All Catholics - laity, religious and clergy alike - are invited by Pope Francis to reach out to show others the beauty of the Christian life and the joy that flows from it. To evangelise others, though, we must first be evangelised ourselves. The narrative of Jesus as related in the four Gospels facilitates the process of Christian initiation and maturation. They introduce us successively to the Christological (Mark), ecclesial (Matthew), missionary (Luke-Acts) and contemplative (John) dimensions of Christian discipleship. Through a better understanding of the story of Jesus we are enabled to become 'missionary disciples' and 'contemplatives in action'. The Four Gospels: Following in the Footsteps of Jesus provides an accessible and informed guide to the fruitful and prayerful reading of each of the four Gospels in turn. In this way, believers are equipped to consolidate their belief and are better placed to spread the Good News of Jesus Christ with courage and conviction. I found this to be a really helpful book and will return to it often. Fr Maurice Hogan writes elegantly with clarity and an economy of words never losing his focus. There is a call on all of us to reach out and to share with others the beauty of the Christian life and the joy that flows from it. - Denis Murphy op, Spirituality Magazine
