A Gift by Joy and Hope by Pope Francis

 

Did you read any books for the Easter season?  I read A Gift of Joy and Hope by Pope Francis.  I didn’t realize as I finished it on Easter that Pope Francis would be gone by the next morning.

A Gift of Joy and Hope is a collection of thoughts taken from the speeches and writings of Pope Francis.  It focuses on how joy and hope can be found even in times of darkness and despair. I enjoyed how the book was set up with brief sections about different topics.  It made it really easy to pick this book up and read it even when I didn’t have much time. A section at the end contains the prayers of Pope Francis.

My favorite quotes give a good insight into what this book is like:

“It would be good for our Western society, always in too much of a hurry, to learn how to stop and contemplate things, even in a poetic manner.”

“Sometimes all of our youthful energy, dreams, and enthusiasm waver and we are tempted to dwell on ourselves and our problems, hurt feelings, and grievances.  Don’t let this happen to you!  You will grow old inside before your time.”

Saint Teresa of Calcutta quote was referenced, “Whoever, on the journey of life, has lit even one torch in someone’s darkest hour has not lived in vain.”

“This reminds me of just how many of us Christians live in a state of apathy, incapable of doing anything, always complaining about everything.  Apathy is a poison; it is a fog that surrounds the soul and suffocates it.”

“True joy does not come from owning things.  No!  It is born of an encounter, from having a relationship with others, from feeling accepted, understood, and loved, from accepting understanding, and loving.  It is not because of a passing fancy, but because we understand that the other is a complete person.”

“Acceptance and a dignified integration into society are stages of a difficult process, but it is unthinkable that we address this problem by putting up walls.  I grow fearful when I hear certain speeches by new populist leaders; they mind me of speeches that spread fear and hatred back in the 1930s.”

Overall, A Gift of Joy and Hope by Pope Francis was a wonderful book to read during Lent and Easter.  Pope Francis writes with wisdom and really gives great thoughts on how to live a happy life and to be compassionate to all.

Book Source:  Review copy from Hachette Book Group. Thank-you!