In the words of Harvey Milk:
“The important thing is not that we can live on hope alone, but that without hope, life is not worth living.”
O God in whom we hope, we thank You for the hope and resilience of the Asian and Pacific Islander American Heritage Month honorees. By their leadership in providing ongoing solutions to the challenges of our times, they offer hope to all those who wish to transform lives and bring justice to those who are often marginalized and misrepresented. Give all of us the strength to accomplish the seemingly impossible with limited time, energy, and resources. Help us to be especially sensitive to the needs of those who are vulnerable and those who are close to despair. May all that we do today engender hope in our communities, and may we continue to hope in Your divine providence. We ask this in Your name.—AMEN.