“That must be really difficult” – this is frequently the comment from friends and strangers when we talk about me being a hospital chaplain. And yes, it is the case – indescribably difficult at times. This is not where it ends, however. It is a privilege to be alongside people in hospital including those who embrace death as part of their journey with God. More often, I witness people being discharged from hospital, healed or well on their way to recovery. There is a sense in which the hospital is the world in concentrated form - a world that is tormented by suffering and untimely deaths, and still with much to celebrate.
The month of May, it would seem to me, is designated by the Church as a season for celebration. The many occasions for celebration include Ascension Day, Pentecost, Trinity, Corpus Christi and the Visit of the Blessed Virgin Mary to Elizabeth.
In addition, we have a few Saints’ days as well: Philip and James, and Matthias (Apostles). And if you were to Google “significant days in May 2024” (please do!) you will find a long list of other very interesting dates to mark, including, on Sunday, May 5, “World Laughter Day” – this, I trust, is not cruel humour, but in the spirit of celebration of good humour.
The Christian faith is good foundation for holding in tension the paradoxes of our world. We have, once again, marked the violent death and celebrated the glorious resurrection of our Lord Jesus. As senseless violence and various forms of injustice continue to mar the lives of many, hope is kept alive by those who respond with compassion and care. Christian hope is kept alive by Jesus’ defeat of death. May the opportunities for celebrations in May be a resource for facing whatever comes our way.