A few days ago, I joined other Christians in celebrating Easter. Whether through faith or nature or personal choices, spring is for many a time of hope. Depending of course on where you live, “spring” may begin at different times of the year. Today’s reflections are about the connection between hope and action. This post is in part a response to the challenge in last week’s piece Anchoring Joy by A. Adar Ayira on how joy is a different experience for Black people than white people.

For me, aging invites either a deeper hope based on faith or a hard to overcome hopelessness and despair. After seven decades and learning some history covering thousands of years, our cruelty and harm to one another appears to be a permanent dimension of life.  The inhumanity of the flagrant use of war, violence, attacks on immigrants and people of color, and the direction of our national discourse confirms there is evil in the world.

So what is the promise of Easter for Christians and other people of faith? Did not Jesus become man in order to bring peace and to offer an ever-lasting life of the spirit? A look at Jesus’ life and short three-year period of active ministry reveal no effort to change local government or institutions. Jesus focused on loving whomever he was with and serving those who asked for help.

While he didn’t enjoy being ridiculed, beaten, and hung on the cross, he accepted this fate without lashing out at his killers. Instead, hanging on the cross, he prayed: “Father forgive them for they know not what they do.”

Jesus’ teachings, which became Christian teachings, are based on love and respect for all.  They begin with love for a power greater than ourselves – what many call God. As I have written often, my Twelve Step experience has helped me develop a belief and relationship with a force for Good I call LOVE and Big Spirit. I believe that I live better and have more moments to savor if I believe in LOVE and its power to transform and heal.

My hope, which I reexperience each Easter and spring, is based on faith in LOVE. Without that faith, I would despair more often than I do.

As my friend Adar pointed out last week, faith and hope without action may make individuals feel good; however, they don’t put into action the spirit and words of Jesus to “love our neighbor.” The Old Testament words of Micah came to mind as I reflected on Adar’s challenge to consider a more collective approach to joy: “What does the Lord require of you? To act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with your God.” (Micah 6:8)

This simple admonition has endured for centuries. In the 8th century BCE, Micah preached in a time of social inequality and corruption. These powerful words were not about religious beliefs or customs; they were about practical human behaviors.  Micah 6:8 was embraced by Judaism as guidance for “righteous living.” Christians adopted these words beginning in the first century, and social justice movements from the 19th century to the present have highlighted this text to guide and inspire action for good.

Adar’s post reminds me of the difference between being at a party where you don’t know anyone and the focus is on loud celebrations and material opulence, versus being at a party with family and friends you love and enjoy.  In that second setting, when a friend is in need, you naturally ask how to help.

“Do justice,” to me, means opening my eyes to the injustices around me and asking what actions I can take to reduce them.  It calls for love for all and working for justice for all. “Love kindness” challenges me to be respectful of all—something that is not easy. My mind is trained to judge and distinguish who gets how much respect. And when I am afraid of not getting something or losing it, my fear blocks my desire to respect.

“Walking humbly” means letting go of grandiose plans to save the world. Humility is being one among many, equal to all, neither better nor worse, and committed to doing my small part to advance justice, love, and respect.

This way of life gives me something to savor and a reason to find joy.  It connects me to LOVE and to others. Spring invites hope—but our actions give it life.  Hope becomes real only when we live it—in justice, kindness, and humility. Happy Easter! Happy spring! Happy loving and working for justice.