Test everything; hold fast to what is good; abstain from evil. 1 Thessalonians 5:21
The renowned Cardinal Pell, Archbishop of Sydney, recently appointed by Pope Francis as Prefect of the Secretariat for the Economy at the Vatican, challenges readers with St. Paul s words in these powerful reflections to consider some of the "ultimate" questions that confront us all: Why are we here? What is the purpose of life, amidst suffering and death? What is the good we should hold onto, and the evil to abstain from ?
Reaching out to youth, as well as people of all ages, faiths, and experiences, and using an engaging style mixed with a keen 'Aussie' wit--"rooster today, feather duster tomorrow"--Cardinal Pell writes as a seasoned story-teller, expert historian, insightful scholar, patriot par excellence, and outstanding Churchman.
His advice to all is credible, practical, necessary, and helpful: "Search for genuine love and service"; "Do not follow the crowd"; "Reject evil,"; and most importantly, "Remember to pray." He reminds Christians that "Every lover must be a fighter . . . We know that evil will triumph if good people do nothing." To those harboring doubts or tempted to disbelief he brings steadfast encouragement: "The Christian vision does not deceive: if it comes slowly, wait, for it will come without fail."
Among the many interesting topics he discusses are: Mystery of the Trinity; Old Testament Prophets; Jesus Christ, Our Redeemer; Triumph of the Cross; Meaning of Suffering; The Eucharist: Heart of our Faith; Praying the Psalms; Faith and Science; Love and Life; Mary, Mother of God; Christians in Public Life; The Papacy; Saints and Martyrs; Humanae Vitae, and much more.
Cardinal Pell's overall message points us to the Cross of Christ as the unique and final measure of what it means to be human, and thus holy. Cardinal Pell, modern man of faith, vision and action, inspires readers with St. Paul to go deeper and to "Test Everything, Hold Fast to What Is Good.""
