Even those who knew nothing about cricket are now familiar with the name Jemimah Rodrigues. Because she was the one who led India to a record-breaking victory against Australia in the World Cup cricket semifinal – the player who steered the team to the highest successful run chase in the history of women’s One Day Internationals. But the effort Jemimah put in to reach such a triumph was by no means small.
The journey toward victory was not an easy one. Jemimah had to face much neglect, hardship and rejection. Yet she overcame them all for two reasons: one – her unwavering faith in God and two – her unending determination to succeed. Jemimah revealed to the world that even in that moment when she rewrote history, she was praying. She boldly told the media that Jesus Christ was the reason for her success. For many reasons like these, Jemimah’s victory became a success unlike the ordinary.
Faith in God is not merely belief; it is not just a ritual. It is the believer, not the atheist, who can truly find comfort and joy in this world, for his faith is steadfast. Almost all humans are optimists – they ‘expect’ that good things will happen. But the believer’s attitude is not merely expectation; it is ‘hope’. What distinguishes him is his ability to view life and its circumstances through the lens of hope.
Expectation and hope may seem to have similar meanings. Yet expectations can wither away in adversity, while hope is a way of life that looks beyond adversity toward possibility. The one with expectations has dreams, but only the one with hope truly endures. Those who have hope are the ones who overcome and achieve their dreams. Hope belongs to the believer , because he dreams, acts and strives with God. He is certain that God fights for him and labors beside him. That certainty gives him the strength not to falter amid obstacles.
Expectation is momentary – it is the waiting for something to be fulfilled within a definite time. But hope is a patient and faithful waiting for something beyond a definite time. Therefore, rather than being people of expectation, let us be people of hope. Hope is the greenness of life itself.
This is the month of December. The greatest celebration of this month is Christmas. What Christmas gave to the world is not mere expectation but hope. The message of Christmas is that God came to earth as a human being and that henceforth, God will be with humanity in all its days. That is hope. If until yesterday God seemed distant or hidden, from now on He walks alongside humanity – in its sorrows, in its despair – as a constant companion. He becomes a presence that makes the impossible possible and drives away despair.
“Glory to God in the highest! And on earth, peace to those on whom His favor rests.” The word favor here can also mean hope – peace to those who have hope. Yes, let us become people of hope and in doing so, let peace fill our hearts from within.
Wishing everyone the blessings of Christmas.
Regards
Prof Antoney P Joseph
