With Christ joy is constantly born anew. –Pope Francis
If you aren’t able to join us in person for our Collaborative study of The Joy of the Gospel
you are invited to study the exhortation on your own this Lent!
Each week we will share a brief reflection with some thoughts and questions for your consideration.
Links to the recordings of the 2014 Lenten Lecture Series on The Joy of the Gospel with Fr. John Connelly and Fr. Bryan Hehir can be found here: Lecture Archive
(The Joy of the Gospel is available to read and download from the Vatican website: The Joy of the Gospel Paperback versions are also available to purchase online)
Revisiting The Joy of the Gospel: Chapter 4 – “The Social Dimension of Evangelization”
In Pope Francis’ fourth chapter, “The Social Dimension of Evangelization”, he reminds us that the heart of the gospel is life in community and engagement with others. If we receive God’s love and love God in return then it follows that we will desire, seek, and protect the good of others. The gospel is not just about a personal relationship with God, it is about the kingdom of God and that includes two important themes: the inclusion of the poor and the importance of peace ...
Revisiting The Joy of the Gospel: Chapter 3 – “The Proclamation of the Gospel”
In Pope Francis’ third chapter, “The Proclamation of the Gospel”, he reminds us that God’s salvation is for everyone. The entire people of God proclaim the Gospel - everyone who is baptized is called to be a missionary disciple. Evangelization can take many forms, including normal, everyday conversations and the witness of our lives. At the heart of missionary discipleship is the act of listening deeply and accompanying others ...
Revisiting The Joy of the Gospel: Chapter 2 – “Amid the Crisis of Communal Commitment”
In Pope Francis' second chapter, “Amid the Crisis of Communal Commitment”, we explore the need to become a community which resists those things that deprive us of life and instead embraces the love of God. To sustain a lifestyle which excludes others, or to sustain enthusiasm for that selfish ideal, a globalization of indifference has developed. Almost without being aware of it, we end up being incapable of feeling compassion at the outcry of the poor, weeping for other people's pain, and feeling a need to help them, as though all this were someone else's responsibility and not our own... ...
Revisiting The Joy of the Gospel: Chapter One – “The Church’s Missionary Transformation”
In itself mercy is the greatest of the virtues. –St. Thomas Aquinas
Last week, we continued our discussion by diving into Chapter One: “The Church’s Missionary Transformation”. Our conversation centered on embodying a Church that goes forth and a house with the doors always open. Please find below some questions for your personal prayer ...
Last week, we continued our discussion by diving into Chapter One: “The Church’s Missionary Transformation”. Our conversation centered on embodying a Church that goes forth and a house with the doors always open. Please find below some questions for your personal prayer ...
Revisiting The Joy of the Gospel: Introduction
Last week, we opened our study with the Introduction... Here are some questions for your prayer and consideration to support your study of the Introduction:
1. Have you ever experienced a powerful sensation of joy in the midst of what would otherwise be a challenging time?
2. What does a renewed personal encounter with Christ look like this Lenten season?
3. What are some examples in scripture of people who have experienced an overwhelming joy whose source is the Lord?
This week, we will be diving into "Chapter One: The Church's Missionary Transformation". To enrich your study we are offering a Lenten Podcast featuring our beloved late Priest in Residence, Father John Connelly ...
1. Have you ever experienced a powerful sensation of joy in the midst of what would otherwise be a challenging time?
2. What does a renewed personal encounter with Christ look like this Lenten season?
3. What are some examples in scripture of people who have experienced an overwhelming joy whose source is the Lord?
This week, we will be diving into "Chapter One: The Church's Missionary Transformation". To enrich your study we are offering a Lenten Podcast featuring our beloved late Priest in Residence, Father John Connelly ...