posted May 11, 2016, 8:37 PM by Nancy DeBiasi
[
updated Nov 16, 2016, 2:08 AM
]
 Not
long ago a friend described how distressed she felt about the hatred and
violence filling the daily news. She sighed, "I am about ready to give
up on humanity." My heart plummeted on hearing that conclusion. I
protested,"Oh no, you can't give up." I acknowledged she had good
cause to feel the way she did. Were I to name the problems on our planet that
generate a lack of hope for a better world the list would extend
indefinitely. But I continue to believe many more reasons exist for keeping
hope close to our hearts.
I think of the people where I dwell. Many include amicable immigrants living
peacefully. I look a bit further and see long-established residents in this
American city who find themselves embarrassed by the political bullying and
hostile strife currently in vogue. Each of them is trying to give voice and
action to the real message of Jesus: "Forgive your enemies. Welcome the
homeless. Give food to the hungry. Do not judge. Be compassionate." I
look even further, across our globe, and notice countless organizations
dedicating their finances and services to promote well-being on our planet.
Everywhere I find humanity nudging my heart toward hope. The
Easter season prompts us to strengthen a positive outlook. The scriptures
urge us to go once again to the empty tomb, to let ourselves be as surprised
as Mary of Magdala was when the Risen One called her name and lifted her
spirit; to enter the renewed hope of the two on the road to Emmaus -
who were as downcast as many are today about the pain humans inflict on one
another. It is time to let our spirits be lifted into the encouragement these
two received when their Teacher drew them close with tender affection and
restored their confidence.
An Easter Prayer For Hope, Joyce Rupp
Risen
Presence, stir hope in us when we waver in our belief about the goodness of
humanity. Turn our face toward the sunrise of each morning. Assure us
that every day brings light after night's heavy darkness. Let it remind us
that a fresh beginning continually awaits us.
Open
our eyes to recognize signs of your endless love. Draw us close on our own
Emmaus roads. When our hearts are disconsolate surprise us with your
peace-filled presence. Rekindle our love.
Clear
our mind of the tendency to close off the possibility of a world warm with
the glow of human kindness. Veer us away from negativity. Help us delete our
thoughts of inner strife and the apprehension of doomsday prophecies.
Bring
us into a remembrance of your empty tomb when we want to give up on
humanity's care for one another. Restore our recognition of your presence
abiding in each and every human being. Let us look deeply, beyond despicable
behavior and brutality, and find the pure essence of your love abiding there.\
Risen
One, breathe hope in us. Again and again. Help us keep it alive by how we
think, feel, and live. We dare not let this virtue die.
Abundant
peace,
Joyce
Rupp
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