On Saturday, during the feast day of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Archbishop Dražen Kutleša of Zagreb delivered a homily at the National Shrine of the Mother of God Bistrica, emphasizing the spiritual significance of the celebration and reflecting on the state of modern society. The sermon, which drew large crowds of faithful, centered on the message of hope and the enduring value of human life in the face of existential uncertainties. In his address, Kutleša highlighted the paradox of contemporary existence: while modern individuals possess unprecedented knowledge and technological capabilities, many remain uncertain about their purpose and the meaning of their lives. He pointed out that although technology has connected people more than ever before, many experience profound loneliness. In this context, he argued that the Assumption of Mary offers a divine answer to humanity’s deepest question, whether there exists a life that death cannot destroy. According to Kutleša, the ascension of Mary into heaven affirms that humans are created for eternity, not for oblivion. Their journey does not end with death but continues before the face of God who loves them. He further explained that the feast of the Assumption is not merely a celebration of Mary but also a reflection on the identity of each individual. Drawing from the Book of Revelation, which describes a woman clothed with the sun and crowned with twelve stars, Kutleša interpreted this figure as both Mary and the Church itself, the embodiment of the believer's innermost self and completion. He urged listeners to return to the fundamental biblical truth that God created humans in His image, not as mere data points or algorithms, but as persons with dignity and purpose. This, he emphasized, is the foundation upon which Christian faith rests. Kutleša also addressed the spiritual condition of Europe, noting its wealth, organization, and intellectual achievements. However, he warned that the continent faces a deep crisis of hope. He described the loss of sight toward heaven as a growing problem, one that weakens trust in life, family, future, and mutual responsibility. He stressed that when people lose their connection to the divine, they begin to lose their connection to the earth itself. Without hope, societies risk becoming prisoners of fear and isolation. He made a clear distinction between optimism and hope. While optimism relies on favorable conditions such as growth, security, and positive forecasts, Christian hope is rooted in the reliability of God, even in darkness. Hope does not negate suffering, it acknowledges that the cross is not the final word because Christ has risen. Kutleša concluded that without hope, communities can easily fall into despair and disconnection. The archbishop also spoke of the phenomenon of “spiritual homeless,” a term he used to describe individuals who, despite material comfort and social connections, suffer from a lack of deeper meaning and belonging. These people, he suggested, have access to information but lack wisdom, and though they live in abundance, their hearts feel empty. He called these individuals “spiritual beggars” and argued that they seek not theories or ideologies, but a home, a sense of belonging found in the presence of Mary. Kutleša noted that millions of people around the world visit Marian shrines, including those in Lourdes, Fátima, Loreto, and Bistrica, seeking not just religious experiences but a place of refuge. He observed that our age has produced a new kind of poverty, one not measured in material deprivation but in the loss of spiritual roots and cultural identity. He urged believers to recognize that true fulfillment comes not from personal success alone, but from living with purpose, love, and fidelity, ultimately dying with hope. His message resonated deeply with the gathered crowd, many of whom had traveled long distances to participate in the solemn celebration. As the Mass concluded, the faithful left with renewed awareness of the importance of faith, community, and the eternal promise of salvation through Christ. The feast of the Assumption, Kutleša reminded them, was not just a historical event but a continuing call to rediscover the sacred dimensions of human existence.
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