A Future Full of Hope

07.01.2010

The gift of a new year, a new decade, is a great blessing. We are called to enlarge our hearts and make room for the gifts God is longing to give us. Like Abraham, who trusted utterly in God who called him to journey out into unfamiliar territory, God wants not only to bless us but to make us a blessing to others. "I will make your name great," He promised Abraham, "so that you will be a blessing" (Gen (2:2).

It is important then that we notice the blessings that come our way. In the present climate, dismal with forecasts of impending disasters at local and global levels, one can all too easily sink into depression, even despair. How can one face the future with no work, with beloved children deprived, a wife or husband ill with worry? With so many wars, so much destruction, so many people living on the brink, what kind of a future can it be anyway? To talk of blessings seems a mockery or escapism when we feel so diminished, our hopes come to nothing.

It takes great courage to move against this bleakness, to, as St Paul urges, "not conform yourself to this age but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that you may discern what is the will of God" (Rom 12:2). Now is a good time to make this decision and get to know God, listening to his word, trusting him with our lives. Once we make a firm choice, say a wholehearted ‘Yes’ to God, things begin to happen. Our unshakable commitment to the Lord is the key that opens locked doors, the path that leads us to the place where we find exactly what we need. In some unspoken way we become aware that we are not alone, that we live in the shelter of His presence.

God has plans for us. "I know well the plans I have in mind for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare, plans to give you a future full of hope" (Jer 29:11). Do we believe this? And if we do are we willing to let go of our own plans and trust in His, no matter how unexpected they may be? Like Abraham, we will journey into the unknown trusting that as each day unfolds so too will God’s plan for us.

Attentive now to God’s word in us, listening with open ears, with a ready heart, we begin to notice things. In our hard, difficult, almost unbearable situation we experience a new strength, a quiet but firm hope. Nothing dramatic or headline-grabbing, in fact externally our situation may even worsen, but deep down there is a calm under the turmoil, a peace in our heart. The work goes on gently, almost imperceptibly, which is why it is so very necessary for us to be aware of these changes so that we can give thanks to God and grow in His love. Necessary too, to be compassionate and forgiving in our relationship with others. St Peter tells us to return evil or insults with a blessing, "because to this you were called, that you might inherit a blessing" (1Pet 3:9).

May you be blessed and be a blessing to all you meet this new year.

Sr Redempta Twomey is Assistant Editor of the Far East at St Columban's , Navan, Ireland.

Read more of Sr Redempta Twomey's Reflections