Customer Reviews

The Yes of Jesus Christ: Spiritual Exercises in Faith, Hope, and Love

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The Yes of Jesus Christ Joseph Ratzinger (Pope Benedict XVI)

This book, which contains spiritual exercises on Faith, Hope, and Love, was first written by Ratzinger for a retreat he conducted in Collevalenza in 1986. The meditations are very well documented scholarly pieces that
are more "lessons" than "exercises" - lessons written by a master teacher, a professor who enjoys keeping our focus by telling stories and introducing us to fresh insights into "old" concepts. I will relate a few of the ideas Benedict presents.

In the early pages he suggests that we need to learn the "skill of skills" or the "act of being human". Benedict posits that as people we are very good at making things and of dominating the world that God gave us. We, however, are miserable at the art of existence. Somehow we "lost" the art of how to live. We seldom even talk about what things and people "are", the very nature of "being".

Benedict relates that often people treat God as the "guarantee of human success", which degrades God. God is never defeated and HE is not diminished in human defeat. Actually God's promises become greater in human defeat, "as love grows to extent the beloved has need of it."

In his section on Love, Cardinal Ratzinger begins to establish the view of love as Eros and agape being natural to the establishment of "real love" that is a true gift from God. This is a clear preview of the encyclical Deus Charitas Est that he wrote as Pope.

Benedict`s insights on the Sermon on the mount, perspective on love and the cross, and attitude toward fear are edifying and increase the value of this work. I recommend this publication, especially for those anxious to grow in their faith in Jesus.

This is a very beautiful and brilliant account in virtues. If you are a Christian, ya gotta strive to get it right. If your a Buddhist, the same is true. If your Jewish, live it! Whatever the Faith of any Individual, it must be reflected or attempted to be driven towards the reflection of their life experiences. Not too much to say about this book except that it needs to be read! It needs to have an impact on the lives that it comes in touch with. Otherwise, what's the point in pretending to be someone your not or don't care to be?