Caring for Self through Hope
As we respond to COVID-19 as a ministry, we are committed to our mission to be the compassionate presence of Jesus to one another. We remember that Jesus called for people to love their neighbors as themselves. Jesus recognizes the importance of love of self. This invites each of us to reflect on how we care for ourselves. One way to care for self is through practices of hope. This activity is an opportunity to learn more about hope as a means of extending the compassionate caring of Jesus, and then engage in at least one of the daily practices below to express and deepen hope.
Extending the compassionate caring of Jesus calls for hope.
With our BSMH vision grounded in God’s hope for the world, remember images of hope from scripture that speak to life today.
In the midst of hardship and loss, the prophet Jeremiah spoke God’s word of hope to Israel, reassuring them of God’s desire that they thrive. Jeremiah 29:11
In a world of political divisions, the prophet Isaiah spoke God’s word promising unexpected peace with natural enemies, like wolves and lambs, interacting peacefully. Isaiah 11:6-9
In a world with people in need, the prophet Isaiah spoke God’s word promising a feast that all could enjoy together. Isaiah 25:6
In a world valuing power and privilege, God entered the world as a baby born in a stable. Luke 2:1-14
In a world in need of healing, Jesus cured the sick and cared for the marginalized. Luke 8:40-56
The Catholic Health Association invites reflection on hope:
The Greater Good Science Center provides:
Practices to Express and Deepen Hope
Participate in practices of religious and spiritual communities
Listen to Advent and Christmas Lessons and Carols, remembering that the first season of the Christian liturgical year, Advent, focuses on hope.
The contemplative spirituality of St. Teresa of Avila invites one to be attentive to God in challenging times: listen to her prayer Nada Te Turbe
Reflect on the practices of people who inspire hope, such as:
Dorothy Day, through solidarity with workers
Martin Luther King, Jr., through a vision of racial justice
Mary Robinson, through climate justice
The Dalai Lama, through compassionate dialogue