The Easter Gift of Hope

Dear Saint John’s Prep Community,

Hope is central to the message of the Triduum and the Easter season that follows. Hope in something greater beyond this life, beyond ourselves. It is not a hope based on wishful thinking or fantasy, but rather one drawn from deep love and rooted firmly in faith: Easter provides us the assurance that something greater awaits.

Hope seems an especially important theme this Easter. Nearly 40 days ago, we began Lent together as a school community with a beautiful Mass. In the time since, our school, our work, our family lives, and many of the marvels of life we routinely take for granted each day have been unimaginably disrupted. So much so, that 40 days now feels like more like 40 years.

But with Easter nearly upon us, it’s important to remember that hope remains. The hope of better days. The hope of newness and renewal. The hope -and faith- that there is light. The Hebrew translation of hope looks beyond speculation and instead asserts confidence in a divine strength present now. Hope is a wonderfully powerful gift and disposition. It is an action verb, guiding us as individuals and families. It also defines a community and the ways we support and encourage each other. Hope nourishes and hope saves.

We can turn to the Rule of Benedict for particular inspiration this Easter: It is high time for us to arise from sleep. Let us open our eyes to the light that comes from God, and our ears to the voice from heaven (RB Prologue). In this season of light and renewal, I wish our entire Prep community the blessings and hope of Easter!

With gratitude,

Jon McGee
Head of School