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Reflections on the Sunday Gospel: How to More Fully Live Out Your Relationship with God
Pope Francis illuminates a new, vibrant way of experiencing the Gospel through moving, intimate, and deeply meditative reflections that encourage us to live fully with meaning, purpose, and strength.
We live in an unprecedented time that has threatened to upend our daily rhythms, our work, our homes, even our faith. More than ever, we need books like Reflections on the Sunday Gospel to stir us to hope, to comfort, to peace. We need to remember what we live for and how good God is.
These reflections—published in English for the first time, drawn both from homilies given by Pope Francis and readings from the Fathers of the Church, including Saint Augustine, Saint Jerome, and Saint Ambrose—do more than offer a way to enter into the liturgical year with weekly readings to enrich your devotional time. They offer Christ, and the power of His resurrection. They offer His words of “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world” (Jn 16:33, ESV).
Ultimately, as Pope Francis guides us through these timeless words, we will glean how even the giants of the faith needed God as much as we do, and how we can draw near to a good and faithful God no matter where we are or what season we’re in.
We live in an unprecedented time that has threatened to upend our daily rhythms, our work, our homes, even our faith. More than ever, we need books like Reflections on the Sunday Gospel to stir us to hope, to comfort, to peace. We need to remember what we live for and how good God is.
These reflections—published in English for the first time, drawn both from homilies given by Pope Francis and readings from the Fathers of the Church, including Saint Augustine, Saint Jerome, and Saint Ambrose—do more than offer a way to enter into the liturgical year with weekly readings to enrich your devotional time. They offer Christ, and the power of His resurrection. They offer His words of “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world” (Jn 16:33, ESV).
Ultimately, as Pope Francis guides us through these timeless words, we will glean how even the giants of the faith needed God as much as we do, and how we can draw near to a good and faithful God no matter where we are or what season we’re in.
304 pages, Hardcover
Published November 1, 2022
29 people are currently reading
60 people want to read
About the author
Pope Francis
1,328 books998 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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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
August 19, 2021
“Approaching the Gospel, contemplating it, and embodying it in daily life is the best way to come to know Jesus and to bring him to others.“ - Reflections on the Sunday Gospel by Pope Francis
Though am I not Catholic, I thorough enjoyed the Netflix movie The Two Popes which led me to researching Pope Francis. His writing is succinct and insightful so when “Reflections on the Sunday Gospel” popped up on Netgalley I decided to try and I’m a grateful I did. It has brought me weeks of stimulating, faith-building insights. Each chapter is a Sunday sermon and it follows the Catholic Liturgy Calendar walking the reader through the major themes of the Bible. Based on a few verses, the message of each is deep and specific. The focus being given to one aspect allows for great reflection and Pope Francis shares perspectives on the Scriptures I’ve not heard before and yet are so sound. At the end of each is a quote from a Saint that echoes or expands on the sermon.
“Love, and He will draw near; love, and He will dwell in you.” - Saint Augustine
Owing to it’s thoughtfulness, I decided to only digest one sermon a week and I’m glad I paced it. Whilst you don’t have to read it in order, it feels constructed into a journey and I’m glad I did it in sequence.
“The mentality of survival makes us reactionaries, fearful, slowly and silently shutting ourselves up in our houses and in our own preconceived notions.” - Reflections on the Sunday Gospel by Pope Francis
If you are looking for a gentle but firm guide, filled with wisdom, love and compassion, this one is for you. It’s a five out of five on the enJOYment scale and highly recommended!
I received a complimentary copy of the book from Convergent Books through NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Though am I not Catholic, I thorough enjoyed the Netflix movie The Two Popes which led me to researching Pope Francis. His writing is succinct and insightful so when “Reflections on the Sunday Gospel” popped up on Netgalley I decided to try and I’m a grateful I did. It has brought me weeks of stimulating, faith-building insights. Each chapter is a Sunday sermon and it follows the Catholic Liturgy Calendar walking the reader through the major themes of the Bible. Based on a few verses, the message of each is deep and specific. The focus being given to one aspect allows for great reflection and Pope Francis shares perspectives on the Scriptures I’ve not heard before and yet are so sound. At the end of each is a quote from a Saint that echoes or expands on the sermon.
“Love, and He will draw near; love, and He will dwell in you.” - Saint Augustine
Owing to it’s thoughtfulness, I decided to only digest one sermon a week and I’m glad I paced it. Whilst you don’t have to read it in order, it feels constructed into a journey and I’m glad I did it in sequence.
“The mentality of survival makes us reactionaries, fearful, slowly and silently shutting ourselves up in our houses and in our own preconceived notions.” - Reflections on the Sunday Gospel by Pope Francis
If you are looking for a gentle but firm guide, filled with wisdom, love and compassion, this one is for you. It’s a five out of five on the enJOYment scale and highly recommended!
I received a complimentary copy of the book from Convergent Books through NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
January 22, 2021
This is a curated collection of reflections/homilies by Pope Francis, along with a prayer and brief citations of some of the early Church fathers all designed to lead the reader into a deeper understanding of the faith ... and even more importantly ... to put that faith into action: "The Word of the Lord enters through the ears, goes to the heart, and passes to the hands to good deeds." ... Note that I have a particular interest in Catholic theology and homiletics that is specifically addressed by this book, so my rating here takes that into account (plus 1 star).
"And as always, we begin with Advent." Here we get the Gospel reading from Matthew, telling us that we do not know the day our Lord will come. The reflection explores how we can become distracted with our daily concerns and lose sight of what is ultimately the most important goal ... to always be ready to meet our Lord and Savior. This is followed by a brief reference to St Augustine exhorting us to "love and not fear him who will come." Each of these passages are brief, concise and easy for the reader connect to. The book continues in like manner for approximately 60 reflections to good effect. As with most homilies on the Gospel, some of these will personally touch you more than others (and it will likely be different for each reader). Regardless, it will provide a good starting point for your own personal reflections and devotions.
I was given this free advance reader copy (ARC) ebook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
#ReflectionsontheSundayGospel #NetGalley
"And as always, we begin with Advent." Here we get the Gospel reading from Matthew, telling us that we do not know the day our Lord will come. The reflection explores how we can become distracted with our daily concerns and lose sight of what is ultimately the most important goal ... to always be ready to meet our Lord and Savior. This is followed by a brief reference to St Augustine exhorting us to "love and not fear him who will come." Each of these passages are brief, concise and easy for the reader connect to. The book continues in like manner for approximately 60 reflections to good effect. As with most homilies on the Gospel, some of these will personally touch you more than others (and it will likely be different for each reader). Regardless, it will provide a good starting point for your own personal reflections and devotions.
I was given this free advance reader copy (ARC) ebook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
#ReflectionsontheSundayGospel #NetGalley
January 23, 2021
A needed and timely title. If someone had told me I would live through a time of a global pandemic which would include all churches being closed I would have thought they were describing a dystopian novel. As a Catholic, I confess I do not attend mass without fail but my love for that weekly hour runs deep and throughout my life. After close to a year, I find I miss it so much tears will come. Virtual doesn’t feel the same. This book represents the doors we currently can not walk through. So thankful for each of these reflections. I also found fascinating the words of the early Church fathers. How did one inspire faith with little or close to no resources available. This book provides a glimpse. I am not sure what the future holds for churches as a whole but this reminds me if ministry can survive for thousands of years it will persevere through this time as well.
January 28, 2021
This book was received as an ARC from Convergent Books - Image in exchange for an honest review. Opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are completely my own.
I really needed this book today. At work hearing so many updates from COVID and the fear in everyone that the infection rate will skyrocket and losing hope to ever to return to the way things were. Pope Francis reminds us that we have the power of God to give us strength and stay positive and refers to Bible verses that can help us do that. We all need books that remind us what our purpose is and we need to carry it out no matter the circumstance. A lot of people in our community will appreciate this book and we can't wait to release them to our collection.
We will consider adding this title to our Religion collection at our library. That is why we give this book 5 stars.
I really needed this book today. At work hearing so many updates from COVID and the fear in everyone that the infection rate will skyrocket and losing hope to ever to return to the way things were. Pope Francis reminds us that we have the power of God to give us strength and stay positive and refers to Bible verses that can help us do that. We all need books that remind us what our purpose is and we need to carry it out no matter the circumstance. A lot of people in our community will appreciate this book and we can't wait to release them to our collection.
We will consider adding this title to our Religion collection at our library. That is why we give this book 5 stars.
March 22, 2021
This devotional offers a reminder of the Sunday Gospel passage, a reflection from Pope Francis and a passage from one of the Church fathers or a significant saint, for the Sundays in Year A plus a few other significant days such as Ash Wednesday.
It’s worth noting that last year (2020) was Year A so the next time this book will neatly fit the liturgical calendar is 2023 (starting Advent/December 2022). However, this could be used at any time as a daily or weekly devotional in its own right.
For the most part, this is easy to read and insightful. A couple of times I needed to reread sentences that had been slightly lost in translation. As with any homily or Gospel commentary, some speak to me more than others.
Thanks to NetGalley and publisher for a complimentary copy in return for my honest review.
March 20, 2022
Reading an early version of this book, written in English, by the Pope was an experience I wasn't anticipating. A life long Catholic, I didn't expect this book to open my mind to the Pope's insight while weaving biblical stories and political musings into essays/chapters I couldn't resist finishing. Pope Francis is the First Latin American man that was elected to the position of Pope. Originally from Buenos Aries, Argentina the Pope has a gentle but clear way of writing that leans heavily on specific verses and context to reach and engage the followers of the Church through his readings. Readers do not need to be Catholic to feel encouraged or be curious about the Pope's writings. It is a read that could span across ages but the word choice and sentence context lean to young adult and adults.
March 2, 2023
Reflections on the Sunday Gospel is exactly as the name implies...Full of heart, love, and steadfast relationships with our creator.
For those seeking inspiration, wishing to become actively engaged, perhaps fullfilling a life long goal of becoming more wholesome and inherently good this is the book for you.
Embracing god's word. Being tuned to our faith and following his gospel is exactly why we are put on this EARTH to achieve.
We cannot preach without practice. We cannot build without foundations. We cannot love without accpetance.
Be who are meant to become by living a life that's in the image and likeness of God. Reflect upon your virtues. Practice helping your brother and sister.
Love is kind. Love doesn't hurt.
We are living in a time when we have to slow down and become one with ourselves and with each other.
For those seeking inspiration, wishing to become actively engaged, perhaps fullfilling a life long goal of becoming more wholesome and inherently good this is the book for you.
Embracing god's word. Being tuned to our faith and following his gospel is exactly why we are put on this EARTH to achieve.
We cannot preach without practice. We cannot build without foundations. We cannot love without accpetance.
Be who are meant to become by living a life that's in the image and likeness of God. Reflect upon your virtues. Practice helping your brother and sister.
Love is kind. Love doesn't hurt.
We are living in a time when we have to slow down and become one with ourselves and with each other.
December 7, 2021
Reflections on the Sunday Gospel is a compilation of homilies and reflections that follow the Catholic liturgical year. The Catholic new year starts the first Sunday of Advent, which falls late November/early December, depending on what day of the week Christmas falls on. Each week has a short section of that week's Gospel reading (or at least one of the possible readings, as the Catholic Sunday Masses use a three-year cycle), a reflection on the gospel by Pope Francis, and readings from church fathers, like Saint Augustine. This book was great as a tool for individual reflection and prayer, but could also be a great starting point for a group meditation.
Thank you to the publisher and to Net Galley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Thank you to the publisher and to Net Galley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
June 27, 2021
The homilies that accompany each Sunday's readings are simple, insightful, and remarkably challenging. Each Sunday's thoughts are accompanied by a short reading from one of the ancient Church fathers or theologians. The historical readings support the interpretation and understanding of the Sunday reading and reinforce the concept Pope Francis expounds as being a long-held teaching and not a radical re-interpretation of the Bible. Each homily challenges the reader to turn to the Bible to learn what Jesus is teaching us in His words and the events that are presented. This reviewer is eager to purchase Reflections on the Sunday Gospel as soon as it is available in November 2021.
July 6, 2020
Bite-sized reflections with plenty to ponder in these Gospel readings. Now more than ever, this collection is perfect for when Christians are struggling to attend church services. This is a timely guide that addresses the current pandemic—a much-needed guide in these trying times.
Thank you to the publisher for allowing me to review an early copy.
Thank you to the publisher for allowing me to review an early copy.
March 25, 2021
Great collection of Gospel reflections from Pope Francis. A beautiful companion to weekly mass, Looking forward to using this beginning in Dec. 2022.
Thank you Netgalley and Convergent Books for this ARC.
Thank you Netgalley and Convergent Books for this ARC.
March 7, 2022
Are you looking for inspiration and guidance? If you are, this is the perfect book, this book is full of devotions and meditations to help guide you in this new world that we live in. If you are looking for guidance, look no more.
June 13, 2024
These short meditations by Pope Francis are designed to accompany the Gospel readings for each Sunday of the liturgical year … also included is a brief quotation from one of the Church Fathers on the same subject … very practical and down-to-earth, and thus very helpful …
October 27, 2020
Definitely reflective of the teaching of Pope Francis. Full review at http://rannthisthat.blogspot.com/2020...
March 10, 2021
Nice little companion book to the lectionary gospels. Commentary and excerpts from the writings of the church fathers.
July 31, 2021
Thank you Netgalley for an ARC.
I'm not Catholic, but I truly appreciated this collection of homilies. Pope Francis' reflections allow for greater insight into his perspective of the Gospel.
I'm not Catholic, but I truly appreciated this collection of homilies. Pope Francis' reflections allow for greater insight into his perspective of the Gospel.
March 12, 2023
Thank you Pope Francis
Best book I have read all year. I love the readings, voice of God and the story of our savior.
Best book I have read all year. I love the readings, voice of God and the story of our savior.
February 3, 2021
[I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book I was kindly given by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.]
A collection of Pope's homilies and reflections of the Fathers of the Church. Perfect to read every Sunday with your family, as I did with mine.
→4 stars
A collection of Pope's homilies and reflections of the Fathers of the Church. Perfect to read every Sunday with your family, as I did with mine.
→4 stars
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews