Yesterday the priests of the diocese gathered at the Basilica of Our Lady of Consolation in Carey, Ohio, to help ensure our own strong start to Advent.

Bishop Earl Boyer (Lansing) presented an inspiring biblical reflection on hope, explaining that “hope brings faith and charity [love] along.” Hope is the “aspiration to happiness” that God graciously plants in our hearts in baptism and relentlessly seeks to grow it within us. Bishop Boyer framed hope as a guiding, directional virtue. It enables us to move beyond difficulties, fueling perseverance to navigate life’s constant struggles.

The object of our hope is clear: Christ Jesus our Lord and King! With eyes set squarely on the Resurrected Jesus, we can and will live both as pilgrims and leaders of hope.

This Advent, let us dare to press forward by keeping hope alive.