The Living Hope: Nurtured by Remembrance
As my days as priest-in-charge of St. Barnabas wind down, I find myself experiencing things for the last time—from parish meetings to my final Remembrance Day as Padre. These events are bittersweet, bringing a mix of emotions, good memories, a few regrets, and sadness. Through all this, I am chiefly remembering people. The readings and prayers of this season, including last Sunday’s celebration of All Saints, offer a spiritual depth to this remembrance. Saints inspire us by their deep faith, steadfast hope, and extraordinary love.
On this Remembrance Sunday, we are similarly inspired to greater faith, hope, and love as we bring to mind the faithful departed. The ancient Book of Wisdom offers comfort, assuring us that “the souls of the righteous are in the hand of God, and no torment will ever touch them”. This echoes the human instinct that death is not the end for those who lived lives of good works.
The Apostle Peter offers us more than instinct, assuring us of a “new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ”. This hope is:
- A Confident Expectation: It is based on the promises and character of God, particularly in Jesus Christ.
- An Anchor for the Soul: It provides strength and enables perseverance in difficult times.
- Faith’s Sustainer: It gives faith the strength to be sustained, especially in times of suffering or doubt.
This hope is not reserved for a distant future moment but something we can experience in our daily lives. It is nurtured when we open ourselves to receiving and giving God’s love, practicing the presence of God throughout our day through prayer, silent meditation, chanting, and most fully, when we receive the Blessed Sacrament in the Holy Eucharist. May this Remembrance Sunday nurture us in faith, hope, and love.
Call to Action: Practice God’s Presence Daily
Make a commitment to practice the presence of God daily through prayer and contemplation, not just on Sunday morning. Open yourself to receiving and giving God’s love, trusting in the living hope of Christ’s resurrection, which brings us peace.
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Watch the full sermon to learn more about how you are being sent.