Never underestimate the incredible genius that defines our human spirit. The gift of creativity and vision always brings hope and optimism. Hope is a great gift and an important value to maintain and cherish these days. Soon in the season of advent we will be preparing for the great gift of hope, born as the Christ-child, Jesus Christ. We are told that the people who walked in darkness have seen a great light. Those who are overwhelmed by disadvantage, placed on the periphery, were deliberately chosen by the angels, to be the first custodians of the good news. God had chosen to become one of us and in that choice connects fully with the human struggle.
The golden period of Christianity was the first three hundred years before it became the official religion of the Roman Empire. Much of what Jesus taught seems to have been followed closely during that early period after his death and resurrection. As long as Jesus’ followers were on the bottom and the edge of empire, as long as they shared the rejected and betrayed status of Jesus, they could grasp his teaching more readily. Values like non-violence and non-participation in war, simple living, inclusivity, and love of enemies could be more easily understood when Christians were gathering secretly in the catacombs, when their faith was untouched by empire, rationalisation, and compromise.
I was greatly inspired recently, that in the beautiful city of Paris, for the first time in five years, the sound of bells were greeted with heartfelt emotion. From the ashes of devastation and destruction, the people of Paris, now with great pride, soon will welcome Pope Francis who will celebrate mass for the first time in Cathédrale Notre-Dame.
After five years of silence since the devastating 2019 fire, the bells of the Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris are ringing again, testimony to the vision and determination to rebuild this iconic cathedral, ordered by France’s President Macron as the fire’s embers were still smouldering. The iconic building has been restored. The fire had destroyed the entirety of Notre-Dame’s attic, melted the roof’s lead sheath and seriously endangered the stability of the stone structure. It consumed the oak framework of the nave, choir, and transept which burned like logs in a fireplace as the horrified population of Paris looked on and the spire collapsed. But the cathedral did not fall and, miraculously, no stained glass windows were damaged and no artwork was destroyed, except one altar.
The rebuild was a Herculean task, honouring the medieval builders’ techniques and materials, devouring entire forests, while more than 450,000 square feet of stone surfaces darkened by soot, dust and lead particles, had to be cleaned. Even the great organ, clogged with lead dust, needed all 8,000 pipes and 115 stops dismantled and sent to three different workshops . Some 250 companies and hundreds of experts were mobilised for a restoration costing in excess of €750 million so far, largely funded by private donations, and to an ambitious Macron schedule that few believed would be met. It will be a lasting legacy to an otherwise unpopular president. Notre Dame was first completed in 1345, after almost two centuries of construction. Its transept and spire were restored substantially in the 19th century. Its revival in five years is an extraordinary achievement.
Saint Paul often pragmatically suggested that we are at our best when we are seriously under pressure. “When I am weak then I am strong.” Perhaps Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris Is a profound symbol of hope to all our lives. Out of the ashes a spirit of unity, creativity and deep resilience brought transformation in a record time. This achievement proves that when we work together sharing our gifts and talents everything is possible. “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.”
Hope- Emily Dickenson
“Hope” is the thing with feathers –
That perches in the soul –
And sings the tune without the words –
And never stops – at all
And sweetest – in the Gale – is heard –
And sore must be the storm –
That could abash the little Bird
That kept so many warm –
I’ve heard it in the chillest land –
And on the strangest Sea –
Yet – never – in Extremity,
It asked a crumb – of me.