大象传媒

A spiritual comment and prayer to start the day with the Revd Dr Mark Clavier.

Good morning. In a world fraught with turmoil鈥攃onflicts, political upheavals, and rapid change鈥攊t is easy to feel overwhelmed. Hope can be difficult to find amidst such uncertainty. Standing here at Brecon Cathedral, once a monastery dissolved during Henry VIII鈥檚 reign, I am reminded that even in destruction we can find the seeds of renewal.

Monasteries were not merely buildings; they were vibrant communities of prayer and service, living out hope daily. That same calling belongs to us today鈥攖o strive to be beacons of hope in a despairing world.

As Romans 15:13 declares: 鈥淢ay the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.鈥� Faith anchors us in this truth: even when the world groans, God鈥檚 purposes remain steadfast. We are called to light candles in the darkness, to mend rather than tear apart, and to embody Christ鈥檚 transformative love.

As the American poet Wendell Berry writes, 鈥淏e joyful though you have considered all the facts.鈥� Hope is not denial but defiance鈥攁 refusal to let despair have the final word. Together, we can remind one another and the world that the light always shines, especially in the deepest darkness.

God of hope, When despair presses close, turn our hearts to you. Grant us courage to live as witnesses to your light. May we build communities of love and renewal, trusting in your promise that all things are being made new. Through Jesus Christ, our Lord, Amen.