesus is in them,” he continued. “He is the one who will welcome us into the Father’s kingdom.”

At this point, he added with emphasis: “Jesus urges us to be watchful and prayerful. He is the co-journeyer and also our destination.”

Journeying Towards 2033

Looking ahead to the milestone year 2033, Cardinal Tagle assured the faithful that Christ is already preparing to welcome them. “Our companion Jesus is pulling us to Himself. If only we are alert and pray, then we will journey with Him. He is the host of the beautiful house, ready to open the door.”

He concluded with a powerful invitation: “If someone asks where you are going, say: I am going to God the Father. And if they look shocked, ask them: Do you want to come with me? For Jesus is our co-journeyer and also our destination.”