About the Book

"Pope Francis illuminates a new way of experiencing the Gospel: by returning to the original word of God alongside reflections from early church leaders, in search of wisdom on living with meaning, purpose, and strength. Published in English for the first time, Reflections on the Sunday Gospel closely examines ancient reflections by Church Fathers from the Eastern and Western Church that shine light on how necessary, inviting, healing, and powerful the Gospel is--both for early church leaders, and for us today. These reflections exhibit the humility with which these early fathers approached God, and also demonstrate the immense inspiration and comfort provided through these interactions. Ultimately, as Pope Francis guides us through these timeless words, readers will glean how even the giants of the faith needed God as much as we do, and how we can draw near to God no matter where we are. Moving, intimate, and deeply meditative, these reflections are a source of inspiration that comfort and encourage us in our moments of confusion and need"--

Book Synopsis

Pope Francis illuminates a new, vibrant way of experiencing the Gospel through moving, intimate, and deeply meditative reflections.

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 assurance: "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 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.

About the Author

Pope Francis was born in Buenos Aires on December 17, 1936, son of Italian migrants, the first of five children born in the working-class barrio of Flores. He qualified as a chemical technician, graduated in philosophy in 1963, became a priest in 1969, joined the provincial of the Jesuits of Argentina in 1973, was named auxiliary bishop in 1992, archbishop of Buenos Aires in 1998, created cardinal in 2001, and on March 13, 2013, Bishop of Rome and the 266th Pope of the Catholic Church. The first Jesuit and Latin American pontiff, Pope Francis passed away on April 21, 2025.