The Most Important Decision in Life | Bishop Robert Barron

This speech was delivered on May 13, 2023, at the 171st Commencement Ceremony of Hillsdale College.
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Hillsdale College is an independent institution of higher learning founded in 1844 by men and women “grateful to God for the inestimable blessings” resulting from civil and religious liberty and “believing that the diffusion of learning is essential to the perpetuity of these blessings.” It pursues the stated object of the founders: “to furnish all persons who wish, irrespective of nation, color, or sex, a literary, scientific, [and] theological education” outstanding among American colleges “and to combine with this such moral and social instruction as will best develop the minds and improve the hearts of its pupils.” As a nonsectarian Christian institution, Hillsdale College maintains “by precept and example” the immemorial teachings and practices of the Christian faith.
The College also considers itself a trustee of our Western philosophical and theological inheritance tracing to Athens and Jerusalem, a heritage finding its clearest expression in the American experiment of self-government under law.
By training the young in the liberal arts, Hillsdale College prepares students to become leaders worthy of that legacy. By encouraging the scholarship of its faculty, it contributes to the preservation of that legacy for future generations. By publicly defending that legacy, it enlists the aid of other friends of free civilization and thus secures the conditions of its own survival and independence.

[@danielmarai1005]

Love it when Bishop Robert Barron addresses his audiences as "fellow sinners"

[@gmtegirl]

Oh two of my favorites together - Hillsdale and Bishop Barron. This is like a feast for me.

[@kenboyer5948]

👍👍👍

[@dorotheaivanovna9457]

Complete agreement

[@82abhilash]

The speech is 5 seconds short of 20 minutes. But will impart to the students wisdom that will guide them for a lifetime. This must go down as one of the greatest speeches in the English language.

[@tommoore8726]

Bravo Hillsdale College for having the intellectual courage and integrity to invite Bishop Barron. Ironically, too many Catholic colleges and universities lack the same courage to invite a speaker such as Bishop Barron.

[@IReminisceNYC]

God bless the students, Hillsdale College, and Bishop Barron.

[@brianback6136]

So impressed by Hillsdale College's commencement speaker choice! And Bishop Barron is spot on that the Christian world has a common (and very powerful) enemy and only through our united efforts can we take on that enemy - one 'on fire' human soul at a time. God Bless you graduates!!

[@562Omar]

Definitely an eloquent and timely speech delivered by Bishop Barron. Perfect for all Christians - Catholic, Orthodox, and Protestants.

[@TheCombatartist]

Wonderfully articulate,erudite speaker. Bravo Hillsdale for your open minded approach and principles regarding commencement speakers.

[@user-xz3iy3pt9j]

His comments could be spoken from any pulpet in America. I choose God the Father and Jesus Christ his Son and Savior of the world.

[@robertbridges4686]

I watched this and found it very good, totally relevant to all of us - especially our young people and though I am not a Catholic I found his words comforting and challenging. Good job Hillsdale.

[@theclapaolini4322]

This is a great spirit of ecumenism .I say it is time to do thus and grow to love all people and respect their beliefs and help them understand our faith and their faith to God who is our Creator and best friend. All was wonderful .God send HILLSIDE MANY BLESSINGS

[@sylvanbear7125]

Well said. People of good will can differ on doctrinal issues, but none can dismiss the earnestness of a man who is urging young people to consider what is truly valuable.

[@borrico1965]

So glad to stumble upon this video! Great speech from Bishop Barron talking about Jesus Christ our Lord to the graduates of Hillsdale College.

[@arthurquintana1345]

You know you are living right when you are subscribed to Hillsdale College and Bishop Barron! Thanks Hillsdale for all you do to promote our founding values and ethical standards.

[@shanecovey1901]

What a priviledge everyone has to listen to such a well crafted and spoken speech. God Bless everyone at Hillsdale College. God Bless Bishop Robert Barron.

[@kuriosleadershipllc2438]

Bishop Barron- for such a time as this!

[@sandyv2195]

Amen!

[@jimherlihy]

Wonderful address by one of my favorite teachers at an institution I greatly admire, thanks Bishop Barron and President Arn, congratulations to the blessed graduates.

[@patballmorrison9099]

Outstanding. I have long supported Hillsdale. And now blessed to see my Diocese Bishop Barron there! Just wow! I have followed Bishop Barron, Word on Fire before he was asssigned to our Diocese in MN. I felt we became blessed Beyond! Now with Bishop Barron at Hillsdale a perfect blend.

[@150WPR]

How wonderful to have Bishop Barron. I admire Hillsdale College and have taken many online courses and have grown in my own spiritual life. Thank you and God be with the staff and the students. shalom

[@shiba6923]

Two of my favorites coming together! Beautiful speech, thank you Hillsdale, thank you Bishop Barron, and congratulations to all the students who’ve graduated!!

[@marcellocolona4980]

This bishop should be pope!

[@JP-bn2ct]

Exactly!!!

[@paulwitten7396]

@@JP-bn2ct That's for sure!

[@BarbBeatty]

@@JP-bn2ct 😅

[@gethimrock]

@@BarbBeattywould be awesome to have an American Pope

[@capebretonmacleod]

Yes

[@johnbrown4568]

Jesus is The Way, The Truth and The Life. We who are Christians are united in this teaching. God's blessings to Bishop Barron, Hillsdale College and to the Hillsdale College graduating class of 2023.

[@alanzeppernick1084]

Thanks John for your comment. Have you ever researched the current history of immoral behaviour within the living environment of the Vatican? As well as the nightlife in Rome of the Vatican priest? Does anyone read or know of such a written text.. written by a Frenchman?

[@michaelbee2165]

​@Alan Zeppernick Indeed, recent history, within the Vatican, but innumerable dioces as well, is replete with instances of some of the most horrific lapses in moral judgement and outright dismissive attitudes toward those behaviors and the sin those behaviors represent. I cannot help but notice, that across the denominational spectrum of the Protestant church, episodes of sin and scandal associated with sexual immorality, greed, adultery, lying, and false teaching have skipped across national and international headlines, over the past several decades. Sadly, whether we speak of the Roman Catholic church or the many denominational church of Protestantism, leadership within each have at various times been in denial of these issues, or been the actual subject of the concern. Too often we Christians have stubbornly refused forgiveness, even where the appropriate confession, repentance and necessary consequences are present. While at other times we Christians have tripped over ourselves, and our brothers and sisters, to be the first to forgive, while ignoring, denying or down playing the gravity of the sin and the harm done to vulnerable and powerless souls who are most in need of protection from the clergy. Jesus' teaching in Luke 6:41-42 and Matthew 7:3-5 are so very clear on this issue. I very much enjoyed the Bishop's address and his message to the graduates concerning several of the most crucial decisions they will have to make as they begin their journey through life as young, adult and well educated believers.

[@alanzeppernick1084]

Thanks. Michael...Jesus reminds us that "Straight is the Gate and narrow is the way....and few there be that find it."

[@alanzeppernick1084]

Jesus established His Church body at Pentecost . He still is the builder,.. The foundation ànd sustainer for it's maintenance for purity. provider...and has the blueprint. Let Him speak and guide HIS Church.. It does not need to be propped up by Catholicism nor Protestantism. It can stand alone. Let Jesus lead His Church. The history of His Church is found within the books of Daniel and Revelation. Explained The thru historical events and symbolism. The symbols language is unveiled within the Scriptures. Thanks for reading.

[@joolz5747]

Love this! Unify in Jesus! 👍

[@paeyreyes]

Beautiful words and thoughts, as always, from Bishop Barron

[@tuffitout2568]

Jesus is the way, the truth and the life. God's blessiings to all.

[@imnotanalien7839]

That was an inspirational address to these wonderful, new college graduates. Bishop Barron lit the path of Truth with those beautiful words from the Holy Scriptures. ♥️✝️

[@demetrickcaldwell6124]

🔥❤️🙏 Love you Hillsdale Wonderful Commencement speech!

[@tedrowland8672]

This "bishop" needs to be born again!!

[@stephensetzer3439]

Great applause for truth. Wonderful message for graduates and us all, Christian and other.

[@rosawisteria]

Adding the movie A Man for All Seasons 1966 to my list now! Thank You Bishop!!!!

[@paulcapaccio9905]

Do you know what is interesting ? I’ll tell you now. I saw that movie decades ago and think I only watched it twice.but for some reason and now I know why, I recall very clearly those 2 moments at the end of the movie where the reference to selling one’s soul for Wales !! And the other where St Thomas More pitifully looks at Rich after the trial and says you could have done your work for friends family and God. Not a bad public ! When I heard this in the speech and when I read it in the Imprimus. Hillsdale news letter What a powerful speech by bishop Baron. I’m catholic but he spoke to all humanity. 🙏

[@thomasnohejl8196]

My grandmother is a big fan of this guy.

[@lesparks126]

It looks like the woman to the Bishop's right, was at the beginning, just staring out blankly at the beginning of the speech. But at the end, you could see her actively listening. Bishop Barron was on point. One of his best (out of many great speeches).

[@larry690]

Terrific speaker.

[@flightmasterr231]

What an excellent commencement address

[@dannoringer]

Beautiful and real. God bless Bishop Robert Barron and the graduating class at Hillsdale.

[@pumzahlekane9389]

Great elucidation. Greetings from South africa

[@ronnestman4696]

I’m so grateful for Bishop Barron and Word on Fire ministries. It brings so much spiritual peace to my heart and life. God bless them always 🙏❤️✝️

[@NUKE.2024]

Awesome; Hillsdale & Bishop Barron!

[@eleanorbertuch135]

Bishop speaks words of wisdom for all to hear❣️

[@marymonroe7042]

Excellent Bishop Barron! +JMJ+ ❤

[@G-MIP]

Thank you Bishop Barron- your YT content delivers so much value!

[@leesimmons42]

He’s fantastic

[@robbpowell194]

Bringing it to the Cross. A master class.

[@mariaGonzalez-gd5rv]

This is the most impactful commencement speech I've ever heard. Thank you for this gift to the ear and the soul.

[@msgoody2shoes959]

Wow 👏 😮👏 that speech... wow!!!

[@drndomomelinguitherese]

God bless you Eminency Bishop Barron, the Students Hillsdale College and their teachers. Glory be to God !

[@angelinesanthanam5392]

What a grand message. To fresh graduates...." succeed in becoming the fire that lights up the earth." Bishop Barron you are a fearless and encouraging moral guide to not just the youth but to all of us....God bless you!!! ❤🎉

[@michaelman957]

A very relevant speech.

[@ancient_music]

I could listen to such speeches for hours. Everything Bishop Robert Barron says is always so well thought out and is both intellectually and spiritually challenging.

[@joanwernick6359]

God Bless you all. That was a beautiful and thought provoking speech which applies to us all at this time. Thank you Hillsdale for this opportunity to learn and be inspired.

[@lorrainezimmerman4831]

Good Choice for your commencement speaker!! Congratulations to all the students!!!!

[@jc1125]

Thank you for sharing this talk.

[@jdzentrist8711]

My mood is always uplifted, my negative attitude generally improved, after listening to Bishop Barron's inspiring words, which are always based on the Bible and the great global Catholic Faith.

[@kevinwerner5500]

Bravo, Hillsdale & your teachings that are God centered and seek what our founding fathers wanted to teach in our great universities!

[@Martin-qm2lg]

Light that fire of truth amongst the false idols of our day.

[@suzannec3357]

The power of good is so much greater than the power of Evil. Imagine that power when it's united through good people. Wonderful address. God bless you, graduates, as you go out in the world to do good. You've had absolutely the best education.

[@erasmojmedina]

OMG ❤ the speech, so motivated and inspiring, so blessed to the new graduates 😊

[@peterchang0323]

When I saw movies like A Man For All Seasons, I questioned myself if people like Sir Thomas Moore actually existed. I no longer doubt because I just watched and listened to a person just like Sir Thomas Moore. They are the true embodiment of our Lord Jesus Christ.

[@Xpistos510]

May the peace of our Lord be with you always.

[@edenjohnson3342]

CONGRATS, HILLSDALE; GREAT CHOICE!

[@fngallager]

victor davis hanson my hero a beacon of acute earthly intellect in a college willing respectfully to hear our bishop whom is my peer whom also respects dylan hitchens thus ties this new generation to all of our search for historical truth beyond.hitchen was questioned as he was faced with death if he would believe now in god. no emphatically he said.. but i do like surprises..a glimmer of hope from his search. congratulations to the graduates for picking this venue of study as mine will be doing also this year from fordham saturday.what a bright future our country is guiding.god bless

[@michellewahl4756]

Generous of the brilliant Bishop Barron to offer his time. He looks great in his cassock and Tudor bonnet.

[@brendamyc3173]

It does seem to me though that the type of suffering endured for justice changes depending on one's particular vocation and call. Some may be called to die....some may have to suffer the loss of finances, status, career...etc. Some may have to suffer by enduring whatever....and some may suffer by being called to change and then remove the corruption especially by challenging their own weakness and turning them into strengths. Every type of suffering endured requires God's grace.

[@timothyodonnell8591]

Having viewed the video, I'm looking forward to reading it in Imprimis.

[@sarawoods1450]

Excellent and wise address!

[@gregafuso8226]

'I have come to set the world on fire' (Luke 12:4) ..."and if you become the persons God intends you to be - you will succeed in lighting a fire upon the earth". Wow, I totally get it.

[@itazenin]

Congratulations on the graduates! Awesome speaker...

[@janemazzola4454]

AMEN...to JOIN TOGETHER! BLESS YOU for such a BRAVE Statement! SUCH a profound Address! One would hope each graduating student would walk away, pondering Bishop Barron's remarks/challenging questions for his/her own future, & let those challenges be guiding principles for life.

[@billkent2]

Agreed. Pure Inspiration ❤

[@dynamic9016]

Thanks much for this video.

[@tomj4262]

Wonderful address!

[@domingofernandez789]

This is a very savvy man with the right words for any commencemt exercise.

[@mapaz555]

Wonderful bishop

[@danhickey1227]

Beautiful.

[@Thomas-dw1nb]

This was quite good.

[@chris.h.9227]

.~Wonderful delivery Bishop Barron, the moral scruples of modern society can really be seen in the highlight of the two altars today, as Christians, it's our solemn duty both to God & Christ to fulfill our obligations to Him (God the Father, through Jesus Christ the Son) & fully accomplish our ministry as the Apostle Paul was inspired to write in his teachings, I can only hope through God's love, to achieve this. I look forward to your Sermon on Sunday, dear friend! God bless you brother! In Christ Jesus Mighty name Amen!~.

[@finalfront689]

Wish I had heard this 3 weeks ago. I would have incorporated some of it into my appellants reply brief appealing the injustice of the unemployment system in Maryland during 2021. Would have made a great closing!

[@EricA-xd9fn]

"He who is not against us is FOR us."

[@robinburgett2088]

Thank you Mr. Hill, Dr.Ann, Patrick Flannery, and mostly The Great Students I have the utmost respect, to accomplish what I was not able to , YET, but Thank you Hillsdale , Thank You, Father Abba, Your Beloved Son Jesus and Our Holy Spirit In Jesus Name Be Blessed Prosperous In Every way and Full of Joy Amen and Amen Your Sisiter In Christ Jesus Much Love an Happiness with much Wisdom From The Lord Jesus .....Amen and Amen

[@reginaclaire4680]

ty ❤

[@robertrenaud958]

Whoa.

[@jimmalloy7279]

Great speech! Congrats to the graduates!

[@litacanaman4919]

He finally come out, God bless him

[@CLMNX]

So intelligent and fitting for the occasion. I love this guy ❤❤❤

[@terrygrossmayer6742]

Once again, Bishop Barron does not disappoint! What a gift he is to our broken world. God bless you graduates. Go light that fire upon the earth!

[@erikvynckier4819]

Great statement of the principles of Christianity and its most crucial consequences in today's world of sin, abortion, addiction.

[@n-tv5fm]

Prayers for Bishop, let Jesus Christ guide him 💯

[@Neurolytic76]

Wow. Everytime I listen to this Bishop, I remained impressed. We are all brothers and sisters in Christ. Imagine the Church united.

[@haronsmith8974]

The reformation has a long ways to go before the Church unites.

[@armandaliotta7065]

Perfect speech…educational,inspiring,grounded in eternal values…

[@OurGodIsLove]

Thank you, Bishop Barron, for addressing the most challenging issues in today's world. Congratulations to the new Graduates!

[@antonmeemana1261]

A great speech indeed.

[@artorefalnera3055]

❤🙏

[@Giangle-dx9qq]

thankyou Father

[@sofiaalgiz2820]

Someday I believe Bishop Baron will become Pope one day.

[@thomascooney6644]

A great mind all great minds think alike !

[@tnmtnmorning1178]

Excellent!

[@MariaMartinez-xm4fl]

❤

[@reginaclaire4680]

ty. i AM. therefore I think and act.

[@jvc43523]

👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@johnkelly7713]

as a catholic I was very surprised bishop Barron was their commencement speaker. well, us Christian has a common enemy.

[@gregbourn6915]

Who is your enemy? I wonder what Jesus would think about that statement.

[@johnkelly7713]

@@gregbourn6915 so i guess you did not listen to bishop barron commencement.

[@halvardlund4782]

c") I am here for the hats and the drinks :) 🎉🎉🎉

[@TruePT]

“A surprise for sure, but a welcome one”