Jesus did not have a pessimistic view of the world. He did not propose asceticism or withdrawal, or demand an “ethic of absolutes” impossible to practice in real life. Rather, he described behavior governed by the love of God and demonstrated its possibility in the world.
– Andre Trocme, Jesus and the Nonviolent Revolution
The hummingbird, like the swallow, trusts in providence.
Providence is the faith that nothing can prevent us from fulfilling the ultimate meaning of our existence. Providence does not mean a divine planning by which everything is predetermined, as is an efficient machine. Rather, Providence means that there is a creative and saving possibility implied in every situation, which cannot be destroyed by any event.
What kind of hope and vision were necessary to see this through?
Most of the important things in the world have been accomplished by people who have kept on trying when there seemed to be no hope at all.
– Dale Carnegie
One can live about forty days without food, about three days without water, about eight minutes without air, but only for one second without hope”
–Source Unknown
Art – an expression of love, and an expression of hope
Today’s Gospel story, on this 5th Sunday of Lent, is the raising of Lazarus from the dead. We are reminded, then, to hope when our situation looks bleakest.
True love is embodied in expectancy, an eagerness to love God now as a preparation for God’s Kingdom. Our ultimate hopes are expressed by whom and what and how we now love…. True love is embodied in the act of giving and forgiving, without stint or stipulations, without anxiety or compulsion. The forgiven is not made dependent upon the giver, but upon a free un-coerced love.
– Paul S. Minear, Source: The Kingdom and the Power
OPreach 