A Reason for Your Hope

Dear Friends,

This Sunday many Christians will hear a portion of the first letter of Peter. This text urges early Christians (and us) to

                Always be ready to give an explanation
                to anyone who asks you for a reason for your hope,
                but do it with gentleness and reverence.
                1 Peter 3:15-18

The photo above helps me reflect on my own hope. On a May day five years ago, I photographed this snow challenged plant. I could see both lingering winter cold and bright green promise. I smiled as I recognized the familiar collision of decaying leaves and new growth. I felt myself rooted in creation’s cycle of death and rebirth. On that spring day, I was challenged to hope.

Five years later, I recognize the same juxtaposition of death and life. I carry many concerns and worries into my appreciation of this garden photo. I also carry hope, weather-beaten though it may be. That hope comes from stories and prayer shared with others who know the contradictions, but choose the new life Jesus promises. Peter would approve of the way we share reverently, respecting the pain and joy each brings to the table. Around that altar table we are creating another spring picture, created by Jesus who lived and died and rose. 

~ Susan Schantz, SSJ