The Church In the World

The week after Easter, it may seem to many who are hurting that Easter hope is hard to come by, and yet the proclamation of Easter is, “He is not here – Hes is risen!” Hope and despair may indeed exist alongside each other in this world, and part of the Church’s call is to proclaim the hope of Christ to a hurting world. Christians can live out Easter hope in a hurting world in several ways: Share the Good News: Christians can share the hope of the Easter story with those who are hurting. This message of hope is that Jesus has overcome death, and through his resurrection, we have the promise of eternal life. Christians too, can proclaim the Good News that God is not beholden to the injustices and oppressive domination systems of earthly empire. This message can bring comfort and peace to those who are struggling. Serve others: Jesus taught us to love our neighbors as ourselves. Christians can live out Easter hope by serving others in practical ways. This can include volunteering at a food bank, serving at a homeless shelter, or reaching out to someone who is lonely. Serving is one of the best ways the Church becomes the living body of Christ bringing hope into the world. Pray: Christians can pray for those who are hurting, asking God to provide comfort, healing, and hope. Prayer can bring a sense of peace and help us to connect with God’s love and compassion. In a culture where the environment is struggling under the weight of human excess, where mass shootings seem to occur weekly, and where systemic injustice and oppression persist, the Easter Church cries out – “Oh Lord, hear our prayer!” Be a peacemaker: In a world that is often divided and filled with conflict, Christians can be peacemakers. This means seeking to understand and empathize with those who have different views and seeking to reconcile differences in a loving and respectful manner. Live with hope: Christians can live out Easter hope by living with hope themselves. This means trusting in God’s goodness, even in the midst of difficult circumstances, and looking forward to the promise of eternal life. By living with hope, Christians can be a light in a dark world, pointing others to the hope that is found in Jesus Christ.