A few weeks ago, while meeting with my spiritual director (a Jesuit), the conversation turned towards the issue of “hope.” We were both musing about the effects of COVID on communities, as well as the upcoming (at that time) election. And he pointed me to the introduction of a fellow Jesuit’s book, Images of Hope: Imagination as Healer of the Hopeless (by William F Lynch; University of Notre Dame Press, 1974). That “Introduction” begins: “We human beings, who need hope more than anything else in life . . . [are] . . . attracted more toward the hopeless than toward hope; we are passing through a period of fascination with despair” (p 21). Despite the fact that Lynch wrote these words fifty years ago (actually in the midst of all of the civil unrest of the ’60’s), I don’t think much has changed!

But Lynch’s book is not about despair . . . rather, it's about hope. In the “ Introduction,” he identifies three characteristics of hope: (1) hope requires imagination; (2) hope is an “act of collaboration or mutuality . . . it imagines with” (p 23—emphasis his) — that is, it requires a community; and (3) “there is a strong relationship between hoping and wishing” (p 24). In short, Lynch argues that hope requires imagination, a community, and a desire. I found that description . . . well . . . hopeful! And I’m holding it close as I enter Advent.

Advent is sometimes called a “little Lent”, the implication (at least as I see it) being that it is a time for introspection. But the equation of

Advent with Lent often brings up connotations of “repentance.” Far be it from me to suggest that we don’t always have need of repentance, but Advent, I believe has its focus elsewhere, in the areas of expectation and hope. And, with Lynch’s description of hope, I’m thrown into asking myself (changing his order of characteristics)

“What do I really wish the Christ-child will bring . . . to me, to Good Shepherd, to the world?”
“How can I imagine—REALLY imagine—that that can become a reality?”
”How can I help, and be helped by, a community to make that happen?”

Even thinking of these questions lightens my spirit in a darkening time.

This Advent—really, no different than any other Advent—is, for me, all about hope, about seeing something new arise, different, and amazing! And, I invite you to join me on the hopeful quest. Elsewhere in this edition of the Sheepskin, you’ll see information about an ongoing devotional discussion opportunity, as well as our Faith Forum series based on the same devotions—ALL focused on how we can practice and realize hope, as well as other resources to enrich your spirits over the next several weeks. Let us rise, and hope for a healing, joyous and life-altering Advent . . . and beyond!