Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. (Hebrews 11:1)

Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing.” And as He spoke, the soldiers gambled for His clothes by throwing dice. (Luke 23:34)

This past week has been painfully difficult to watch. Images of children starving in Gaza, accompanied by stories of those murdered while seeking aid, have at times left me feeling sick—to the point where I’ve had to look away. Simultaneously, we’ve seen the infamous Epstein files surface, exposing how the wealthiest and most powerful men have used their influence to harm children—masking their abuse behind stories of consent, then burying evidence and making deals with the devil to keep their deeds hidden. We’ve witnessed innocent, long-standing immigrants being detained at “Alligator Alcatraz,” systematically stripped of their basic human rights, with charges unknown and consequences uncertain. And within our own country, we hear of a hate group formed within the Canadian military—those tasked with our nation’s security and well-being—who are now promoting hatred, racism, and training for violence and terror.

 

All around us, our world, our country, and even our communities seem increasingly fueled by hatred and despair. I have felt helpless, afraid, and overwhelmed with sadness. And often, I find myself shouting at God: “Why, why, why?” Why has the loving God I serve—and believe loves all of us—not stopped this madness? The horror of the crucifixion plays out before my eyes: Palestinian babies, desperate migrant mothers, naive and wounded children forced to hang on crosses of power and wealth.

 

Yet, amid these images of suffering, this week also marks the beginning of General Council 45. For those unfamiliar, the General Council is the highest decision-making body within the United Church of Canada. Every three years, it gathers to elect the Moderator for the coming term and to chart strategic directions for our beloved church. This year’s theme is “Visions and Dreams,” emphasizing the church’s journey into a radically new future—one rooted in our faith, yet recognizing that ‘how’ we do church will be profoundly different in the decades ahead. I watched the opening worship last night. It was alive with excitement—hopeful, joyful, filled with a sense of community and possibility.

 

And in that moment, I was reminded of a fundamental truth of our faith: There is Crucifixion. But there is also Resurrection.

 

What we see today—what plays out around us—is the horror of crucifixion. But I believe we are called to fully acknowledge it, to face it honestly, because turning away is not an option if we are to speak hope into our world.

 

Our scriptures are clear: “Faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” And it is this confidence and assurance that empowers us to stand against the violence and injustice of our time. It gives us the strength to declare, “This is not the God I serve. This is wrong.” And to hold onto the hope that Resurrection still holds—that new life, renewal, and transformation are possible through God’s power.

 

Our faith is rooted in hope—hope that God continues to move and grow in our world, even in unseen ways, even in places where despair seems overwhelming.

 

So, my dear Bethel friends,  join me in speaking Resurrection into our world. Let’s hope boldly in the unseen. Together, we can build something new—something holy and alive with God’s promise.

 

Blessings today and remember you are Loved.

 

~Rev. Lynne