The Future is Hopeful - July 25

Today’s Readings: AM Psalm 56, 57, [58]; PM Psalm 64, 65; Joshua 24:16-33; Rom. 16:1-16; Matt. 27:24-31

"To be hopeful in bad times is not just foolishly romantic. It is based on the fact that human history is a history not only of cruelty, but also of compassion, sacrifice, courage, kindness.

What we choose to emphasize in this complex history will determine our lives. If we see only the worst, it destroys our capacity to do something. If we remember those times and places—and there are so many—where people have behaved magnificently, this gives us the energy to act, and at least the possibility of sending this spinning top of a world in a different direction.

And if we do act, in however small a way, we don't have to wait for some grand utopian future.

The future is an infinite succession of presents, and to live now as we think human beings should live, in defiance of all that is bad around us, is itself a marvelous victory."

My friend Kat shared this Howard Zinn quote from her weekly James Clear (Atomic Habits) e-news which I find profoundly hopeful. I have been thinking about it in light of this morning’s Gospel reading. “When Pilate saw that he could do nothing, but rather that a riot was beginning, he took some water and washed his hands before the crowd.” This might be the most ludicrous line in all of Scripture.  Does Pilate really believe that he could do nothing?  How does the man who came to Jerusalem and condemns Jesus to death wash his hands before the crowd?  How can he believe he is not a part of the story?

The greater question for all of us, is what is our own role in this monumental mess we have made of the human life?  The great paradox of human life is both the tragedy and hopefulness and beauty of the human existence. There can be poverty, war, famine, systemic injustice, failure to care for the planet and her resources, and yet there is profound hope. Each turn of the radio is creativity. Each book or typed sentence, or scribbled piece of poetry, is a chance to create something new.  Each act of compassion, a meal served, or hand offered, is an act of resistance to what could be.  Do we really get to wash our hands of the failings of humanity? Or do we get to be a part of the other side of human history?

The great gift of the Eucharist is we first acknowledge the human mess we have made.  We don’t get to wipe our hands clean but instead place ourselves in the story of God’s salvation.  And then we can do something about it.  The prayer that is often used at our 5 pm Celtic Service following Communion is as follows:

Lord Jesus Christ,
you have put your life into our hands; now we put our lives into yours.
Take us, renew us and remake us.
What we have been is past; what we shall be, through you, still awaits us. Lead us on. Take us with you.

The future is hopeful.  Maybe Pilate forgot that destroying his capacity to do something.  May God lead us on us.  May Christ take us with him.  And may it be a marvelous victory.

John+

Questions for Self-Reflection:  What are some of your memories of people ‘behaving magnificently?’ Who are the people who are inspirations to you? 

Daily Challenge:  Take one action (today and not tomorrow) as a response to one of the issues that weigh heavy on your heart.