Many are truly saddened at the tragedy that occurred Monday to the Notre Dame Cathedral. I confess I’ve never visited there, nor have I read Victor Hugo’s novel. It is indeed a loss when something so magnificent suffers.
I can only imagine what it has withstood in its nearly 900 years. The history it has witnessed outside its walls, the lives it has seen transformed within.
It’s always a tragedy when buildings of faith are destroyed. Those buildings are sacred to those that worship in them. Etched in Notre Dame, in a crypt I believe, are the words “Spira. Spera.” Breathe. Hope.
Perhaps the building will be restored, rebuilt as other churches often are.
However this restoration turns out, it reminds me that there is Restoration and Hope available to us as well. This restoration and hope last longer than any man-made building.
In this week especially, it’s nice to remember that with Christ’s last breath on the cross He gave us Hope.
Anytime we utter His name, breathe His name, He is right there.
Spira. Spera.
Breathe. Hope.

“…According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead…to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you,…” – 1 Peter 3:3-4