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Evangelii Gaudium: The Joy of the Gospel
In his first apostolic exhortation, Pope Francis delves more deeply into the new evangelization, building on the foundation laid by Benedict XVI and John Paul II. The document discusses evangelization in the context of both the pulpit and the world. Referencing Paul VI, John Paul II, Benedict XVI, the Second Vatican Council, and many Church documents, Pope Francis calls the Church to a greater evangelization empowered by a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ
143 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2013
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About the author
Pope Francis
1,327 books999 followersPope Francis (Latin: Franciscus; Italian: Francesco; Spanish: Francisco; born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, 17 December 1936) was the 266th Pope of the Roman Catholic Church, a title he held ex officio as Bishop of Rome, and Sovereign of the Vatican City. He chose Francis as his papal name in honor of Saint Francis of Assisi. Francis was the first Jesuit pope, the first from the Americas, the first from the Southern Hemisphere and the first non-European pope since the Syrian Gregory III, who died in 741.
Born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Bergoglio worked briefly as a chemical technologist and nightclub bouncer before beginning seminary studies. He was ordained a Catholic priest in 1969 and from 1973 to 1979 was Argentina's provincial superior of the Society of Jesus. He was accused of handing two priests to the National Reorganization Process during the Dirty War, but the lawsuit was ultimately dismissed. He became the Archbishop of Buenos Aires in 1998 and was created a cardinal in 2001 by Pope John Paul II. He led the Argentine Church during the December 2001 riots in Argentina, and the administrations of Néstor Kirchner and Cristina Fernández de Kirchner considered him a political rival. Following the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI on 28 February 2013, a papal conclave elected Bergoglio as his successor on 13 March.
Throughout his public life, Pope Francis had been noted for his humility, emphasis on God's mercy, concern for the poor, and commitment to interfaith dialogue. He was credited with having a humble, less formal approach to the papacy than his predecessors, for instance choosing to reside in the Domus Sanctae Marthae guesthouse rather than in the papal apartments of the Apostolic Palace used by his predecessors. In addition, due to both his Jesuit and Ignatian aesthetic, he was known for favoring simpler vestments void of ornamentation, including refusing the traditional papal mozzetta cape upon his election, choosing silver instead of gold for his piscatory ring, and keeping the same pectoral cross he had as Cardinal. He maintained that the church should be more open and welcoming. He did not support unbridled capitalism, Marxism, or Marxist versions of liberation theology. Francis maintained the traditional views of the church regarding abortion, euthanasia, contraception, homosexuality, ordination of women, and priestly celibacy. He opposed consumerism, irresponsible development, and supported taking action on climate change, a focus of his papacy with the promulgation of Laudato si'. In international diplomacy, he helped to restore full diplomatic relations between the U.S. and Cuba.
Born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Bergoglio worked briefly as a chemical technologist and nightclub bouncer before beginning seminary studies. He was ordained a Catholic priest in 1969 and from 1973 to 1979 was Argentina's provincial superior of the Society of Jesus. He was accused of handing two priests to the National Reorganization Process during the Dirty War, but the lawsuit was ultimately dismissed. He became the Archbishop of Buenos Aires in 1998 and was created a cardinal in 2001 by Pope John Paul II. He led the Argentine Church during the December 2001 riots in Argentina, and the administrations of Néstor Kirchner and Cristina Fernández de Kirchner considered him a political rival. Following the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI on 28 February 2013, a papal conclave elected Bergoglio as his successor on 13 March.
Throughout his public life, Pope Francis had been noted for his humility, emphasis on God's mercy, concern for the poor, and commitment to interfaith dialogue. He was credited with having a humble, less formal approach to the papacy than his predecessors, for instance choosing to reside in the Domus Sanctae Marthae guesthouse rather than in the papal apartments of the Apostolic Palace used by his predecessors. In addition, due to both his Jesuit and Ignatian aesthetic, he was known for favoring simpler vestments void of ornamentation, including refusing the traditional papal mozzetta cape upon his election, choosing silver instead of gold for his piscatory ring, and keeping the same pectoral cross he had as Cardinal. He maintained that the church should be more open and welcoming. He did not support unbridled capitalism, Marxism, or Marxist versions of liberation theology. Francis maintained the traditional views of the church regarding abortion, euthanasia, contraception, homosexuality, ordination of women, and priestly celibacy. He opposed consumerism, irresponsible development, and supported taking action on climate change, a focus of his papacy with the promulgation of Laudato si'. In international diplomacy, he helped to restore full diplomatic relations between the U.S. and Cuba.
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July 23, 2018
(in my book version, afterword is by James Martin SJ)
Another good book from Pope Francis, this time about the joy of the Gospel, and the evangelization of it. Even me as an introvert layperson can find information and inspiration in this. This is a call to action, to a life of faith, and thus responding to God's love for us in the way that fits within our cultures' variations. The joy of the Gospel, and the message it spreads is: Jesus has risen! This is the #1 reason, and the one to spread in the world.
It is important to serve God and love his creation, and renew our interest in getting close to Jesus (again). It is quite easy to get tangled in the dangerous mess of worries and pursuits of the world, forgetting the joy one has learned. This joy is a firm, quite trust, even amid the greatest distresses in our lives. Looking at Jesus gives us direction.
There is a need of evangelization - to go outside our familiar comfort zones of faith, to be open to seekers. This goes both for the people of the Church and the laypeople. We should be inspired to move beyond "we have always done it this way", towards bolder creativity of approaching people. The poor and the sick should be among the first of our concern. (Francis lists a number of challengers in today's world for evangelization in one chapter, and ways to make a good homily - and doing catechesis work - in another part.)
We shouldn't be shunning good ways of popular piety (pilgrimages, rosary, candles, adoration). And we should frequently look into the nourishing, strengtening world of God's word. It is also good keep in my how we treat others, for that comes back on us later. The global and the local worlds should work in harmony. And it is important to work on including the poor in society, cultivating peace and social dialogue.
The things that help us in our various levels of evangelization include a good prayer life, a good relationship with Jesus, and loving others. Mary is also our help in this work. The point about mercy pops up in the book, and is worked on wider in other books (interesting).
In the end, I can say that while the book started slowly, it picked up on inspiring ideas as it went on, and the end poem tied up things very nicely. The first echos of the Year of Mercy seem to appear already; and even if some parts are directed mostly to certain people (fe. people who give homilies in Churches and such), even the more introverted people can get ideas on how to give evangelization, even if just in living one's life in Christian faith, as an example. Great read.
Another good book from Pope Francis, this time about the joy of the Gospel, and the evangelization of it. Even me as an introvert layperson can find information and inspiration in this. This is a call to action, to a life of faith, and thus responding to God's love for us in the way that fits within our cultures' variations. The joy of the Gospel, and the message it spreads is: Jesus has risen! This is the #1 reason, and the one to spread in the world.
It is important to serve God and love his creation, and renew our interest in getting close to Jesus (again). It is quite easy to get tangled in the dangerous mess of worries and pursuits of the world, forgetting the joy one has learned. This joy is a firm, quite trust, even amid the greatest distresses in our lives. Looking at Jesus gives us direction.
There is a need of evangelization - to go outside our familiar comfort zones of faith, to be open to seekers. This goes both for the people of the Church and the laypeople. We should be inspired to move beyond "we have always done it this way", towards bolder creativity of approaching people. The poor and the sick should be among the first of our concern. (Francis lists a number of challengers in today's world for evangelization in one chapter, and ways to make a good homily - and doing catechesis work - in another part.)
We shouldn't be shunning good ways of popular piety (pilgrimages, rosary, candles, adoration). And we should frequently look into the nourishing, strengtening world of God's word. It is also good keep in my how we treat others, for that comes back on us later. The global and the local worlds should work in harmony. And it is important to work on including the poor in society, cultivating peace and social dialogue.
The things that help us in our various levels of evangelization include a good prayer life, a good relationship with Jesus, and loving others. Mary is also our help in this work. The point about mercy pops up in the book, and is worked on wider in other books (interesting).
In the end, I can say that while the book started slowly, it picked up on inspiring ideas as it went on, and the end poem tied up things very nicely. The first echos of the Year of Mercy seem to appear already; and even if some parts are directed mostly to certain people (fe. people who give homilies in Churches and such), even the more introverted people can get ideas on how to give evangelization, even if just in living one's life in Christian faith, as an example. Great read.
February 26, 2015
Like many outside of the Catholic faith, I am a great admirer of the current pope. Francis was elected upon Pope Benedict XVI’s retirement in 2013. When he chose the name Francis (after the 12th Century Franciscan founder) and wowed the world with his simple, generous lifestyle, many have seen fresh winds of change blowing in Rome. In terms of theology, he is not significantly different from his predecessors. He lacks Benedict’s keen theological acumen (no insult here, Ratzinger is brillant!); however here is a pope who is pastorally sensitive and attentive to those on the margins. If there are indeed winds of change blowing in the Catholic church, it is one of tone.
This is what makes Evangelii Gaudium (The Joy of the Gospel) so refreshing (yes I know it has been out a while and I’m late to the party). This is his second encyclical (though his first is regarded as largely Benedict’s work). Reading as an outsider, I hear the importance this pope places on gospel proclamation, that the church and all the faithful are given the missional responsibility of making disciples. He also stresses that the church and its ministers need to be thoughtful about how best to engage in the work of evangelization–that this involves holistic mission and care for the poor, as well as thoughtful ecumenical and inter-religious dialogue. While many of his examples (and source material) make the most sense to the Catholic faithful, those of us in the other ‘ecclesial communions’ will also find in Francis an appropriate challenge toward holistic, generous and joyful proclamation.
Much of what Francis says here is rooted in Lumen Gentium (Light of Nations) from the Dogmatic Constitution of Vatican II. Francis speaks to the following issues:
a) the reform of the Curch in her missionary outreach;
b) the temptations faced by pastoral workers;
c) the Church, understood as the entire People of God which evangelizes;
d) the homily and its preparation;
e)the inclusion of the poor in society;
f) peace and dialogue within society
g) the spiritual motivations for missions (17)
These seven topics give shape to the Pope’s discourse (notice that the alleged economic preoccupation of the Pope is couched and made subservient to the larger question of Christian mission). Reading as a Protestant, I found I could affirm much of what is said here. I still have many points of theological contention ( such as the authority of the pope, differences on ecclesiology and soteriology) but this is such a generous and magnanimous presentation so I don’t much feel like fighting with the pope. As a preaching pastor I especially loved his words about homily preparation (145-159). As an advocate for mission with justice, I think this is a rich resource for us (especially 176-257).
Yet as I said above, what I appreciate most is tone. This is a book about the joy: joy in Christ through the church. Proclamation is not the main papal imperative here. Joyful proclamation is. Francis calls us back to the idea that the gospel–good news!–is joyful:
There are Christians whose lives seem like Lent without Easter. I realize of course that joy is not expressed the same way at all times in life, especially at moments of great difficulty. Joy adapts and changes, but it always endures, even as a flicker of light born of our personal certainty that, when everything is said and done, we are infinitely loved. I understand the grief of people who have to endure great suffering, yet slowly but surely we all have to let the joy of faith slowly revive as a quiet yet firm trust, even amid the greatest distress: “My soul is bereft of peace; I have forgotten what happiness is . . .But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope: the steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning. Great is your faithfulness . . . It is good that one should wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord” (Lam 3:17,21-23,26) (paragraph 6).
I have heard too many ex-Catholics bemoan their Catholic guilt. I have heard far too much from somber saints. How nice to hear a robust ode to Catholic Joy! Well done Papa Frank! 5 Stars.
Notice of material connection: I recieved this free from the publisher in exchange for my honest review!
This is what makes Evangelii Gaudium (The Joy of the Gospel) so refreshing (yes I know it has been out a while and I’m late to the party). This is his second encyclical (though his first is regarded as largely Benedict’s work). Reading as an outsider, I hear the importance this pope places on gospel proclamation, that the church and all the faithful are given the missional responsibility of making disciples. He also stresses that the church and its ministers need to be thoughtful about how best to engage in the work of evangelization–that this involves holistic mission and care for the poor, as well as thoughtful ecumenical and inter-religious dialogue. While many of his examples (and source material) make the most sense to the Catholic faithful, those of us in the other ‘ecclesial communions’ will also find in Francis an appropriate challenge toward holistic, generous and joyful proclamation.
Much of what Francis says here is rooted in Lumen Gentium (Light of Nations) from the Dogmatic Constitution of Vatican II. Francis speaks to the following issues:
a) the reform of the Curch in her missionary outreach;
b) the temptations faced by pastoral workers;
c) the Church, understood as the entire People of God which evangelizes;
d) the homily and its preparation;
e)the inclusion of the poor in society;
f) peace and dialogue within society
g) the spiritual motivations for missions (17)
These seven topics give shape to the Pope’s discourse (notice that the alleged economic preoccupation of the Pope is couched and made subservient to the larger question of Christian mission). Reading as a Protestant, I found I could affirm much of what is said here. I still have many points of theological contention ( such as the authority of the pope, differences on ecclesiology and soteriology) but this is such a generous and magnanimous presentation so I don’t much feel like fighting with the pope. As a preaching pastor I especially loved his words about homily preparation (145-159). As an advocate for mission with justice, I think this is a rich resource for us (especially 176-257).
Yet as I said above, what I appreciate most is tone. This is a book about the joy: joy in Christ through the church. Proclamation is not the main papal imperative here. Joyful proclamation is. Francis calls us back to the idea that the gospel–good news!–is joyful:
There are Christians whose lives seem like Lent without Easter. I realize of course that joy is not expressed the same way at all times in life, especially at moments of great difficulty. Joy adapts and changes, but it always endures, even as a flicker of light born of our personal certainty that, when everything is said and done, we are infinitely loved. I understand the grief of people who have to endure great suffering, yet slowly but surely we all have to let the joy of faith slowly revive as a quiet yet firm trust, even amid the greatest distress: “My soul is bereft of peace; I have forgotten what happiness is . . .But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope: the steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning. Great is your faithfulness . . . It is good that one should wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord” (Lam 3:17,21-23,26) (paragraph 6).
I have heard too many ex-Catholics bemoan their Catholic guilt. I have heard far too much from somber saints. How nice to hear a robust ode to Catholic Joy! Well done Papa Frank! 5 Stars.
Notice of material connection: I recieved this free from the publisher in exchange for my honest review!
March 13, 2014
In Evangelii Gaudium or The Joy of the Gospel, Pope Francis continues to establish himself as a follower of Christ who defies easy categorization and thus manipulation by any known group either within or outside the established church. So far, Pope Francis seems very unconcerned with impressing anyone. Rather, he’s very determined—like his brown-robed, bare-footed name-sake—to get down to the business of rejoicing in ‘the Gospel, radiant with glory of Christ’s cross.’ (And yet as of today, March 13, 2014, the 1st anniversary of his pontificate, his first solo document is the bestselling text since the documents of Vatican II as reported here.)
He invites each of us ‘to a renewed personal encounter with Jesus Christ, or at least an openness to letting him encounter’ us, while acknowledging there are Christians whose lives seem like Lent without Easter.
In spite of the lack of interest papal documents attract these days, the state of things is such that Pope Francis must advance the cause for pastoral and missionary conversion. He believes in the local parish as a powerhouse for creativity and self-renewal, but also writes,
There is so much good information in this Apostolic Exhortation and all are highly encouraged to read it. However, for those not inclined to read, they can also see what the Holy Father writes lived out in his papal ministry. He truly does ‘preach with his actions’ only using words as/when necessary.
He invites each of us ‘to a renewed personal encounter with Jesus Christ, or at least an openness to letting him encounter’ us, while acknowledging there are Christians whose lives seem like Lent without Easter.
In spite of the lack of interest papal documents attract these days, the state of things is such that Pope Francis must advance the cause for pastoral and missionary conversion. He believes in the local parish as a powerhouse for creativity and self-renewal, but also writes,
‘This presumes that it (the local parish) really is in contact with the homes and the lives of its people, and does not become a useless structure out of touch with people or a self-absorbed group made up of a few. The parish is the presence of the Church in a given territory, an environment for hearing God’s word, for growth in the Christian life, for dialogue, proclamation, charitable outreach, worship and celebration. In all its activities the parish encourages and trains its members to be evangelizers. It is a community of communities, a sanctuary where the thirsty come to drink in the midst of their journey, and a center of constant missionary outreach. We must admit, though, that the call to review and renew our parishes has not yet sufficed to bring them nearer to people, to make them environments of living communion and participation, and to make them completely mission-oriented.’The full document can be read here.
There is so much good information in this Apostolic Exhortation and all are highly encouraged to read it. However, for those not inclined to read, they can also see what the Holy Father writes lived out in his papal ministry. He truly does ‘preach with his actions’ only using words as/when necessary.
December 27, 2013
This lengthy letter from Pope Francis is brilliant.
He calls for believers to be transformed by their encounters with Jesus and joyfully share their faith with others.
Francis urges us to draw closer to God through the sacraments, prayerful reading of Scripture, Eucharistic adoration and a dynamic relationship with Mary, our mother and model. He urges us to pursue a fruitful balance between prayer and missionary works. Don't worry, reading the letter is much more exciting and inspiring than reading my bland description here.
This letter has attracted a lot of attention because Francis urges us to reject the new idolatry of money, and act with concern for the poor. He criticizes economic systems that perpetrate injustice. Some people have read this as a blanket condemnation of capitalism, but a close reading reveals that Francis is much more discerning than that.
While some people have characterized this letter as a sign that Francis, and perhaps the Church, is lurching leftward, I believe they are simply mistaken. It is important to note that much of the letter is focused on how people can live the Gospel in a way that will lead others to want to experience the love of God. This is, in essence, a spiritual letter. It does contain a lengthy section that examines a variety of economic and social issues that affect the contemporary world. Yet it seems to me that this section is very much in line with what other popes have published, beginning with Rerum Novarum and
extending to encyclicals by John Paul II and Benedict that addressed various social and economic issues. Beyond that, anyone who has read the Gospel will not be surprised to find that Francis is very concerned about the poor, and the threat of a "globalization of indifference."
FYI - This letter will soon be available in book form, but is already available (for free!) on the Vatican's website.
He calls for believers to be transformed by their encounters with Jesus and joyfully share their faith with others.
Francis urges us to draw closer to God through the sacraments, prayerful reading of Scripture, Eucharistic adoration and a dynamic relationship with Mary, our mother and model. He urges us to pursue a fruitful balance between prayer and missionary works. Don't worry, reading the letter is much more exciting and inspiring than reading my bland description here.
This letter has attracted a lot of attention because Francis urges us to reject the new idolatry of money, and act with concern for the poor. He criticizes economic systems that perpetrate injustice. Some people have read this as a blanket condemnation of capitalism, but a close reading reveals that Francis is much more discerning than that.
While some people have characterized this letter as a sign that Francis, and perhaps the Church, is lurching leftward, I believe they are simply mistaken. It is important to note that much of the letter is focused on how people can live the Gospel in a way that will lead others to want to experience the love of God. This is, in essence, a spiritual letter. It does contain a lengthy section that examines a variety of economic and social issues that affect the contemporary world. Yet it seems to me that this section is very much in line with what other popes have published, beginning with Rerum Novarum and
extending to encyclicals by John Paul II and Benedict that addressed various social and economic issues. Beyond that, anyone who has read the Gospel will not be surprised to find that Francis is very concerned about the poor, and the threat of a "globalization of indifference."
FYI - This letter will soon be available in book form, but is already available (for free!) on the Vatican's website.
June 8, 2014
I loved reading this Apostolic Exhortation of Pope Francis.
The theme is quite obvious from the title itself - It is a Missiological statement.
The proclamation of Gospel in Today's world should begin with understanding of the present day context. And Pope does exactly that by beginning the document with the analysis of the contemporary society and the possible dangers that could be faced by the committed evangelizers.
This then is followed by the address of proclaiming the Good News. Here, he clearly states that each Christian who has encountered Christ cannot but take the joy experienced to the others. Thus, he makes it very clear that there is no difference between a simple Christian and a trained missionary. Also he breaks the hierarchical aspect of the Church. Each one is equal in dignity by virtue of the Baptism received. And each one is a missionary taking the joy of the Gospel to the others.
He writes: "Every Christian is challenged, here and now, to be actively engaged in evangelization; indeed, anyone who has truly experienced God's saving love does not need much time or lengthy training to go out and proclaim that love. Every Christian is missionary to the extent that he or she has encountered the love of God in Christ Jesus: we no longer say that we are 'disciples' and 'missionaries', but rather that we are always 'missionary disciples'."
The theme is quite obvious from the title itself - It is a Missiological statement.
The proclamation of Gospel in Today's world should begin with understanding of the present day context. And Pope does exactly that by beginning the document with the analysis of the contemporary society and the possible dangers that could be faced by the committed evangelizers.
This then is followed by the address of proclaiming the Good News. Here, he clearly states that each Christian who has encountered Christ cannot but take the joy experienced to the others. Thus, he makes it very clear that there is no difference between a simple Christian and a trained missionary. Also he breaks the hierarchical aspect of the Church. Each one is equal in dignity by virtue of the Baptism received. And each one is a missionary taking the joy of the Gospel to the others.
He writes: "Every Christian is challenged, here and now, to be actively engaged in evangelization; indeed, anyone who has truly experienced God's saving love does not need much time or lengthy training to go out and proclaim that love. Every Christian is missionary to the extent that he or she has encountered the love of God in Christ Jesus: we no longer say that we are 'disciples' and 'missionaries', but rather that we are always 'missionary disciples'."
March 31, 2025
This entire thing fired me up.
Every section I would read I was like COME ON! GET UP!!! I personally just love a good exhorting (shoutout St. Paul), and this…I strongly encourage all of my Christian brothers and sisters to read it! Especially my Catholic ones. Everyone can learn something from this. There is ample humility in the lines of this apostolic exhortation.
Evangelization never stops!!! We are missionary disciples by our baptism and that never falls away.
Let’s step back into this part of our identity.
Every section I would read I was like COME ON! GET UP!!! I personally just love a good exhorting (shoutout St. Paul), and this…I strongly encourage all of my Christian brothers and sisters to read it! Especially my Catholic ones. Everyone can learn something from this. There is ample humility in the lines of this apostolic exhortation.
Evangelization never stops!!! We are missionary disciples by our baptism and that never falls away.
Let’s step back into this part of our identity.
April 5, 2014
Read as part of a Lent study group. Much has been written about Francis, and about this apostolic exhortation. Despite having followed the news and commentary, I was blown away by the actual document. It is much more radical, uncomfortable, uplifting, and agitating than I thought. It's also a good read - the writing is accessible but still requires something of the reader. How lovely to be spoken to by the Pope as if we were adults, capable of forming consciences. But how scary that we are so very clearly called to leave our comfort zone and actually be the People of God.
November 14, 2022
“Sometimes we are tempted to be that kind of Christian who keeps the Lord’s wounds at arms length. Yet Jesus wants us to touch human misery, to touch the suffering flesh of others. He hopes that we will stop looking for those personal or communal niches which shelter us from the maelstrom of human misfortune and instead enter into the reality of other peoples lives and know the power of tenderness. Whenever we do so, our lives become wonderfully complicated and we experience intensely what it is to be a people, to be part of a people.” (pg. 186)
Beautiful writing, the kind that humbles you in the best possible way. It’s words like the above that shake you awake from the false notion that “I only need to take care of and worry about myself.”
The Pope urges us to take an interest in others’ lives, pray to see them as God sees them, include and care for the poor, and remember that, as one large human family, we all have an obligation toward each other. If he didn’t already have 1 billion + people to minister to, I’d like to be his friend and chat.
Highly recommend! This gave me a much deeper appreciation for the central message and mission of Catholicism.
Beautiful writing, the kind that humbles you in the best possible way. It’s words like the above that shake you awake from the false notion that “I only need to take care of and worry about myself.”
The Pope urges us to take an interest in others’ lives, pray to see them as God sees them, include and care for the poor, and remember that, as one large human family, we all have an obligation toward each other. If he didn’t already have 1 billion + people to minister to, I’d like to be his friend and chat.
Highly recommend! This gave me a much deeper appreciation for the central message and mission of Catholicism.
June 9, 2021
I like the premise of this book and it was an easy read. Some of the writings lean political but other than that, it was a worthwhile read.
September 22, 2023
Interesting. Informative. Thought provoking and above all love for all.
Read
June 20, 2025Had to stop reading it. Might be a hot take, but it just seemed like a jumble of words and felt like it could have been said in way fewer words. My final thought is get to the point…sorry papa Francesco
May 17, 2014
Rarely do I read a book from cover to cover while finding something totally new on each page. With this book, Pope Francis exemplifies the title, The Joy of the Good News. I found a refreshing new idea expressed in each new paragraph. I literally savored every page.
As I see it, Francis took the Catechism of the Catholic Church and brought it to life.
Chapter One can be seen as the Creed transformed from being the Heart of the Gospel into Our Mother Church on a Mission. In Chapter Two, Francis challenges us to raise our standard of morality.
With Chapter Three, Our Pope instructs us to live the sacraments. Chapter Four is his own personal prayer for a more inclusive reality within the church. Where I thought Chapter Five would summarize his thoughts, I was pleasantly surprised to find a refreshing new view of mariology.
I highly recommend this book to everyone, Catholic or not.
As I see it, Francis took the Catechism of the Catholic Church and brought it to life.
Chapter One can be seen as the Creed transformed from being the Heart of the Gospel into Our Mother Church on a Mission. In Chapter Two, Francis challenges us to raise our standard of morality.
With Chapter Three, Our Pope instructs us to live the sacraments. Chapter Four is his own personal prayer for a more inclusive reality within the church. Where I thought Chapter Five would summarize his thoughts, I was pleasantly surprised to find a refreshing new view of mariology.
I highly recommend this book to everyone, Catholic or not.
November 27, 2013
From the pope's letter, "Evangelii Gaudium (The Joy of the Gospel)": "It is impossible to persevere in a fervent evangelization unless we are convinced from personal experience that it is not the same thing to have known Jesus as not to have known him, not the same thing to walk with him as to walk blindly, not the same thing to hear his word as not to know it, and not the same thing to contemplate him, to worship him, to find our peace in him, as not to. It is not the same thing to try to build the world with his Gospel as to try to do so by our own lights. We know well that with Jesus life becomes richer and that with him it is easier to find meaning in everything. This is why we evangelize."
March 5, 2023
Every person active in the ministry of the Church should yield to the wisdom of Pope Francis. The universal call to mission is not just a recommendation!
January 18, 2025
I've always vaguely been a fan of Pope Francis, but this was the first thing I've read from him and it was great. Francis wants to emphasize that the Gospel brings a message of joy, not of stern moralism or abstract theology. Everything we do—evangelization, theology, sermons, liturgies—is centered around the joyous message of the Gospel. Although that's the core of the message, Francis spends a lot of time just talking about practical Catholic doctrine, advice on how to evangelize, write sermons, etc.
I especially liked how he emphasized the importance of service to the poor. To some extent, all churches talk about it, but Francis was forceful and direct: the poor "are the privileged recipients of the Gospel," and our service to the poor must be prioritized. Furthermore, our existing economic system, which defends the "absolute autonomy of the marketplace and financial speculation," is not consistent with the Gospel, full stop. Francis does none of what churches in America have (sadly) done: tried to reconcile the winner-take-all, bootstraps mentality of capitalism with Christ's teachings. Francis makes clear that our service to the poor doesn't only mean private philanthropy; it means "we can no longer trust in the unseen forces and the invisible hand of the market... it requires decisions, programs, mechanisms and processes specifically geared to a better distribution of income, the creation of sources of employment and an integral promotion of the poor which goes beyond a simple welfare mentality." That's another problem with certain forms of American Christianity: ignoring the structural or systemic causes of poverty, and seeing any effort to address them as communist or whatever.
Overall, I found this book to be both simple/easy to read and insightful. I didn't think Francis was just repeating Christian clichés; he was giving substantive advice on how to reframe the Christian message to one of joy and service to the poor.
Quotes
“Just as the commandment ‘Thou shalt not kill’ sets a clear limit in order to safeguard the value of human life, today we also have to say ‘thou shalt not’ to an economy of exclusion and inequality. Such an economy kills. How can it be that it is not a news item when an elderly homeless person dies of exposure, but it is news when the stock market loses two points? This is a case of exclusion. Can we continue to stand by when food is thrown away while people are starving? This is a case of inequality.”
“If we are to share our lives with others and generously give of ourselves, we also have to realize that every person is worthy of our giving. Not for their physical appearance, their abilities, their language, their way of thinking, or for any satisfaction that we might receive, but rather because they are God’s handiwork, his creation. God created that person in his image, and he or she reflects something of God’s glory. Every human being is the object of God’s infinite tenderness, and he himself is present in their lives.”
“We can know quite well that our lives will be fruitful, without claiming to know how, or where, or when. We may be sure that none of our acts of love will be lost, nor any of our acts of sincere concern for others. No single act of love for God will be lost, no generous effort is meaningless, no painful endurance is wasted.”
I especially liked how he emphasized the importance of service to the poor. To some extent, all churches talk about it, but Francis was forceful and direct: the poor "are the privileged recipients of the Gospel," and our service to the poor must be prioritized. Furthermore, our existing economic system, which defends the "absolute autonomy of the marketplace and financial speculation," is not consistent with the Gospel, full stop. Francis does none of what churches in America have (sadly) done: tried to reconcile the winner-take-all, bootstraps mentality of capitalism with Christ's teachings. Francis makes clear that our service to the poor doesn't only mean private philanthropy; it means "we can no longer trust in the unseen forces and the invisible hand of the market... it requires decisions, programs, mechanisms and processes specifically geared to a better distribution of income, the creation of sources of employment and an integral promotion of the poor which goes beyond a simple welfare mentality." That's another problem with certain forms of American Christianity: ignoring the structural or systemic causes of poverty, and seeing any effort to address them as communist or whatever.
Overall, I found this book to be both simple/easy to read and insightful. I didn't think Francis was just repeating Christian clichés; he was giving substantive advice on how to reframe the Christian message to one of joy and service to the poor.
Quotes
“Just as the commandment ‘Thou shalt not kill’ sets a clear limit in order to safeguard the value of human life, today we also have to say ‘thou shalt not’ to an economy of exclusion and inequality. Such an economy kills. How can it be that it is not a news item when an elderly homeless person dies of exposure, but it is news when the stock market loses two points? This is a case of exclusion. Can we continue to stand by when food is thrown away while people are starving? This is a case of inequality.”
“If we are to share our lives with others and generously give of ourselves, we also have to realize that every person is worthy of our giving. Not for their physical appearance, their abilities, their language, their way of thinking, or for any satisfaction that we might receive, but rather because they are God’s handiwork, his creation. God created that person in his image, and he or she reflects something of God’s glory. Every human being is the object of God’s infinite tenderness, and he himself is present in their lives.”
“We can know quite well that our lives will be fruitful, without claiming to know how, or where, or when. We may be sure that none of our acts of love will be lost, nor any of our acts of sincere concern for others. No single act of love for God will be lost, no generous effort is meaningless, no painful endurance is wasted.”
April 30, 2023
Listening to the media, his closest followers and his harshest critics, one would come to believe that the views of Pope Francis are radically different to his predecessors. Indeed, I myself have been critical of Pope Francis’ methodologies for transmitting the faith. However, when a person actually sits down and they actually read for themselves what he has written, they will discover that his teaching is not far off from what was already thought by his predecessors Pope Benedict XVI and Pope St. John Paul II. While reading this Apostle Exhortation, I lost count of the amount of times that Pope Francis referenced these two giants of Catholicism. While reading this Exhortation I took great inspiration from the bold encouragement which Francis uses to instruct the church to evangelise in a outwards looking manner. I am inclined to agree, and I see it for myself, that more often then not, parishes in Ireland are two inward looking and too worried about the future. It is very rare to see the level of outreach toward the poor and the outcast, that Francis desires. However, Francis is not a prophet of doom. He knows that the Spirit continues to work, even in the midst of chaos. While I may not agree with some of Francis’ political opinions, this exhortation is illuminated by his strong faith in the risen Lord and I highly recommend it as essential reading for all Catholics, practising or not, conservative or liberal, traditional or charismatic.
July 15, 2018
Pope Francis speaks straight to my heart in so many ways
September 4, 2024
Mi conversión está marcada por una canción profética (Dog Days Are Over, de la increíble Florence + The Machine), años de desencanto y, sobretodo, el encuentro con personas, testigos de una luz que no entendía y que me negaba a aceptar. En ningún caso vino precedida por el cansineo de los creyentes si no, más bien, su manera de entender la vida y la alegría que desprendían en ella. De esta manera, el 16 de noviembre de 2021, un padrenuestro en un tren rumbo a los estudios me devolvió una sensación de la niñez que hacía años que había perdido: una forma particular de calidez, tranquilidad y amparo. Durante unos minutos volví a sentirme cómo un crío: Protegido, profundamente querido y abrazado. No hay más en mi primer encuentro. No necesite más. Cómo dice la canción, "Happiness Hit Her, Like a Train on a Track". Y sin duda alguna que los días de perros acabaron. ¡Tarde te amé, hermosura tan antigua y tan nueva, tarde te amé!
La Evangelización no surge del proselitismo sino del testimonio sincero y verdadero del encuentro con el Amor de Dios.
El humano vive y actúa por la inteligencia, la razón: Aprehende la realidad y juzga razonadamente que acciones son buenas o malas en concordancia con su conciencia, que le indica lo que es bueno o malo en función de razonamientos previos y experiencias de vida. De esta manera razón, moral y realidad están intrínsecamente unidas. Hay un conexión fuerte entre la experiencia de lo que se ve y vive y nuestras creencias y conciencia. No es posible aislar razón, realidad y fe, pues el ser humano busca insaciablemente la verdad y no puede descansar en un sistema de creencias e ideas donde su razón o conciencia chirrían. El ser humano busca la verdad donde descansar íntegramente, en todas sus dimensiones. Cuando uno tiene una creencia o ideología, la cuál no responde correctamente en alguna de las facetas de su vida, se produce, ciertamente, una angustia, una fractura: de pronto nos encontramos rotos, anhelando la unidad perdida que mueve a investigar o conocer nuevos caminos. Necesitamos reposar en una única verdad, que de respuesta globalmente a todo nuestras inquietudes.
Obviamente los cristianos defendemos que esa verdad última de la existencia es que Dios Encarnado en Jesucristo su Hijo dió su vida por amor infinito a cada ser humano, que Cristo ha resucitado y que está con nosotros, todos los días, hasta el fin del mundo. Pero del dicho, al sentirlo y aprehenderlo con la razón hay un trecho y no se accede a esta verdad solo con la razón aislada de la realidad, a través de cansados debates teológicos o intelectuales, sino que dado el calibre de esta Verdad su transmisión sincera siempre se ha logrado a través del ejemplo del cambio de vida radical que ha conllevado en muchas personas el encuentro y sentimiento de esta Verdad. Es ver esa completa unidad entre pensamiento y obra en los creyentes honestos, entre la creencia y el actuar basado en el amor al prójimo, la alegría y gozo que conlleva sentir ese amor y la completa unidad interior junto con la inacabable inteligencia que proviene de la fe lo que conmueve las conciencias y las atrae. No es proselitismo, es la atracción de una vida plena consistente en la entrega y el desarraigo de la propia inmanencia, el perdón y la paz de Dios, muy distinta a la paz del mundo. El observar el amor de Dios a través de las personas, el palparlo. Eso es lo que a todos nos atrae: El Bien, la Verdad y la Belleza en la expresión sincera de un encuentro íntimo que llena la vida de sentido hasta en los peores momentos de tristezas, sufrimientos y tribulaciones.
Se transmite una Esperanza y debido a todo ello la transmisión de la fe acompaña a un profundo deseo de amor al prójimo, por compartir este Bien que se ha recibido y experimentado, de ver a todos tus seres queridos y a toda la humanidad vivir ese amor que sabes que nada ni nadie puede dar y de continuar esta transmisión hasta el fin de los tiempos, hasta que todas las cosas sean Recapituladas en Cristo.
La Evangelización no surge del proselitismo sino del testimonio sincero y verdadero del encuentro con el Amor de Dios.
El humano vive y actúa por la inteligencia, la razón: Aprehende la realidad y juzga razonadamente que acciones son buenas o malas en concordancia con su conciencia, que le indica lo que es bueno o malo en función de razonamientos previos y experiencias de vida. De esta manera razón, moral y realidad están intrínsecamente unidas. Hay un conexión fuerte entre la experiencia de lo que se ve y vive y nuestras creencias y conciencia. No es posible aislar razón, realidad y fe, pues el ser humano busca insaciablemente la verdad y no puede descansar en un sistema de creencias e ideas donde su razón o conciencia chirrían. El ser humano busca la verdad donde descansar íntegramente, en todas sus dimensiones. Cuando uno tiene una creencia o ideología, la cuál no responde correctamente en alguna de las facetas de su vida, se produce, ciertamente, una angustia, una fractura: de pronto nos encontramos rotos, anhelando la unidad perdida que mueve a investigar o conocer nuevos caminos. Necesitamos reposar en una única verdad, que de respuesta globalmente a todo nuestras inquietudes.
Obviamente los cristianos defendemos que esa verdad última de la existencia es que Dios Encarnado en Jesucristo su Hijo dió su vida por amor infinito a cada ser humano, que Cristo ha resucitado y que está con nosotros, todos los días, hasta el fin del mundo. Pero del dicho, al sentirlo y aprehenderlo con la razón hay un trecho y no se accede a esta verdad solo con la razón aislada de la realidad, a través de cansados debates teológicos o intelectuales, sino que dado el calibre de esta Verdad su transmisión sincera siempre se ha logrado a través del ejemplo del cambio de vida radical que ha conllevado en muchas personas el encuentro y sentimiento de esta Verdad. Es ver esa completa unidad entre pensamiento y obra en los creyentes honestos, entre la creencia y el actuar basado en el amor al prójimo, la alegría y gozo que conlleva sentir ese amor y la completa unidad interior junto con la inacabable inteligencia que proviene de la fe lo que conmueve las conciencias y las atrae. No es proselitismo, es la atracción de una vida plena consistente en la entrega y el desarraigo de la propia inmanencia, el perdón y la paz de Dios, muy distinta a la paz del mundo. El observar el amor de Dios a través de las personas, el palparlo. Eso es lo que a todos nos atrae: El Bien, la Verdad y la Belleza en la expresión sincera de un encuentro íntimo que llena la vida de sentido hasta en los peores momentos de tristezas, sufrimientos y tribulaciones.
Se transmite una Esperanza y debido a todo ello la transmisión de la fe acompaña a un profundo deseo de amor al prójimo, por compartir este Bien que se ha recibido y experimentado, de ver a todos tus seres queridos y a toda la humanidad vivir ese amor que sabes que nada ni nadie puede dar y de continuar esta transmisión hasta el fin de los tiempos, hasta que todas las cosas sean Recapituladas en Cristo.
March 16, 2024
I have so much to say about this I realized it would take an entire paper, and then I realized I actually had to write a paper on this. Thank you Pope Francis for calling ALL. OF. US. higher – and onward.
"I prefer a Church which is bruised, hurting and dirty because it has been out on the streets, rather than a Church which is unhealthy from being confined and from clinging to its own security."
Pope Francis’ Evangelii Gaudium (Joy of the Gospel) was published only within the first year into his pontificate (2013) as a response to the Synod of Bishops “The New Evangelization for the Transmission of the Christian Faith”, which took place in October 2012, the year prior to his election. This document shares some aspects of previous papal exhortations, as it is common that they are written after a synod, but this one is unique in how involved Francis was in composing this exhortation. Notably, this exhortation used the term “I” , while traditionally “we” is used in addressing the ideas or opinions shared within a papal exhortation. It is clear that unlike previous exhortations, this one shared so many personal statements that a ghost writer could not have formulated all of this document together. Due to the common nature of an Apostolic Exhortation, Evangelii Gaudium too, is written for all members of the Church, clergy and laity alike, to read and 'exhort' themselves to share in the goal Pope Francis has for the Church. The overarching goal of Francis’ Evangelii Gaudium is to share how the Church can joyfully evangelize and apply teachings from the Church in the modern world today as well as what tangible steps we can take to ensure that we are missionaries on the global scale and to everyone, not just a select few or specific groups.
While Francis addresses a plethora of issues, two main themes seem to be present throughout the entire exaltation. First, Pope Francis exhorts that all baptized, not just some individuals within the Church, are to be missionary disciples of Christ. He encourages that as missionary disciples, when we evangelize, we should ‘remember’ the roots and tradition of our faith while being open to ‘renewing’ how we share the faith, or evangelize, with others. He explains, “I dream of a ‘missionary option’, that is, a missionary impulse capable of transforming everything, so that the Church’s customs, ways of doing things, times and schedules, language and structures can be suitably channeled for the evangelization of today’s world rather than for her self-preservation. (EG, 27). Francis seems to equate this idea of ‘self-preservation’ of some Catholics with an attitude of complacency, “Pastoral ministry in a missionary key seeks to abandon the complacent attitude that says: “We have always done it this way” (EG, 33). According to Francis, this self-preserving complacency projected by members of the Church is not honest, but rather a false portrayal of respect for the Gospel; which hinders our ability to live as true missionaries, he explains, “... the Church can also come to see that certain customs not directly connected to the heart of the Gospel, even some which have deep historical roots, are no longer properly understood and appreciated…At the same time, the Church has rules or precepts which may have been quite effective in their time, but no longer have the same usefulness for directing and shaping people’s lives.” (EG, 43). Francis believes that to really orient ourselves to be missionaries of this time and era, we must share the Gospel with others in creative ways that will be understandable to the common person in this day of age and not to uphold more traditional or former modes of evangelizing to a higher pedestal than necessary, as if it the Gospel itself. This exhortation portrays a less legalistic way of evangelizing; Francis believes we should more so focus on the message of the Gospel without getting extensively hung up on doctrinal ideologies (EG, 35). Despite the fact that the Gospel message is eternal, missionary disciples have to be open to changing how they evangelize according to the needs of the day.
Another theme that Pope Francis elaborates on is the true Christian meaning of 'solidarity' and its meaning as a verb as opposed to a noun, especially in terms of the poor and marginalized. Taking the 'remember yet renew' theme from the beginning of this exhortation and applying it to how the Church should share in solidarity in how we should serve the poor, he reminds us that, “The word ‘solidarity’ is a little worn and at times poorly understood, but it refers to something more than a few sporadic acts of generosity. It presumes the creation of a new mindset which thinks in terms of community and the priority of the life of all over the appropriation of goods by a few. (EG, 188)”. This ‘new mindset’ refers to this ‘renewal’ in evangelization throughout the world – without forgetting the most poor, vulnerable, and disregarded people of our society. He instead insists that true solidarity is allowing each and every person, including the poor person, to have what they are entitled to own, “...solidarity must be lived as the decision to restore to the poor what belongs to them. These convictions and habits of solidarity, when they are put into practice, open the way to other structural transformations and make them possible. Changing structures without generating new convictions and attitudes will only ensure that those same structures will become, sooner or later, corrupt, oppressive and ineffectual” (EG, 189). In this exhortation, it is the Pope's intention for us to recognize that we must not only harbor kind sentiments or think all poor people deserve basic human rights and needs, but that real actions, not just ideas are not only beneficial to one's neighbor, but are a foundational element of the Church's true mission, and success. Francis explains this, “Any Church community, if it thinks it can comfortably go its own way without creative concern and effective cooperation in helping the poor to live with dignity and reaching out to everyone, will also risk breaking down” (EG, 207). Francis takes a step further to share this true meaning of solidarity this by essentially re-phrasing the common saying “actions speak louder than words”, as he says, “...ideas disconnected from realities give rise to ineffectual forms of idealism and nominalism, capable at most of classifying and defining, but certainly not calling to action” (EG, 232). Despite his countless statements on the importance of preferential options for the poor, Francis strategically understands that even with this ‘call to action’, the Church naturally is inclined to find excuses and to avoid responsibility. This is understood by the Holy Father and he makes sure to preface these paragraphs of his call to action with a reminder for accountability, “No one must say that they cannot be close to the poor because their own lifestyle demands more attention to other areas. This is an excuse commonly heard in academic, business or professional, and even ecclesial circles” (EG, 201).
Again, while many themes are consistent throughout the entire exhortation of Evangelii Gaudium, it is notable how extensively Pope Francis connects from beginning to end the themes of remembering yet renewing how we share the Gospel, and especially what actions must be taken to ensure that we allow the Holy Spirit to really form and shape us to be missionary disciples. He encourages us to consider the great ‘joy’ of the Gospel because it's not just about the Church doing all of the work or ‘heavy lifting’ in helping the poor and marginalized. In actuality, Francis seems to remind us that if we actually allow the joy of the Gospel to radiate in our hearts and to move us to action, that the Lord will actually do the heavy lifting for us. This is shown near the end as he concludes, “Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross is nothing else than the culmination of the way he lived his entire life. Moved by his example, we want to enter fully into the fabric of society, sharing the lives of all, listening to their concerns, helping them materially and spiritually in their needs, rejoicing with those who rejoice, weeping with those who weep; arm in arm with others, we are committed to building a new world. But we do so not from a sense of obligation, not as a burdensome duty, but as the result of a personal decision which brings us joy and gives meaning to our lives” (EG, 269).
"I prefer a Church which is bruised, hurting and dirty because it has been out on the streets, rather than a Church which is unhealthy from being confined and from clinging to its own security."
Pope Francis’ Evangelii Gaudium (Joy of the Gospel) was published only within the first year into his pontificate (2013) as a response to the Synod of Bishops “The New Evangelization for the Transmission of the Christian Faith”, which took place in October 2012, the year prior to his election. This document shares some aspects of previous papal exhortations, as it is common that they are written after a synod, but this one is unique in how involved Francis was in composing this exhortation. Notably, this exhortation used the term “I” , while traditionally “we” is used in addressing the ideas or opinions shared within a papal exhortation. It is clear that unlike previous exhortations, this one shared so many personal statements that a ghost writer could not have formulated all of this document together. Due to the common nature of an Apostolic Exhortation, Evangelii Gaudium too, is written for all members of the Church, clergy and laity alike, to read and 'exhort' themselves to share in the goal Pope Francis has for the Church. The overarching goal of Francis’ Evangelii Gaudium is to share how the Church can joyfully evangelize and apply teachings from the Church in the modern world today as well as what tangible steps we can take to ensure that we are missionaries on the global scale and to everyone, not just a select few or specific groups.
While Francis addresses a plethora of issues, two main themes seem to be present throughout the entire exaltation. First, Pope Francis exhorts that all baptized, not just some individuals within the Church, are to be missionary disciples of Christ. He encourages that as missionary disciples, when we evangelize, we should ‘remember’ the roots and tradition of our faith while being open to ‘renewing’ how we share the faith, or evangelize, with others. He explains, “I dream of a ‘missionary option’, that is, a missionary impulse capable of transforming everything, so that the Church’s customs, ways of doing things, times and schedules, language and structures can be suitably channeled for the evangelization of today’s world rather than for her self-preservation. (EG, 27). Francis seems to equate this idea of ‘self-preservation’ of some Catholics with an attitude of complacency, “Pastoral ministry in a missionary key seeks to abandon the complacent attitude that says: “We have always done it this way” (EG, 33). According to Francis, this self-preserving complacency projected by members of the Church is not honest, but rather a false portrayal of respect for the Gospel; which hinders our ability to live as true missionaries, he explains, “... the Church can also come to see that certain customs not directly connected to the heart of the Gospel, even some which have deep historical roots, are no longer properly understood and appreciated…At the same time, the Church has rules or precepts which may have been quite effective in their time, but no longer have the same usefulness for directing and shaping people’s lives.” (EG, 43). Francis believes that to really orient ourselves to be missionaries of this time and era, we must share the Gospel with others in creative ways that will be understandable to the common person in this day of age and not to uphold more traditional or former modes of evangelizing to a higher pedestal than necessary, as if it the Gospel itself. This exhortation portrays a less legalistic way of evangelizing; Francis believes we should more so focus on the message of the Gospel without getting extensively hung up on doctrinal ideologies (EG, 35). Despite the fact that the Gospel message is eternal, missionary disciples have to be open to changing how they evangelize according to the needs of the day.
Another theme that Pope Francis elaborates on is the true Christian meaning of 'solidarity' and its meaning as a verb as opposed to a noun, especially in terms of the poor and marginalized. Taking the 'remember yet renew' theme from the beginning of this exhortation and applying it to how the Church should share in solidarity in how we should serve the poor, he reminds us that, “The word ‘solidarity’ is a little worn and at times poorly understood, but it refers to something more than a few sporadic acts of generosity. It presumes the creation of a new mindset which thinks in terms of community and the priority of the life of all over the appropriation of goods by a few. (EG, 188)”. This ‘new mindset’ refers to this ‘renewal’ in evangelization throughout the world – without forgetting the most poor, vulnerable, and disregarded people of our society. He instead insists that true solidarity is allowing each and every person, including the poor person, to have what they are entitled to own, “...solidarity must be lived as the decision to restore to the poor what belongs to them. These convictions and habits of solidarity, when they are put into practice, open the way to other structural transformations and make them possible. Changing structures without generating new convictions and attitudes will only ensure that those same structures will become, sooner or later, corrupt, oppressive and ineffectual” (EG, 189). In this exhortation, it is the Pope's intention for us to recognize that we must not only harbor kind sentiments or think all poor people deserve basic human rights and needs, but that real actions, not just ideas are not only beneficial to one's neighbor, but are a foundational element of the Church's true mission, and success. Francis explains this, “Any Church community, if it thinks it can comfortably go its own way without creative concern and effective cooperation in helping the poor to live with dignity and reaching out to everyone, will also risk breaking down” (EG, 207). Francis takes a step further to share this true meaning of solidarity this by essentially re-phrasing the common saying “actions speak louder than words”, as he says, “...ideas disconnected from realities give rise to ineffectual forms of idealism and nominalism, capable at most of classifying and defining, but certainly not calling to action” (EG, 232). Despite his countless statements on the importance of preferential options for the poor, Francis strategically understands that even with this ‘call to action’, the Church naturally is inclined to find excuses and to avoid responsibility. This is understood by the Holy Father and he makes sure to preface these paragraphs of his call to action with a reminder for accountability, “No one must say that they cannot be close to the poor because their own lifestyle demands more attention to other areas. This is an excuse commonly heard in academic, business or professional, and even ecclesial circles” (EG, 201).
Again, while many themes are consistent throughout the entire exhortation of Evangelii Gaudium, it is notable how extensively Pope Francis connects from beginning to end the themes of remembering yet renewing how we share the Gospel, and especially what actions must be taken to ensure that we allow the Holy Spirit to really form and shape us to be missionary disciples. He encourages us to consider the great ‘joy’ of the Gospel because it's not just about the Church doing all of the work or ‘heavy lifting’ in helping the poor and marginalized. In actuality, Francis seems to remind us that if we actually allow the joy of the Gospel to radiate in our hearts and to move us to action, that the Lord will actually do the heavy lifting for us. This is shown near the end as he concludes, “Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross is nothing else than the culmination of the way he lived his entire life. Moved by his example, we want to enter fully into the fabric of society, sharing the lives of all, listening to their concerns, helping them materially and spiritually in their needs, rejoicing with those who rejoice, weeping with those who weep; arm in arm with others, we are committed to building a new world. But we do so not from a sense of obligation, not as a burdensome duty, but as the result of a personal decision which brings us joy and gives meaning to our lives” (EG, 269).
November 30, 2016
I really loved this book while reading it. But as I prepared to write a review I kept asking myself number of questions:
Who am I to judge a book by Pope Francis?
Who do I review a papal letter?
As well as many other questions. But I came to the conclusion that by engaging the writings of Pope Francis I was deeply challenged by this work, and other writings of Pope Francis. For a while now I have been struggling with and praying to live more joy. I do not want to be the grumpy old man sitting on the porch yelling at kids, like Clint Eastwood in the movie Gran Torino. And realizing I do not exude joy and happiness I thought this Apostolic Exhortation would be a good place to begin. And to be honest it has been in my to read pile since before it came out.
This edition of this book has a forward by Bishop Robert Baron, whose works I am very familiar with and respect. And an afterward by James Martin SJ who I am much less familiar with. But the key player is Pope Francis himself. Now to share a personal story, my wife is not Catholic, she comes to church with the kids and I, but she is not Catholic. Around the time this book came out the was a photo that went viral of the pope hugging a disfigured man. The man has neurofibromatosis, a condition that my son has been diagnosed with. My wife had an appreciation for Pope Francis, but after that photo went viral he held a close spot in her heart. My wife shared the photo saying that this is what our son has, and she can only hope if his goes active that he is as respected and cared about.
Now to be honest I started this book a few times, and never finished it. Then recently I picked it up and read it through. I do not believe that anyone can read this book and not be touched. Readers will be challenged to grow in joy by encounters with Jesus, and through that joy to witness to the world. This is a call to love and be loved. To be transformed by the power of Jesus and through that transformation to be a tool to the world. If we are Jesus hands, feet and mouth in the world, then this book shows us the importance of living a good witness, but also calls us out of our comfort zone.
I read this book after starting a new job. Each day I pray to live more joy, and to do good work for God. In my new role I can also walk to noon hour mass at the University I went to. Both a co-worker and my boss have found out I do so and have shown interest in coming to mass. And I attribute their attraction to weekday mass to the changes this book are helping to happen in me.
If you want to keep going through life living day in and day out as you are then do not read this book. But if you are open to being challenged, moves, stirred and likely even made uncomfortable then this book is for you. It is an excellent read and I really wish I had read it sooner.
Read the review on my blog Book Reviews and More.
(Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: A Year of Reading Intention - Catholic Reading!)
Who am I to judge a book by Pope Francis?
Who do I review a papal letter?
As well as many other questions. But I came to the conclusion that by engaging the writings of Pope Francis I was deeply challenged by this work, and other writings of Pope Francis. For a while now I have been struggling with and praying to live more joy. I do not want to be the grumpy old man sitting on the porch yelling at kids, like Clint Eastwood in the movie Gran Torino. And realizing I do not exude joy and happiness I thought this Apostolic Exhortation would be a good place to begin. And to be honest it has been in my to read pile since before it came out.
This edition of this book has a forward by Bishop Robert Baron, whose works I am very familiar with and respect. And an afterward by James Martin SJ who I am much less familiar with. But the key player is Pope Francis himself. Now to share a personal story, my wife is not Catholic, she comes to church with the kids and I, but she is not Catholic. Around the time this book came out the was a photo that went viral of the pope hugging a disfigured man. The man has neurofibromatosis, a condition that my son has been diagnosed with. My wife had an appreciation for Pope Francis, but after that photo went viral he held a close spot in her heart. My wife shared the photo saying that this is what our son has, and she can only hope if his goes active that he is as respected and cared about.
Now to be honest I started this book a few times, and never finished it. Then recently I picked it up and read it through. I do not believe that anyone can read this book and not be touched. Readers will be challenged to grow in joy by encounters with Jesus, and through that joy to witness to the world. This is a call to love and be loved. To be transformed by the power of Jesus and through that transformation to be a tool to the world. If we are Jesus hands, feet and mouth in the world, then this book shows us the importance of living a good witness, but also calls us out of our comfort zone.
I read this book after starting a new job. Each day I pray to live more joy, and to do good work for God. In my new role I can also walk to noon hour mass at the University I went to. Both a co-worker and my boss have found out I do so and have shown interest in coming to mass. And I attribute their attraction to weekday mass to the changes this book are helping to happen in me.
If you want to keep going through life living day in and day out as you are then do not read this book. But if you are open to being challenged, moves, stirred and likely even made uncomfortable then this book is for you. It is an excellent read and I really wish I had read it sooner.
Read the review on my blog Book Reviews and More.
(Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: A Year of Reading Intention - Catholic Reading!)
June 25, 2025
A joy ever new and a joy that must be shared! That is what the Gospel is! This is such a great call to mission and the need to go out to all with the Good News. Anyone who wants to fulfill the call to mission should read this.
December 25, 2021
This was such an interesting read for me. First of all, it is about missionary work which is like my least favorite religious theme, and yet I found so much to cherish. Reading this was so much easier than reading writings from my birth religion. There is just far too much baggage and pressure with Mormonism and it is hard for me to discard what doesn't resonate while embracing what does. But with other religious writings, I feel no such pressure. I can read, and ignore what I don't like and learn from what I do. And I found such great inspiration in this book.
How Pope Francis described today's world really resonated with me: "The great danger in today's world...is the desolation and anguish born of a complacent yet covetous heart." Spot on. such an insightful description. He goes on to say that "an authentic faith--which is never comfortable or completely personal--always involves a deep desire to change the world...to leave this earth somehow better than we found it."
I found that he emphasized taking care of the poor more than anything else and far more often than my mormon tradition. This book inspired me to do better in this area.
"Sometimes we are tempted to be that kind of Christian who keeps the Lords wounds at arms length. Yet Jesus wants us to touch human misery, to touch the suffering flesh of others. He hopes that we will stop looking for those personal or communal niches which shelter us from the maelstrom of human misfortune and isntead enter into the reality of other people's lives and know the power of tenderness." I need to work on this.
also he wrote this entire text in LATIN! So impressed and it was refreshing to see references to medieval monks. This was a pleasure to read as part of my daily devotional.
How Pope Francis described today's world really resonated with me: "The great danger in today's world...is the desolation and anguish born of a complacent yet covetous heart." Spot on. such an insightful description. He goes on to say that "an authentic faith--which is never comfortable or completely personal--always involves a deep desire to change the world...to leave this earth somehow better than we found it."
I found that he emphasized taking care of the poor more than anything else and far more often than my mormon tradition. This book inspired me to do better in this area.
"Sometimes we are tempted to be that kind of Christian who keeps the Lords wounds at arms length. Yet Jesus wants us to touch human misery, to touch the suffering flesh of others. He hopes that we will stop looking for those personal or communal niches which shelter us from the maelstrom of human misfortune and isntead enter into the reality of other people's lives and know the power of tenderness." I need to work on this.
also he wrote this entire text in LATIN! So impressed and it was refreshing to see references to medieval monks. This was a pleasure to read as part of my daily devotional.
February 16, 2017
This book, Pope Francis' first encyclical was a joy to read (pun intended). Francis reflects on the importance of the gospel of Jesus from numerous angles. I can't imagine a person reading this book and not being motivated to do something. As someone who is non-Catholic, I probably agreed with 95% of the stuff here. Highly recommended not just for Catholics, though all Catholics should read it, but for all Christians.
May 1, 2023
So delightful. Touches on the goodness of the Gospel message from every angle imaginable. Casts a vision for mission that stems deeply from relationship and encourages the sharing of the Gospel with love, compassion and mercy. Read it for free on the vatican website or buy the book so you can take lots of notes like I did :)
April 26, 2017
So glad I finally read this. I had been meaning to do so since it was written and after struggling with the pdf format online, bought it in print. Very heavy and not something that should be used for bedtime reading, but also meaningful and enjoyable.
November 26, 2022
No me encantó… tiene frases muy buenas y creo que sirve de consulta: si quieres leer sobre la homilia, lo lees… Sirve para los que trabajan en la Iglesia 100%…
February 9, 2020
Este libro, en comparación con el otro que acabo de leer de C.S. Lewis, si es sobre el mero catolicismo como tal, es una exhortación del Papa a la Iglesia católica invitándola a participar más vivamente del Evangelio.
Me gustó muchos temas que toca el Papa aquí, uno de ellos es la inclusión social, de los marginados, de los pobres, de los oprimidos, nos comparte y nos alienta a ver en ellos, principalmente, a Cristo. Nos recuerda la importancia de la fe, de una fe viva, de una fe que se mueve, con actos, a través de los corazones de los demás.
desde hace mucho tiempo que quería leer este libro, y aproveché que ahorita estoy sumido en la sierra sin comunicación para incluirlo dentro de mi lectura espiritual pero también en mi formación permanente, reforzar mis bases y recordar muchos objetivos de lo que intento predicar y de las cosas en las que creo. Pienso que es importante de vez en cuando leer este tipo de libros, que más que espirituales son de carácter formativo en la fe, en la Iglesia y de cierta forma ir al tanto con nuestro líder, hacia donde se dirige la iglesia como rebaño guiado por el pastor que es el Papa.
Muchas de las cosas que aquí leí me recordaron a CES (compañeros en salud) la asociación con la que estoy trabajando ahora en la sierra de Chiapas, se parecen mucho en sus objetivos, el dar todo a todos, pero sobretodo a aquellos marginados y más necesitados, habla de la inclusión pero no esa inclusión que vemos en los medios de normalizar el matrimonio gay y esas cosas, eso es lo de menos, la verdadera inclusión es ir a donde nadie quiere ir y amar a quien nadie quiere amar, y entiéndase por ello a los más pobres y alejados, a los olvidados del gobierno y de la sociedad. Este libro junto con CES y la vida en la sierra, en comunidades indígenas sin agua, luz, ni atención médica de calidad me han transformado y han cambiado mi manera de ver muchas cosas, otras tantas solo lo han reforzado, esta experiencia, a pesar de ser muy similar a la del salto y las misiones cambia mucho vivir dentro de esta marginación y actuar desde dentro y gracias a este libro he vuelto a encontrar motivación y esperanza en o que hago y en lo que estoy sembrando.
San Cristobal de las Casas, Chiapas.
A 9 de Febrero del 2020.
Me gustó muchos temas que toca el Papa aquí, uno de ellos es la inclusión social, de los marginados, de los pobres, de los oprimidos, nos comparte y nos alienta a ver en ellos, principalmente, a Cristo. Nos recuerda la importancia de la fe, de una fe viva, de una fe que se mueve, con actos, a través de los corazones de los demás.
desde hace mucho tiempo que quería leer este libro, y aproveché que ahorita estoy sumido en la sierra sin comunicación para incluirlo dentro de mi lectura espiritual pero también en mi formación permanente, reforzar mis bases y recordar muchos objetivos de lo que intento predicar y de las cosas en las que creo. Pienso que es importante de vez en cuando leer este tipo de libros, que más que espirituales son de carácter formativo en la fe, en la Iglesia y de cierta forma ir al tanto con nuestro líder, hacia donde se dirige la iglesia como rebaño guiado por el pastor que es el Papa.
Muchas de las cosas que aquí leí me recordaron a CES (compañeros en salud) la asociación con la que estoy trabajando ahora en la sierra de Chiapas, se parecen mucho en sus objetivos, el dar todo a todos, pero sobretodo a aquellos marginados y más necesitados, habla de la inclusión pero no esa inclusión que vemos en los medios de normalizar el matrimonio gay y esas cosas, eso es lo de menos, la verdadera inclusión es ir a donde nadie quiere ir y amar a quien nadie quiere amar, y entiéndase por ello a los más pobres y alejados, a los olvidados del gobierno y de la sociedad. Este libro junto con CES y la vida en la sierra, en comunidades indígenas sin agua, luz, ni atención médica de calidad me han transformado y han cambiado mi manera de ver muchas cosas, otras tantas solo lo han reforzado, esta experiencia, a pesar de ser muy similar a la del salto y las misiones cambia mucho vivir dentro de esta marginación y actuar desde dentro y gracias a este libro he vuelto a encontrar motivación y esperanza en o que hago y en lo que estoy sembrando.
San Cristobal de las Casas, Chiapas.
A 9 de Febrero del 2020.
April 12, 2020
As I finish reading this in April 2020 while in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic, I find myself reflecting on how to use the wisdom from this to help guide my actions during this trying time. In a time marked by so much fear and uncertainty, it is a timely reminder that the joy we find in the Gospel of Jesus Christ gives us abounding hope and comfort. In a time when slander, gossip, and conspiracy are running rampant it is important for us as Catholics to meet people who are poor, vulnerable, scared, or even angry, in true dialogue remembering the Joy the gospel should fill us with and the inherent dignity that ALL people have.
Thank you Pope Francis for pointing us back to the root of our mission on earth.
Thank you Pope Francis for pointing us back to the root of our mission on earth.
April 20, 2017
Pope Francis: prophet, scholar. This book is revolutionary because it is so accessible. He connects Christ and evangelization to our work and personal lives, to matters of politics and justice. Christ belongs to neither conservative nor liberal schools of thought, but to the poor, the outcast, the abandoned. An authentic faith privileges the least of these because that's where Jesus said He would be, and also because their humanity is ours. I will be revisiting this. So glad I underlined as many passages as I did. AND he ended it with reflections on Mary, and how crucial she is to the church's mission. Our feminine icon.
June 20, 2019
Surprisingly good.
Put in the right context, the Pope said no heresy; but I got some concerns here and there.
The Introduction on the Joy of the Gospel is marvelous, but for the rest of the book it's too repetitive (I think it was purposeful for the stressing of the necessity to spread the gospel and outreach the poor).
Put in the right context, the Pope said no heresy; but I got some concerns here and there.
The Introduction on the Joy of the Gospel is marvelous, but for the rest of the book it's too repetitive (I think it was purposeful for the stressing of the necessity to spread the gospel and outreach the poor).
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