One of the defining features of the Christian moral and spiritual life is the supernatural virtue of hope. What is hope? What makes hope more than a mere superstition? How does hope help us live both individually and in community? Can hope have negative consequences, like motivating people to remain passive in the face of injustice? And what, if any, evangelical significance does hope have? Bishop Barron gives us five reasons why we should be hopeful in the new year. A listener asks how he can find the strength to pray again. 00:00 | Intro 01:14 | Bishop Barron's 2024 highlights 02:47 | The Christian concept of hope 04:15 | Hope's relationship to reason 05:12 | Hope's practical value in life 06:24 | Distinguishing hope from faith 08:27 | Distinguishing hope from optimism 10:21 | Responding to critiques of hope 15:37 | Reason 1: Bible sales increase while "nones" appear to have peaked 19:53 | Reason 2: Woke ideology is losing its grip on the culture 23:27 | Reason 3: Protestants and Catholics have increased cooperation 25:36 | Reason 4: The public response to the reopening of Notre Dame Cathedral 30:01 | Reason 5: The Church continues to grow 31:27 | Listener question 33:53 | Join the Word on Fire Institute Links: Article on Bible sales: https://www.foxnews.com/media/bible-sales-surge-thanks-fresh-editions-new-buyers-looking-things-feel-more-solid-report-finds Word on Fire Institute: https://institute.wordonfire.org/ NOTE: Do you like this podcast? Become a Word on Fire IGNITE member! Word on Fire is a non-profit ministry that depends on the support of our listeners . . . like you! So become a part of this mission and join IGNITE today to become a Word on Fire insider and receive some special donor gifts for your generosity.

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“What did the council decide on item 42?” — answered with the speaker and the moment.

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