Dear Circle of Hope,

Our world continues to present us with all sorts of situations, events and examples that shock, horrify and cause us to wonder when things will change for the better. As I have been considering this I have realised that so much of our life can become centred around the things that happen outside of us, things we often can’t control and on the things that we do or produce externally. These external things then become linked to our sense of self and our position in the world. However, in doing this we sometimes forget about the things that can’t be seen. The mystery and majesty of what we can’t quantify. In these moments we forget that we are called to cultivate the capacity to love. Our most important focus and task in life is surely to tend to this essence within the core of our being.

As we consider the enormity of the events of the world around us, let us not forget that the most powerful place we can begin to make a difference is not something we can point to outside of ourselves, something we can make, sell or market. Instead the place we can begin to make change in this world and what I believe we can offer the world around us, especially in these times, is the love that becomes our way of being.

What might this love look like? Well in this season of Easter we have been reminded of the nature of divine love. A love displayed in service, sacrifice and surrender. A love that is humble, compassionate and non-violent. A love that leads to transformation and new life. This is the kind of love that we need to cultivate and that our world desperately needs today. It is the kind of love that we all need!

May we cultivate the capacity to love in our own lives, so that in turn we can share this love with those around us. This will speak volumes when seen and experienced in light of what our world is experiencing today.

Thank you for being part of our Circle of Hope.

Grace and peace,

Phil