Having Hope

“Live in faith and hope, though it be in darkness, for in this darkness God protects the soul. Cast your care upon God for you are His and He will not forget you. Do not think that He is leaving you alone, for that would be to wrong Him.” - John of the Cross

The first week of Advent invites us to focus on the word HOPE. It is remarkable that even though we have a working understanding of 'Hope', this can take on a deeper meaning when we reflect on what it truly means for us. 

Hope is what gets us up in the morning. 

Hope is what enables us to lift our heads, when all seems lost. 

Hope enables us to push our disappointments aside for a moment and to trust in something better. 

Hope teaches us to hold out our hands to Christ.

“To them God chose to make known how great among the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the HOPE of glory.” – Colossians 1:27

Questions:

1. What does "Hope" mean for you this week?

2. Where does your Hope lie?

Living in Grace

D3LM3

Ten - part 2

To be continued ... these have to be the most annoying words on TV. Just when you feel as if you are getting into the swing of things and the story is about to get interesting those dreaded words appear... To be continued!

Today I am going to continue the thoughts I was reflecting on yesterday, particularly about God revealing things to us in the dark. I have been reading a fascinating book 'Learning to walk in the dark' by Barbara Brown Taylor. It offers a different look at the darkness that enfolds us at times and urges us to listen to the voice of God during these tough times.

In one of her chapters, Barbara looks at the response of St. John of the Cross who suggests that 'the dark night of the soul is God's best gift to you, intended for your liberation. It is freeing you from your ideas about God, your fears about God..."

Let's read that passage from Matthew 10 again - this time from the Contemporary English Version. 

"Don’t be afraid of anyone! Everything that is hidden will be found out, and every secret will be known. Whatever I say to you in the dark, you must tell in the light. And you must announce from the housetops whatever I have whispered to you." - Matthew 10:26-27 (CEV)

Living in Grace
D3LM3

All Saints Day

The first of November marks 'All Saints Day' in many Christian circles and in order to celebrate with others, I am offering 3 delightful quotes from three remarkable people.

“We become what we love and who we love shapes what we become.” - Clare of Assisi

"Whenever anything disagreeable or displeasing happens to you, remember Christ crucified and be silent." - St. John of the Cross

"If, then, you are looking for the way by which you should go, take Christ, because He Himself is the way." - St. Thomas Aquinas 

Each one of these speaks into different situations of our lives, but perhaps one of these is for YOU today. Enjoy.

Living in Grace

D3LM3