Thought for the Day - 13 August 2009

Dom Antony Sutch

One of the scripture readings for my church on Sunday was from the first book of kings. Elijah began to despair of the effect of his prophesying: "Lord," he said, "I have had enough. Take my life; I am no better than my ancestors." But, after angelic inspiration, he persevered. As I pondered perseverance I recognised two of its constituent parts: courage and hope.

One of the contemporary world figures who strikes me as being a person with both qulaities is Aung San Suu Kyi. In Burma her aim was a "revolution of the spirit". She spoke in language that used decidedly unpolitical images. She defended such words as love, kindness and truth as she stated that politics was about people and people are moved more strongly by love and truth than by coercion.

In the early months of 2007 there was expectation that she would be released but the hope of freedom was crushed. Speak of "déjà vu"! Once again this week she has been sentenced to another 18 months' confinement.

Vaclav Havel, the former Czech President who sought liberation from Communist Rule and who nominated Suu Kyi for the Nobel Peace Prize, sees her life as a "fight for human rights". He underlines the fact that" all people need hope" and Suu Kyi is a beacon of hope and courage. Her perseverance gives many others the same virtues. And hope is not forlorn: it gives strength and determination and often achieves results.

Indeed on this day, August 13, 1961 the border between East and West Berlin was closed and the "Berlin Wall" was begun. It has now gone. 40 years ago this week a confrontation between Catholic residents of Bogside and the police in Northern Ireland saw the beginning of the troubles. The peace process has borne fruit.

In the darkest moments, it is often hope that keeps one alive. St Paul wrote to the Corinthians" we do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, of the affliction we experienced in Asia; for we were so utterly, unbearably crushed that we despaired of life itself. Why, we felt we had received the sentence of death but" relying on God not ourselves"we have set our hope that he well deliver us again".

Suu Kyi perseveres with courage and hope. So did Elijah, so did Paul. Theirs is the kind of hope and courage that can inspire us all.

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