The need for hope

This week has involved lots of conversations about hope. Hope in the face of illness. Hope in the possibility of change. Hope in a brighter future.
I have always maintained that part of ministry involves having enough hope for others who feel they have none.
I was also reading about the Beltane Festival, an ancient celebration occurring at the beginning of May, marking a season of hope for the harvest that is to come, among other things.
And, of course, it was said of the Royal Wedding, that such pomp and pageantry, were welcome signs of hope in the midst of so much darkness in the world. A brief respite, if you like.
In this season after Easter, faith gives us cause to hope and allows us to be a people who can hold out hope, enough for others, in all the struggles that are a part of daily life.