This morning, I’d like to talk about hope. I’d like to talk about hope because I am aware of finding it increasingly challenging to be hopeful.
I find it difficult to hold onto hope when I read of world leaders – and social media influencers – who seem intent on attacking those they have cast as their enemies, and in the process cause the suffering of so many.
I find it difficult to hold onto hope when one man attempts to murder another man in Belfast, and then people with powerful voices whip up feelings of fear, resentment, anger, and hatred that lead to nights of rioting on the streets of cities in Northern Ireland.
I find it difficult to hold onto hope when people in Edinburgh are living in poverty, hungry and with no means of making a meal for their children, sleeping on our streets with no secure place to lay down and rest tonight.
I find it difficult to hold onto hope, so I’d like to talk about hope.
Suffering
A sermon for Epiphany 5 2026
It is part of our being the light of the world, that we are called to hold the light, to hold onto hope when someone else, or somewhere else, is overwhelmed.
In being this, the world is never overcome by darkness.
In being this, the light of Christ can shine.
In being this, we too become the light of the world.