Words of Light and Hope from Jane McLarty

Words of Light and Hope from Jane McLarty

In the light of the events within Ukraine, we put our trust in the God who in Jesus was born into an occupied land. Through the Devil’s temptations Jesus was offered world domination, but replied, ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve only him.’ (Luke 4:8) In the Garden of Gethsemane he faced the horror of death; he died, descended into hell and rose again, so that we can trust the promises of the God who says, ‘Death will be no more; mourning and crying and pain will be no more.’ (Revelation 21:4)

We can easily get ourselves into a paralyzing state of fear that is truly hellish. The icon [of Christ’s descent into hell] reminds us that Christ can enter not just some other hell but the hell we happen to be in, grab us by the hands, and lift us out of our tombs.
Jim Forest, Praying with Icons

There is no way to peace along the way of safety. For peace must be dared. It is itself the great venture and can never be safe. Peace is the
opposite of security. To demand guarantees is to want to protect oneself. Peace means giving oneself completely to God’s commandment. Wanting no security, but in faith and obedience laying the destiny of the nations in the hand of almighty God. Not trying to direct it for selfish purposes. Battles are won not with weapons, but with God. They are won when the way leads to the cross.
Dietrich Bonhoeffer