Monsignor Leonard Danvers, Parish Priest of St Peter’s Catholic Church
Cambridge.
Hope, peace, joy and love are words we hear often at this time of the year.
They are the stuff of Christmas cards, written in elegant writing on wrapping paper, emblazoned on Christmas advertising. In a world gripped by terrorism, the chaos of war, the refugee crisis, and the despair of many who struggle to pay the rent or feed their families, people may question whether there is any real hope.
Hope is a word we often use.
“I hope that the weather is fine for Christmas”. “I hope that I win Lotto”, or a common sentence in many homes at this time . “I hope that Santa brings…” Christian hope is more than wishful thinking. It’s the confident faith that God is in control, that God is merciful. Jesus empowered the poor and the marginalised. He treated everyone with respect. He challenged unjust leaders
and cared for children.
He demonstrated a better way of life and wants to impart that way of life into our hearts and to our world.
Hope is not, therefore, a punt or a risk, but rather as Jesus showed us, it’s our choice to be hope-bringers to those we may meet who need our help.
There will be thousands of people this Christmas who will bring hope to people and communities all over the world, offering food, shelter, companionship and a helping hand.
May we each have eyes to notice those near to us, and far away, to whom we could gift joy and hope and love this Christmas.
For when we each bring hope, make peace, gift joy and live love, then the world is transformed. – Monsignor Leonard Danvers.
