There is some uncertainty as I wrote this article for the village magazine; it might not arrive through people's letterboxes before Easter, but then life is full of uncertainty. We're surrounded by it, and life can be a real struggle. Ignoring what's happening around us isn't an option – that would mean denying our reality. But without hope, we might end up feeling down and overwhelmed. The ongoing living costs are hitting us hard, and many are making tough choices to avoid drowning in debt. We've just had a Budget that promised savings but left many uncertain about when or if we'll be better off.
Hope is a funny thing. It doesn't materially change the situation we are in, but it does have the ability to change us, to change the way we perceive the situation and react. Václav Havel, who led Czechoslovakia out of communism and through the transition to the Czech Republic, knew his fair share of uncertainty and the need for hope. He said, "Hope is not the conviction that something will turn out well but the certainty that something makes sense, regardless of how it turns out." I think deep down, we all want to make sense of our lives and the events of the wider world we see on the news.
For the disciples, Jesus' crucifixion made little sense; it brought grief and despair. Following the events of Good Friday, it must have seemed like there was no way out, no hope. Dreams shattered; purpose lost – everything felt meaningless. Some just walked away; others hid themselves away. I wonder if that reaction resonates.
But here's the thing: It wasn’t the end. The period of despair was temporary. You may know the story of Jesus conquering death, and being The Resurrection. The story continues though. He walked alongside those who were giving up, helping them return and sing the song of life, overcoming death and bringing sense to the events of their life.
Today, Christians across the globe continue that walk with Him. They take comfort from the understanding that God is working out His purpose in the world, and through the Holy Spirit in each believer; this is our hope. All of this is tied to the story of the one crucified for us, who rose on Easter Sunday and empowered his disciples to tell the story of God's wondrous love for humanity and the world.
Whether this article arrives before Easter or after, all the churches, including the Vine, would love you to join them to find out about this hope that we share, that makes sense of the world, regardless of how the day turns out.
I pray this Easter that you will discover the hope you need to make sense of life so that the present moment is less difficult to bear - Amen
