Radical Hope Advent week 1
We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials,
for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character,
and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us,
because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.
Romans 5:3-5
In our family’s current discussion on Hope I asked for personal examples of Hope. We sat there struggling to formulate instances because we were still falling short to get our heads around Hope. While it is easy to look at 3 friends and identify their Hopeful stance (Daniel 3) or look at a king’s mighty Hopeful declaration (2 Chronicles 32) identifying every day examples can leave you lacking.
Shifting gears I tried identifying “Hopeful people” that I have met. Though a slow start, eventually I realized it was Mary. She was from Rapid City and volunteered at the Oyate Center. Mary was a feisty and passionate follower of Jesus that continuously showed up to cook for the children. Every day ushered in a new batch of treats, ideas, and a heightened vision for what could be when Mary walked through the door. Mary was patiently compassionate with each child that walked into the kitchen and even more passionately vocal to us directors as she fought for the community. Mary consistently loved and fought every day for those children until her final day.
Mary held to a radical Hope and because it was founded in Christ it caused quite a stir. The Hope of Christ is not tamed but is willing to flip tables and carve out space for people for the Gospel’s sake. It challenges systems by casting a prophetic vision of God’s redemptive Kingdom. Radical Hope confidently expects fulfillment of that vision and will not settle for less.
A “Hope that does not disappoint” is a radical notion because it implies that nothing is watered down or lacking substance. Radical Hope comes from God and has driven the Church with boldness and tenacity flipping the world upside down. A radical hope is feisty like Mary that continues to show up for others. Mary offered herself and something she could do, cook. The Oyate center’s broken-down kitchen became Hope’s battleground.
Radical Hope is giving people a chance or offering grace. Radical Hope sees beyond the broken system of this world to what the prophets foretold, Jesus made real, and the resurrection ignited. Radical Hope does not back down and will always step in. Radical Hope champions redemption’s cause for each person and casts the Kingdom vision. So, may this advent season spark a Radical Hope in all of us. A spark that ignites the passionate conviction that makes us a little feistier like Mary as we consistently show up for others and look to Jesus’ return.
