AS I look back on the past week I see so many people and organisations that have responded in a wonderful way to the coronavirus pandemic.

Social media has been used to encourage, educate and strengthen us. We have seen evidence that church is not only a building but a living body of people who love and encourage one another.

This is especially so as we journey through Lent towards Passion Sunday when we begin to understand what Christ has accomplished for us through His suffering. Events are moving so fast that my comments last week concerning the use of open churches are out of date because churches are now closed.

Last week I thought about Peace. Today I think of Hope that keeps us from despairing.

Hope means that we are taking the initiative and that we are looking towards a better tomorrow.

As Shakespeare wrote: “Hope is a lover’s staff, walk hence with that, and manage it against despairing thoughts.”

There is a Russian legend that says we can only see the day stars by looking down into the darkness of a deep well. The loveliest of stars is called Hope, but it often can only be seen when things are dark.

The Apostle Paul encourages his fellow worker Titus to be hopeful, “as we wait for the blessed Day we hope for, when the glory of our great God and Saviour Jesus Christ, will appear.”

Again, in the letter to the Hebrews, we read: “We have this hope as an anchor for our lives. It is safe and sure, and it goes through the curtain of the heavenly temple into the inner sanctuary.” (Ch 6 v19). This points to the fact that hope is sure.

In his letter to the Romans, Paul waxes eloquent on hope.

“Therefore since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us…….we know that trouble produces endurance, endurance brings God’s approval and his approval brings hope. This hope does not disappoint us, for God has poured out His love into our hearts by means of the Holy Spirit, who is God’s gift to us.” (Ch 5 vv 1,3,4,5)

Our hope lies in the Christ-like actions of NHS staff, social workers, teachers, police, carers and all those who care for the community as we all do the right thing in hope and trust.

I end with a prayer by the Bishop of St Asaph, the Rt Revd Gregory Cameron.

Dear Father, who created us, and redeemed us,

and who has promised us your love,

be with us in time of danger and of worry.

May those who suffer, or who are ill,

Know the blessing of your grace,

while we who are well be inspired by your Spirit

to be wise and to be servants, working for the healing

and wholeness of all, each in our own way.

Keep us calm and cautious, strong and open to service,

So that we take care of those around us, and also

ourselves.

We ask this in the name of Jesus. Amen

Reverend John Powell

Retired Vicar of Cardigan