I grew up in the CRC (Christian Reformed Church) and when I was coming into college I knew that I had a good relationship with God. At that time, I was deep into reading the Bible, prayer, and living out my faith through good works. However, now that I look back, I see that I did not have much understanding of faith and the reasons behind why I held such beliefs. That all changed when I was introduced to the beauty and genius of Catholicism through the Saint Benedict Institute.
I think that God touches people in three different ways: goodness, beauty, and truth. Nowhere was this truer for me than in the latter. What led to this new discovery of faith was simply looking for answers, but what I did not expect was falling so much more deeply in love with Jesus and the Church that he gave to us. The explosive passion I feel interiorly comes from my unshakable confidence in Catholicism. This confidence is indispensable in helping me expand my love of God and of others. In the Gospel of John, Jesus declares that he is the Truth. This faith in Christ is not irrational. In fact, it is more rational and truer than any other truth that I’ve encountered. As someone whose curiosity led me to more intimacy with God, I am an unrelenting advocate for the idea that people deserve answers to their questions. There is no better place for this than at Hope College.
Even when I don't fully recognize it, I am so grateful to have access to the remarkable ministry of the Saint Benedict Institute. My faith journey has led me to my Confirmation, which will be held on November 26, 2023, on the campus of Hope College. Spera in Deo.
Drew Hoeksema a junior from Grand Rapids, Michigan. He is studying business.
