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.
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Contrary to protestant or evangelical full-hour sermons, the bite-size reflections on the weekly passage from Scripture by Pope Francis are suitable to compile in a book meant for self-study. A couple of verses, Francis' to-the-point and contemporary homily followed by either a prayer to Mary or the Holy Spirit and a selected homily by an early Church father, e.g. Saint Augustine, Jerome, and Ambrose, about the same topic for each Sunday in the so-called liturgical year. Advent, Christmas, Lent, Passover, Ascension, and Pentecost are alternated by passages from the gospels.

The message is practical, positive, yet in-your-face, like the gospel of God's kingdom itself. There's not that much attention for the Old Testament, and as a non-Catholic reader, it's still a bit strange to invoke Jesus' mother Mary to pray for us as an intercessor, where we can conversate with God in prayer by ourselves. Content-wise, Reflections on the Sunday Gospel: How to More Fully Live Out Your Relationship with God, can be used as a weekly, or eventually daily, devotional to guide your time apart with God. ( )