Hope that heals burns bright
January is usually a time for winding down after the holiday rush. People return home from their travels and postponed reunions finally take place. But this year, celebrations were cut short as devastating wildfires swept through Los Angeles as early as Jan. 7. A total of 17 wildfires tore through LA and San Diego, leaving 29 people dead, displacing 200,000 individuals, and destroying 18,000 homes and structures by the end of the month.
Among the most catastrophic were the fires in Pacific Palisades and Altadena, now ranked as the third and second most destructive in California’s history, respectively. Entire communities were reduced to ashes, leaving many with nothing but the clothes on their backs. Yet, amid such devastation, hope continues to burn bright.
Actor Gerard Butler, who lost his home in the 2018 Woolsey Fire, once said: “In the face of disaster, all you can do is take stock of what matters. It’s not the house, it’s not the things, but the people, the love, the memories that survive.”
Similarly, Miley Cyrus, who also lost her home in the same wildfire, expressed, “I am one of the lucky ones. My animals and love of my life made it out safely, and that’s all that matters right now.”
Their words remind us that hope is not about ignoring suffering but choosing to see the light beyond the ruins.
Actress Emily Osment released this comment on Instagram as she confirmed that his parents and brother, actor Haley Joel Osment, lost their homes in the recent LA fires, “It’s been an extremely difficult month. Devastated for my mother, my father, and my brother who lost their homes in the Altadena fire. Community is everything and I know I’m heavily leaning on mine right now—and that’s okay! So much love for my beautiful, aching city. We will rebuild. We are so strong, even stronger than we could ever imagine.”
Nicole Lipin, former CNBC anchor and Money Rehab host, posted on Instagram after her Palisades home was gutted by the fire. “I have a lot of processing and a lot of everything to do right now, but all I can say is first thank you for your love and support and kindness, I am endlessly and eternally thankful, it’s made all the difference in what is otherwise pure horror. The only priceless things in my life—my daughter, my family, our health—we have, and for that I am truly blessed.”
Paris Hilton lost her beachfront home in Malibu which she watched burn to the ground in the news since their whole family was away at that time. She posted on her social media “While the loss is overwhelming, I’m holding onto gratitude that my family and pets are safe. … Sending so much love and strength to all of you. We’re in this together, LA. Hug your loved ones a little tighter tonight. You never know when everything could change.”
Movie star Mel Gibson lost his home in the fire. He said in an interview, “Obviously, it’s kind of devastating. … (But) these are only things. The good news is that those in my family and those I love are all well, … that’s all I care about.”
This message of hope burned bright as Pope Francis inaugurated the Jubilee Year by opening the Holy Door of St. Peter’s Basilica on Christmas Eve. Over the following weeks, he opened the Holy Doors of Rome’s major basilicas, including St. John Lateran, St. Mary Major, and St. Paul’s Outside the Walls. In the Philippines, 500 Holy Doors—Porta Sancta—have been opened to invite the faithful to embark on a pilgrimage of hope.
In the wake of wars, calamities, pandemics, and personal tragedies, the Pope called on the world to embrace hope. He emphasized that “every effort should be made to enable the People of God to participate fully in the proclamation of hope in God’s grace and in the signs that attest to their efficacy.” This call reminds us that, like the survivors of the wildfires, we, too, can find strength in faith and resilience.
Hope is more than a fleeting emotion—it is a force that fuels our well-being. Proverbs reminds us, “Hope deferred makes the heart sick” (Proverbs 13:12). But could hope also make the heart healthier? Renowned pastor Joel Osteen believes so: “Hope is happy anticipation of something good. When you believe the best is ahead, it brings joy, passion, and purpose to life. But when you stop hoping, you stop living.”
Scientific research backs this up. A study by Harvard’s T.H. Chan School of Public Health found that optimism is linked to lower risks of hypertension, reduced inflammation, and even increased longevity. In a study involving US Army active-duty soldiers, those with the highest optimism scores had up to a 22-percent lower risk of developing hypertension. Optimistic individuals were also found to be more likely to maintain healthy habits such as exercising, eating well, and avoiding substance abuse. These findings affirm that hope is not just an emotional state—it has tangible effects on our health.
Life often throws unexpected curveballs, like the LA wildfires, that threaten to dampen our spirits. But as history and science show, those who hold on to hope—whether in faith, community or the belief that better days are ahead—find the strength to rebuild. Just as the Jubilee Year calls us to be “Pilgrims of Hope,” may we walk forward with hearts that heal, ignite resilience, and inspire others to keep their flames of hope burning bright.
