Life can often feel overwhelming and complicated, especially with the endless stream of information we consume on a daily basis. As the Queen in Lewis Carroll’s Through the Looking Glass remarks, “Sometimes, I’ve believed as many as six impossible things before breakfast.”
In trying to make sense of it all, we gravitate toward voices that offer clarity and reassurance. However, this tendency has led us to align closely with like-minded groups, creating deep divisions – both in politics and within the Church, places we rely on for direction and meaning.
In his wisdom, Pope Francis has named the 2025 Jubilee Year, Pilgrims of Hope.
He recognizes that, despite the vitriol and noise surrounding us, a glimmer of hope dwells in each of us. As he writes, “Everyone knows what it is to hope. In the heart of each person, hope dwells as the desire and expectation of good things to come, despite our not knowing what the future may bring.”
We often associate hope with a positive emotion, but it is less about our feelings and more about a grounded perspective.
Hope serves as the keeper of memory, offering us a broader view from a higher vantage point. Anchored in our deep Christian roots, hope reminds us that true fulfillment comes from a source beyond ourselves. It strengthens faith and love, helping to ease the tensions that often challenge them.
I am creating a faith-sharing guide for Lent 2025 titled The Power of Hope. The booklet will be available for free download from my website in two weeks, with a limited supply of printed copies also offered. Each week of Lent, the guide includes the Sunday readings, a personal reflection from me, and four faith-sharing questions for the group to discuss together. I warmly invite you to accompany me on this spiritual journey. Throughout the six weeks of Lent, you and your small group will reflect on the scriptures the Church offers us during this sacred season.
Leading a group is simple. The guide includes clear instructions for leaders, and I will be happy to personally connect with you if you need encouragement or support. Additionally, I will be leading an open group for my blog readers, beginning on Ash Wednesday, March 5th and continuing every Wednesday through April 9th. Sessions will last one hour and be held at 11:00 am Pacific, 12:00 noon Mountain, 1:00 pm Central, and 2:00 pm Eastern. If you are interested in signing up for that small group, or have questions about leading your own, please reach out to me at claire@catholic-conversation.com.
Let’s walk this Lenten journey together!.
Hope is that strength that we can look into a future guided by the Holy Spirit.
May we all tap into hope at its source