During the first week of the Advent season we examine and revel in the hope offered through the incarnation of Jesus. 

The people who walked in darkness
    have seen a great light;
those who lived in a land of deep darkness—
    on them light has shined.
You have multiplied the nation,
    you have increased its joy;
they rejoice before you
    as with joy at the harvest,
    as people exult when dividing plunder.
For the yoke of their burden,
    and the bar across their shoulders,
    the rod of their oppressor,
    you have broken as on the day of Midian.
For all the boots of the tramping warriors
    and all the garments rolled in blood
    shall be burned as fuel for the fire.
For a child has been born for us,
    a son given to us;
authority rests upon his shoulders;
    and he is named
Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God,
    Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Isaiah 9:2-6

Finding and maintaining hope has been something of a perilous journey for me of late.

Of the many emotions I was feeling on November 6th despair or hopelessness neared the top of the list. It wasn’t a crisis of faith in the religious sense, but rather a crisis of faith in humanity. I was losing hope that we would ever create a better world – one where we address climate change, protect the vulnerable, and overcome issues like racism and misogyny. That day, I worried that the world my daughters were inheriting would be worse off in so many ways from the one I grew up in.

Despite my discouragement, I found glimmers of hope emerging that day. I had three meetings scheduled, and though tempted to cancel and wallow in my anxieties, I persevered. Each meeting involved individuals or groups dedicated to serving vulnerable populations like immigrants, those experiencing homelessness, and those facing food insecurity and poverty.

Talking with them about their work didn’t necessarily alleviate my concerns about the incoming political regime, but it did inspire me. Witnessing their innovative, persistent and compassionate approaches to addressing these challenges was genuinely encouraging and reminded me there are many people dedicated to fighting injustice and serving those in need. 

In the following weeks, I found myself seeking out “helpers,” people who were working to make things better. This reminded me of a story Mr. Rogers used to tell (am I dating myself that yes, I was blessed to experience the one-two punch of Sesame Street and Mr. Rogers to start my day as a preschooler). He shared how his mother taught him to look for the helpers in times of trouble. When there was a disaster, when someone was hurt, there would always be those who rushed in to help – to fight the fire, offer food, or rebuild a home. And so, when I felt afraid or lost hope, I focused on those working to improve our world.

“To see people who will notice a need in the world and do something about it, and rather than view it with despair they view it with hope—that to me is such an enormous gift in this life. Those are my heroes. You know, there are so many people who say, ‘It’s not my kid, it’s not my school, it’s not my community’—you know, ‘forget it.’ But there are some others who say, ‘It is my kid, it is my school . . .’” (Mr. Rogers – Faithgateway)

So on that day and in the days since I have been consciously looking for those who continue to work in their own contexts to build a better world where all can flourish. I offer you some of the hope I have found – this is the podcast I recorded that day with Fran Graveson who works with the Worcester Area Mission Society. In addition if you are looking for ways you can contribute to some of the work I have been mentioning I suggest Catholic Charities generally and especially if you are in the Metrowest area the Milford office (one of my stops that day). They are serving those in need in Worcester County in a myriad of ways – housing assistance, a diaper and food bank, referrals and help finding services, ESL and more. Listening to and coming alongside organizations and friends like these has helped me find my hope again.

And that journey has led me to this first week of advent ready to inhabit and explore the hope offered in this Chritsmas season. The hope made manifest by the reality of God with us, Immanuel. The irresistible hope enlivened by the radical and reckless act of love that is the incarnation. That hope is bigger, stronger and more durable than anything in this world.

Outrageous God, outflank our weary Christmas

with the Advent miracle of a power that lies

beyond us. May we receive this power, this new

vision, which would set us free to live boldly into

your dream for the world.

Amen

(From Walter Brueggemann’s Devotion of Advent: Celebrating Abundance)