Dear Friends,
The invitation to rest in Hope continues for me, I’m trusting this call as my Advent prayer this year. I reach out this sacred season with some encouragement or inspiration, offering a balance, perhaps, to Christmas busyness and world troubles. Cynthia Bourgeault’s understanding of Hope has become a valuable starting point for me:
“Hope fills us with the strength to stay present, to abide in the flow of Mercy no matter what outer storms assail us. It is entered always and only through surrender; that is, through the willingness to let go of everything we are presently clinging to. And yet when we enter it, it enters us and fills us with its own life — a quiet strength beyond anything we have ever known.”
“And yet when we enter it, it enters us and fills us with its own life….” I’m drawn to the mutuality of that idea. I hear Cynthia suggesting that when we choose Hope, step into that mindset/heartset, we open ourselves to an ongoing relationship. When we enter the field of Hope, this life-filled energy enters us! This is not passive wishful thinking. Instead, its a “lived in” value system with spiritual and emotional nourishment alongside.
You might have noticed the key to a life-giving relationship with Hope in Cynthia’s explanation: “It is entered always and only through surrender; that is, through the willingness to let go of everything we are presently clinging to.” Ahhhh, this is definitely not a passive choice! Surrender requires conscious, and sometimes painful, letting go. Through surrender, we invite an inner unfolding….surrender of expectation or control makes room for Hope in one’s heart…. desire to live in Hope rests on one’s capacity to Trust.
I leave these thoughts and images with you. Perhaps Hope has more substance in this way of thinking. For me, I find myself relaxing into my relationship with Hope…so very grateful to know her in my most tender places, trust her in my most frightened places, hold her close as we reassure one another.
Blessed Advent dear Friends, Lisa
I’ve recently been introduced to “Interfaith Alignment”, a rich resource of Hope in Philadelphia with a strong connection to Iona. They offer a daily meditation, Calendar of Light 2025. Just click on this link to find it.