In this episode, Jude reflects on the season of Advent and particularly on the theme of Hope. Not as pie-in-the sky optimism but as a courageous, rooted act of trust, even - perhaps especially - amidst uncertainty.

Highlights from the episode:

What is Advent and what do "Christians" believe?

Advent as a season of hope: What does it mean to prepare for hope in a broken world?

Personal story: A rainbow amidst a cloudy day as a reminder to lean into hope.

Spiritual reflection: Hope is not denial—it’s a resilient choice to trust in renewal and act with courage.

Wisdom from others: Reflections from Henri Nouwen, Cynthia Bourgeault, Rebecca Solnit, Pope Francis and Br. David Steindl Rast

A brief excerpt from Emily Dickinson's poem, "‘Hope’ is the thing with feathers."

Sources

⁠https://www.cynthiabourgeault.org

Dickinson, Emily, ‘“Hope” Is the Thing with Feathers’ (1891)<https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/42889/hope-is-the-thing-with-feathers-314⁠

Quote from Br. David Steindl Rast ⁠https://grateful.org/resource/hope-3

Nouwen, Henri J.M., Advent and Christmas Wisdom from Henri J.M. Nouwen (Ligouri Publications, 2004)

Pope Francis, ‘Angelus, 1 December 2024 ⁠https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/angelus/2024/documents/20241201-angelus.html⁠

Rebecca Solnit, Hope in the Dark : Untold Histories, Wild Possibilities. (Canongate, 2016)

http://rebeccasolnit.net

Gospel Reading for the first Sunday in Advent 2024