Gospel Joy: Pope Francis and the New Evangelization

by Dennis J. Billy

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 Mime constructive insights concerning our present situation. For Pope Francis, the joy of the gospel is simple: Cod 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.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781565485662
Publisher:	New City Press
Publication date:	01/01/2016
Pages:	87
Product dimensions:	5.00(w) x 8.00(h) x 0.35(d)

About the Author

Author of numerous books and articles, Fr. Dennis Billy, C.Ss.R. earned 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 is currently a Fellow of the Graduate Theological Foundation and serves there as the Karl Rahner Professor of Catholic Theology. New City Press has also published from the same author: Mary in 3D, Living in the Gap, The Mystery of the Eucharist, The Beauty of the Eucharist, Tending the Mustard Seed, Gospel Joy: Pope Francis and the New Evangelization.

Table of Contents

Introduction: The Joy of the Gospel 9

1 Changing Focus 13

A Firm Foundation 14

Gospel Living 16

The Smell of the Sheep 19

A Transforming Presence 22

Conclusion 24

Reflection Questions 26

2 Today's Challenges 27

Present Challenges 29

Present Temptations 31

Saying "Yes" to God 34

Living in the Spirit 37

Conclusion 39

Reflection Questions 41

3 The New Evangelization 43

The Whole Church Proclaims 44

Preaching the Word 49

Understanding the Kerygma 54

Conclusion 56

Reflection Questions 58

4 Life in Communion 59

Reaching Society 60

Loving the Poor 63

Dialogue for Peace 68

Conclusion 72

Reflection Questions 74

Conclusion: A Work of the Spirit 75

Filled with the Spirit 76

Turning to Mary 79

Notes 83