A Meditation on Givenness

by Saint John Paul II

Saint John Paul II’s Meditation on Givenness was never published during the Holy Father’s lifetime, and even today remains unknown in most languages. In it, he weaves together essential themes of his pontificate, including God’s plan for human love, the theology of the body, the dignity of womanhood, and each person’s call to find oneself through a sincere gift of self.

As the title indicates, the text is intended to be read as a meditation. Like a choice wine, the reflections ought to be savored rather than consumed in haste. In it, readers will discover a synthesis of the Holy Father’s thought that is unparalleled in its simplicity and beauty.

30 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 10, 2025

Reviews

[Aimee Ecuyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you’ve ever thought to yourself, “man, JPII wrote so many amazing works, but the thought of reading them all is so overwhelming. I wish I could just read one book that distills all of his writings and what he was most passionate about into a pocket-sized summary of his brain!” …….then boy do I have the book for you!

Genuinely, this tiny little book is somehow a digestible synopsis of all that JPII most deeply cared about. But don’t mistake short and digestible for a quick read!! I read each section/meditation at least three times before moving on to the next. Day after day I would return to the same meditation and find there was more to discover because these pages are so incredibly rich. In order to drink from this well, you must be willing to drink slowly and to return again and again until you have the peace of understanding.

I will be sitting with what I read in these pages for a very long time. I plan to return to this deep well many more times.

[Cameron Rozean · Rating 5 out of 5]

The ultimate Love is self-gift. Can confirm this was a W

[Maggie Lunsford]

I feel like I simply cannot give this saint’s meditation a rating. Quality things to ponder for sure and can certainly probably make one feel different things at different points in time.

[Mary Helen Sherman · Rating 5 out of 5]

The back says that this should be read like a choice wine and I wholeheartedly agree. This meditation cannot be devoured, it must be sipped on and sat with. Highly recommend.

[Andrew Cunningham · Rating 5 out of 5]

So so good. The content of this meditation holds a key to a fulfilling life as God designed it. Seeing my life through the lens of givenness can be a real paradigm shift. It is simple, beautiful, and convicting. A great reminder that life from God's perspective is really epic.

[Elisabeth Ball · Rating 5 out of 5]

This magnificent meditation was recommended to me by a friend and it is an absolute gem. It is essentially a very elegant tldr on “Love and Responsibility”. I would highly recommend it to anyone!

[Claire Walker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beauty is a source of strength for man.

Uniqueness is not a limitation, but a window into
the depths.