Open Mind, Faithful Heart: Reflections on Following Jesus (The Pope Francis Resource Library) Paperback – September 15, 2015

Pope Francis' Public Exhortation is a well reasoned approach to understanding the role of the Catholic Church in the twenty first century. Without changing the essence and essential truths of the Church, we must be open and available to the needs of the wider world around us. This new openness does not signal a change in Church doctrine, but a call to practice the essence of the Gospel of John, as outlined in John 3:16, that God so loved the world that he gave us His only Son", so we too, must also love one and another. It was another early Church father, St. Polycarp of Symirna who said that if we loved one another, and worshiped the Holy Trinity, we are doing the most important work of the Church.As the word Mass in Latin means to be sent forth, we are sent forth each Sunday not just to exist in a secular world, but to boldly proclaim our faith and to make a positive difference to those we encounter in our daily lives. Those who read the Holy Father's words cannot help but to be energized by his level of humility and enthusiastic support for the Catholic faith.

This content of this book was taken from various retreats given to priest prior to becoming a Pope. My spoiritual director, a priest, recommended this book to me and he said it was like a poke in the eye for his priesthood. It is a powerful, faithfilled, compelling book to read. It has pointed out ares in my spiritual journey that I am doing right and many others where I have to grow.I loved this book and I will keep referring back to it as I progress in following my Jesus. I now have a clearer picture in my mind as to who Pope Francis is. A true servant of the Lord.Thank you for the opportunity to review this wonderful book.

These homilies and talks by then-Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio reveal consistent themes we are starting to see in the ministry of Pope Francis. He is thoroughly realistic, deeply inspired by his own faithfulness to Jesus. The entire first half of the book is an Ignatian take on the Apostolic Exhortation "Evangelii Nuntiandi" by Pope Paul VI (soon to be beatified). Pope Paul's document on evangelization has been dear to my heart for decades, and Ignatius is my favorite saint, so this was a spectacular re-reading of the document, so realistic in the way Bergoglio analyzes the impediments to evangelization--in the heart and mind of the would-be evangelizer.

I was disappointed, and since it failed to hold my interest or lift me spiritually, I probably will never finish the book. He quotes rather heavily from Pope Paul VI's "Evangelii Nuntiandi," which is rather heavily theological. Some chapters are clearly written to encourage the clergy, and do not really pertain to the faithful. Pope Francis does a great job of evangelizing now that he is Pope, but this book was not reflective of his present spirituality.

As one might expect of a compilation of 48 talks presented by a bishop at conferences "to those collaborating with him in pastoral ministry," the quality of the chapters in Open Mind, Faithful Heart is inconsistent. I read one talk a day, reflecting on its content. Though the quality tilts heavily to very good, insightful, and challenging, some are bland, and others are flat, even confusing. The book is a spiritual aid and also provides insight into the man who was to become pope..Open Mind, Faithful Heart does not indicate who the audience for each talk was, and I sometimes found myself asking to whom a specific talk was delivered. There's a strong Ignatian tilt and many references to St. Ignatius of Loyola's Spiritual Exercises, as one might expect from a Jesuit, but, unexpectedly there is no explicit mention of St. Francis of Assisi, despite the author's later choice of his name when elected pope.I was taken aback by the statement (Location 3748) that Jesus "felt his mission had failed." Jesus knew his mission, prophesied his suffering, death, and resurrection, and yet felt his mission had failed? Perhaps, I thought initially, the modern English equivalence of "felt" and "thought" was handicapping my understanding: perhaps in Spanish, it's clear the archbishop was referring to Jesus' sense impressions and feeling, i.e., he felt failure, not his thoughts or belief (leaving aside that God knows not believes). If so, I could explain away my confusion by attributing it to the inadequacies of translation. But reading further, it seems clear he means "thought." He calls those who disagree with him "neo-Docetists because they basically do not believe that Jesus the Christ is bodily alive, is truly risen." Well, I don't think Jesus thought his mission had failed, and I do believe he truly is risen and is bodily alive.

I bought this book to try to get a better understanding of our new pope and become even closer to Jesus. Pope Francis is a brilliant man! The book is broken into 48 chapters that are meant to be read and reflected upon. I believe the book was written as a tool for priests, but I believe it can be helpful for everyone. Do not try to read too many chapters at one time. I did this and found it to be overwhelming. It was just so hard to put it down! I will definitely read through it again the way I'm supposed to do.One of the things I liked most was Pope Francis's 8 chapters on the Book of Revelation. I've always been afraid of this topic, but Pope Francis actually draws out and explains the hope in it! I feel much better about that now.I would consider this book a must-read not only for Catholics, but all Christians.

Excellent readings rich in scholarly examination and prayerful reflection on the foundations of Christian faith.There are many text references, citing scripture, and doctrinal studies, along with suggestions for meditation and prayer.The reader is mightily challenged and gently encouraged while exploring this brilliant work.The book is organized into chapters that can be absorbed separately or as part of a unified study.

Excellent book

As a student of Jewish-Christian relations I have found that this dialogue between J. M. Bergoglio and Rabbi Skorka has provided me with many insights. The respectful sharing of beliefs and values by two personal friends gives a special dimension to the Christian-Jewish dialogue which is growing richer at this present time.