In the middle of so much pain and sadness how can there be so much joy? I was thinking about this recently while watching closely the non-event of the jewish holiday Tisha B'av, this is the day when both temples where destroyed as well as other significant painfull events in Jewish history occured. This day of remembrance is the culmination of weeks of deepening saddness, a pit of darkness where it seems that no light can shine. And yet it does, less than a week later is one of the happiest festivals of Tu B'av. This is living picture of hope for individuals and whole communities. No matter how bad or painfull the saddness will not last for ever, to be assured that in season joy will return. It is a hand plunged into the dark for everyone who needs it to take hold of and be helped into the light.
In my current Tisha B'av my hand is Psalm 121 vs 1-2. Its a big hand and if you need it the owner is holding it out for you.
