“Hope” is the thing with feathers

In October 2023, following the attacks and hostage taking in Israel by Hamas and the subsequent start of reprisals in Gaza we started the practice of lighting a candle for peace at our reflective communion services. We did this not just in relation to the conflict in Israel and Palestine but also to keep the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, and other conflicts and violence around our world in our prayers.

Eight months on the candle still burns, and it seems as if no resolution is in sight in any of these places. How do we keep praying and hoping when faced with seemingly unresolvable situations?

·         What do you find most difficult to keep hoping and praying for?

·         Do you sometimes feel hopeless?

In the Hebrew scriptures the prophets often spoke of hope and comfort, especially in the darkest times of exile.

For surely I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope.

                                                                                Jeremiah 29:11

The followers of Jesus faced the crushing of their hopes when Jesus was crucified and all seemed over. However, our Christian faith is based in the miracle of the resurrection, coming when all hope seemed lost.

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! By his great mercy he has given us a new birth into a living hope though the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.

                                                                                1 Peter 1:3

The poet, Emily Dickinson, famously wrote that Hope is the thing with feathers, giving us an image of a small bird, fragile but persistent whose song is a constant gift, even in the darkest times. Hope gives us courage to stay faithful, not turn away and trust, in the words of Julian of Norwich, that all will be well.

“Hope” is the thing with feathers -

That perches in the soul -

And sings the tune without the words -

And never stops - at all -

And sweetest - in the Gale - is heard -

And sore must be the storm -

That could abash the little Bird

That kept so many warm -

I’ve heard it in the chillest land -

And on the strangest Sea -

Yet - never - in Extremity,

It asked a crumb - of me.

You might enjoy listening to this poem set to music by the composer Christopher Tin