From Seasons of the Spirit, these words (paraphrased) to ponder – Hope and imagination are closely related. The readings for this week, especially from Isaiah, invite the exercise of imagination to perceive the possibility of God’s shalom (deep peace and wholeness of life) both in our inner and outer lives. The toddler plays over the snake and models the biblical paradigm of power, where vulnerability trumps violence.
Shalom is a Hebrew word for healthy wholeness of life that God desires for all creation.
Imagine the hopes of your faith and wider community five, or ten, or more years ago. In what ways have those promises found realization or delay? In what ways have they been set aside? Ask the same questions of yourself. What has made it possible for you and others to dare to hope? What role has God’s promises played in those choices to hope, or not?
For myself it has been a week of mixed blessings. The welcome home from retreat, and support received on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of my ordination to the diaconate (and 19th to the priesthood) were incredibly affirming, and I thank you.
On the other hand our son, has been called home from the Philippines due to his wife’s ongoing ill health. We are deeply concerned for this young family of four.
On occasions it would be all too easy to drown in the concerns of the moment… and to forget God’s longer view – and the promised wonder that is to come. In fact the moments of darkness can obscure the light if we lose sight of hope.
I pray that you might not lose sight of Hope and recognize God’s Peace even in the midst of whatever turmoil you might find yourself in because – The light of Christ has come into the world!
Many Blessings
Reverend Shan