A people of hope
John Povey
December 22, 2017
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John 1: 6-8
6 There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. 7 He came as a witness to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. 8 He himself was not the light, but he came to testify to the light.
John the Baptist was a witness sent from God. He pointed to the light coming into the world, and as he baptised he called for repentance and a new beginning. Baptism became a sign of hope for the world.
Our world today still needs witnesses of hope. Our Baptism marks us out as people of hope, for our Baptism brings us into unity with the Church past, present, and to come.
When we are faced with difficulties in life, we do not need to hear answers and explanations. We need to hear the Word of hope. Hope makes life possible. Hope reminds us that there is light and life already here among us.
John the Baptist pointed to the light and the life of the one who stood among us two thousand years ago, who himself came to John for Baptism, and who will be coming again one day in all his glory.
John looked at his world, and he saw a greater reality. He pointed to the Word that was in the beginning, the Word that was with God and was God, the Word that became flesh and dwells among us, the Word that enables us to become children of God. Everything that needs to be said was spoken in that one Word. That Word is our ultimate hope.
Eternal God, help us to look with hope beyond the circumstances surrounding us, and to know that in mystery you fill those circumstances. Grant to us the hope that prepares our hearts to welcome your Son among us. Thank you for the privilege of belonging to a people of hope. May that hope change us day by day into your likeness, until we overflow with love for you and for all your people. Amen.
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