Often, we expect a message of hope to carry the tone of inspiration, encouragement, or something that brings positivity to the present, rather than the future.

I have heard many people share their struggles with loneliness and darkness. Often, these terms are associated with negative connotations. We may even be taught not to dwell on them.

When I wrote my last pastoral reflection, the world was shaken by the Air Jeju aircraft incident. Now, as I prepare for this reflection, we are once again faced with tragedy—this time, a natural disaster.

As I sit down to write this reflection on 30 December, 2024, the world is in shock over the tragic plane crash that happened just yesterday, 29 December, 2024, at Muan International Airport in South Korea.