Overview

"This book examines the central elements of Francis' vision of the Church as it sets out to preach the gospel to people of every nation and every walk of life. In four chapters, it examines the heart of his message and the focus of his vision for the future of Catholicism, Christianity, and the world. Central to that vision is his call to continue the new evangelization. He writes: ""Each individual Christian and every community is called to be an instrument of God for the liberation and promotion of the poor, and for enabling them to be fully a part of society"" (EG 187). The pope admits that neither he nor the Church has ""a monopoly on the interpretation of social realities or the proposal of solutions to contemporary problems"" (EG 184). He wishes, however, to contribute some constructive insights concerning our present situation. For Pope Francis, the joy of the gospel is simple: God wishes to live in our hearts. When we let God do so his Spirit dwells there, purging our imperfections and slowly divinizing us so that as free and faithful disciples we follow the way of the Lord Jesus."

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9781565485662

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Reviews

This short and very readable book gives an excellent summary and commentary on the present Pope's recent document, Gospel of Joy. I was particularly impressed by his comments on the Church as communion, based on our innate social nature. -- Msgr. Charles Quinn, Hyde Park, NY

This short and very readable book gives an excellent summary and commentary on the present Pope's recent document, Gospel of Joy. I was particularly impressed by his comments on the Church as communion, based on our innate social nature. In a period when parishes are closing and combining, the need for priests and laity to recognize our basic unity in the body of Christ is essential. I recommend this book to everyone. Msgr. Charles Quinn Hyde Park, New York Fr. Billy gives us a very useful tool to help understand the thinking of Pope Francis. This very readable work would be an excellent selection for a Book Club or other group, which could spend four sessions utilizing the thought provoking questions he places at the end of each chapter. Rev. Steven B Giuliano Pastor, New Castle, Delaware

Author Information

Author of numerous books and articles, Redemptorist Father Dennis Billy holds a Th.D. in Church History from Harvard Divinity School and a S.T.D. in spirituality from the Pontifical University of St. Thomas. He holds the John Cardinal Krol Chair of Moral Theology at St. Charles Borromeo Seminary and also serves as Karl Rahner Professor of Catholic Theology at the Graduate Theological Foundation.

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