Of keeping hope in chaos
- The Rev. Jamey Russell
- Apr 22
- 3 min read
Hello Saints,
It's great to be back from our vacation camping out in a Yurt at Keystone State Park. We had a wonderful time resting, eating, going for walks, and listening to/reading books. You might notice i didn't say playing cards. That's because TRACEY had fun playing cards. I was 1-6.
One of the little joys was that I got to listen to the latest EP release by U2, Easter Lily. It's actually the second EP the band has released in the last couple of months. They released Days of Ash on Ash Wednesday and this latest one on, you guessed it, Easter. It's their first release of new songs in about 9 years.
I love both of these releases, but I want to draw your attention to one song in particular, "Easter Parade." It's not my favorite song (I think "Yours Eternally" off Days of Ash takes that crown) but it made me think about their history as a band and current world events. They were formed as a band in the midst of two significant events in Ireland. First was the violent conflict between Protestants and Catholics in Northern Ireland (dubbed "The Troubles"). The second was a charismatic revival taking place in Ireland. Much of their early work was trying to work through their faith, their desire for peace, and the violence in the world around them. Some of you might remember one of their early songs, "Sunday Bloody Sunday" was specifically about that event in 1972. The band actively worked for peace artistically and politically until the Good Friday Agreement was finally signed in 1998. There's a line in "Easter Parade" that says
On such a day, such a day as this
On such a day, such a day
Something in me died
But I was no longer afraid
There has been no "official" link between this song and the Good Friday agreements, but I cannot help but see something here. There is a faith that believes that fear can end, especially when we let go. A faith that believes peace can come even when it seems impossible.
Jesus tells his disciples, and us, that before He returns,"6 You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. 7 Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. 8 All these are the beginning of birth pains." (Matthew 24:6-8) He wants us to not lose hope, and to not let fear dominate our minds and our decision making. The world may be spinning out of our control, but not out of His. Our mission remains the same. What are we to do? Paul, who also lived during a time of turmoil, puts it well in the last half of Romans 12.
9 Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. 10 Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. 11 Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. 12 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. 13 Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.
14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. 16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.
17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. 18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 19 Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. 20 On the contrary:
“If your enemy is hungry, feed him;
if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.
In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.
21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
In Christ,
Jamey+
Song Link
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Prayer:
Almighty God, from whom all thoughts of truth and peace proceed: Kindle, we pray, in the hearts of all people the true love of peace, and guide with your pure and peaceable wisdom those who take counsel for the nations of the earth; that in tranquility your kingdom may go forward, till the earth is filled with the knowledge of your love; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
