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Candle of Hope

 

Hope

Each day I receive a ‘Word’ from Brother James of SSJE—the Society of Saint John the Evangelist.
A few weeks ago, I received the following word(s)—Good News.

‘For those first followers of Jesus, the resurrection was good news, not because it covered over the stink of death – the stink of war, aggression, religious intolerance, political power games, and military occupation.
The resurrection was good news because it gave them hope in the midst of a world that stank of death. For if God can raise Jesus from the dead, then all things can be made new.'
Br. James Koester, SSJE

Brother James is a priest of the Diocese of British Columbia and most recently was the Superior of the Society of St. John the Evangelist.

Then, I just got a message from Tina, our Parish administrator—a quote written in the language of her maternal heritage—Ojibwe—Anishinaabemowin.

 “NIBWAAKAAWIN NSWI-GIIZHIGAD”
—wisdom for Wednesday—
“What you plant now, you will harvest later.”

For the Christian, the good news is Resurrection (above all else).
As Brother James points out, it is not because it will remove all war, aggression, and other negative aspects of society. 

The resurrection is good news because it gives hope--not only hope to the Christian but hope to all people in a world where people are oppressed and misused every Hour!

In Canada, we are travelling the Road of Reconciliation. I find Hope.

I find hope in many places.

  • Hope is to experience those who were once embarrassed to share their Indigenous heritage  because of oppression, domination, and persecution.

  • I rejoice today  in the Good News of Tina's sharing of a word or tradition from her maternal heritage.

In Canada, it has not always been this way. 
But today, it is Good News that Now we DO live where we can openly share, without fear, the traditions that guide us. 

What is the good news you can share that gives hope to your life and your community? 

Blessings,
Archdeacon Brian+