Living Hope (July & August 2023)
Friends!
In a world often plagued by uncertainty and despair, the Church stands as a beacon of hope, radiating a message of divine love and redemption.
What is hope and where do you seek it? Most seek hope through the significance, security and acceptance that possessions, people, or positions of power seem to offer. Are you open to an alternative source of hope?
God, through the Bible repeatedly emphasises the transformative power of hope. The apostle Paul reminds us in Romans 15:13: "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope." Hope is not mere wishful thinking, but a confident expectation rooted in faith and trust in God's promises. Therefore, Christians are called to embody this living hope and share it with the world.
The Church, as the ‘body of Christ’, plays a vital role in nurturing and fostering this hope. Just as Jesus proclaimed in Matthew 5:14, "You are the light of the world," the Church serves as a lighthouse, guiding individuals through the storms of life towards the shore of eternal hope. Through acts of compassion, unity, and love, the Church becomes a living testimony to the transformative power of God's grace.
One of history's great theologians, Saint Augustine, affirmed the significance of hope in his writings. He stated, "Hope has two beautiful daughters; their names are Anger and Courage. Anger at the way things are, and Courage to see that they do not remain as they are." Augustine's words remind us that hope is not passive; it compels us to challenge injustice, alleviate suffering, and bring about positive change. The Church, as a living hope, has the responsibility to engage in acts of justice, compassion, and reconciliation, becoming agents of hope in a broken world.
Another influential thinker, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., understood the power of hope to overcome even the darkest of times. He eloquently proclaimed, "We must accept finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope." Dr. King's message resonates with all people, regardless of their religious affiliation. The Church, in its pursuit of justice and equality, can draw strength from such inspiring examples and lead the way towards a more hopeful and inclusive society.
For those who may not identify as Christians, the Church can still serve as a beacon of hope. In times of crisis and uncertainty, the Church opens its doors to all, offering solace, support, and a sense of belonging. It becomes a community that listens, embraces, and accompanies individuals on their journeys, irrespective of their backgrounds or beliefs. The Church becomes a visible manifestation of God's love, demonstrating that hope transcends religious boundaries and is available to all who seek it.
As we reflect on the source of the living hope, let us remember that hope is not confined to lofty ideals, abstract concepts, people, possessions or power. It is an active force that calls us to transform lives, to heal brokenness, and to ignite the flame of hope in the hearts of those around us. To be a living hope is a calling, for we are the hands and feet of Christ in a world longing for hope. Jesus Christ is the great source of hope.
We are to be a living hope, radiating God's love and transforming lives, as we focus on Jesus (as well as strive for justice, equality, and peace). In the words of the apostle Peter, let us always be ready to "give an account for the hope that is in you" (1 Peter 3:15).
May God's abundant grace and unfailing hope dwell richly within us all.
Every blessing,
Revd Ian