A Reflection
In this moment, we pause to remember.
We remember that we are a people of hope,
Created by God who is love
For God who is love.
God does not create us for enmity and hatred.
God does not create us for alienation and injustice.
God does not create us for violence and war.
God creates us for peace and justice.
God creates us for wholeness and community.
God creates us for full and abundant life.
Loving and serving God.
Loving and serving one another.
God gives Jesus.
Jesus lives.
Jesus is put to death.
Jesus is raised.
Through Jesus, God reveals that while evil and sin and suffering are extremely strong, they will not have the final word.
Through Jesus, God reveals that there is another way to live - the way of faith, the way of peace, the way of love.
Every time the bread and wine are shared . . .
Every time a cup of cold water is poured . . .
Every time wounds are bound up . . .
Every time walls are torn down . . .
Every time the hungry are fed . . .
Every time difference are transcended . . .
Every time truth speaks to power . . .
Every time we practice nonviolence . . .
Every time justice prevails . . .
Every time love is shared . . .
Every time . . . hope abounds.
Hope for you.
Hope for me.
Hope for all people.
Hope for all creation.
Hope that That we will study war no more . . .
That we will lay down our arms and come together . . .
That we will pound swords into plowshares.
Hope that God's will, will be done.