What comes to mind when you hear the word refuge? A mountain cabin in a storm? It’s safety. A place you run to when everything else feels uncertain.

Hope is a word we throw around a lot, but when you’re in the thick of real-life struggle, it can start to feel far away. But hope isn't just wishful thinking. As Catholics, it's something deeper.

As we go into this Jubilee Year we are called to be Pilgrims of Hope. Advent and Christmas are seasons of journeys and pilgrimages. It is also a season of contrasts, between light and dark, have's and have-not's.

How many of us immediately answer the call of God without even taking a moment to discern? Just say, your will, not mine.

We discuss faith and prayer based spiritual gifts or charisms. What are they and do you have them?

We have to die to our old way of life, and take up his cross along with him. We have to join with Jesus on the cross.

Pain and loneliness can become so overwhelming that it becomes difficult to breathe. God offers us encouragement when we need it most.

A relationship is a two way street. But we also have to be an active participant in the relationship.

When God blesses us, do we realize it? Do we know when to give Him thanks?

Forgiveness is a process. It’s not just saying, “I forgive you” and being done with it.