RISE, Let Us Be on Our Way

by Pope John Paul II

Book Overview

An inspirational memoir from the recently canonized Pope Saint John Paul II. Following the success of the international bestseller Crossing the Threshold of Hope, Pope John Paul II provides the world... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0446577812
• Release Date: September 2004
• Publisher: Warner Books
• Length: 230 Pages
• Weight: 0.95 lbs.
• Dimensions: 8.3" x 0.7" x 5.5"

Customer Reviews

Rise, Let Us Be On Our Way

This book captured my spirit. I felt the Pope becoming my very own father and arousing my youthful spirit. I felt for the humiliation the Church and the people in Poland experienced during those years of Hitler's invasion and Communism. John Paul II speaks of his interests, circumstances, the courage of others that influenced him, and God's words confirming him and leading him onward. All his life journey, like ours, is in the hands of God no matter what prevails. I was impressed, but not surprised to understand how prayerful and dedicated John Paul II was to the spiritual life, (of Christ)connecting to others, the circumstances he had before him, and rising up to meet them with acceptance. The book is for all; no matter you are a bishop, a student, or a "nobody". We are all the same to God.

The pope as a bishop and model

Following his frank and forthright conversations in 'Crossing the Threshold of Hope', Pope John Paul II wrote more explicitly on his vocation and role as a bishop, hoping through his words to both explain to the laity and clergy, as well as teach those who were fellow-bishops (albeit without the papal authority he himself carried) what it is like to be a bishop. My favourite part of the book is the first section; being someone who has spent the greater part of his life in one form or another of discernment of vocation, it is fascinating to see what vocational aspects are most relavent to a pope. From both the practical aspect of knowing this particular pope, as well as the general aspect of learning more about what his vision of what a bishop and pope should be, John Paul II has provided an interesting insight into why he did the things he did. Vocation is a mystery, and authority from God is also a mystery. It might not seem so from outside, but it is a heavy burden with which to be entrusted. 'Do you know what you have done?' This is a question that might be asked of the cardinals by a new pope; this is a question we might ask ourselves. However, John Paul II recasts it in asking if we know what God has done for us, in the midst of all the world's troubles and joys. The gospel of John records, 'You did not choose me, but I chose you.' Pope John Paul II, far from being a perfect person, was nonetheless a good and faithful servant to his vision of what he was chosen to be, and worked to bear the fruit of his ministry that will last. This book explains that this was important to him, and will stand as a testimony of sorts to what he expects the leaders of the church to be and to do. Leaders of the church are expected to carry a lot of burdens - they must be theologians, pastors, shepherds, colleagues, faithful witnesses and more (and this is before they must be administrators and managers, as well as general workers in the vineyard). There are chapters devoted to each of these roles, cast in caring, theological and spiritual tones. The audience for this particular work is rather narrow if taken as a direct charge (few of us will become Roman Catholic bishops, after all, and even fewer will become popes). However, this book does give insight into the leadership principles that guided Pope John Paul II in his own words and thoughts, and as such, is an interesting guide as we enter a new era with a new pope.

Meet the Holy Father as a Person

I always have known that the Holy Father is a theological mastermind. I've read many of his encyclicals, but I never read met him as a person until I read this book. It follows his days from bishop-elect to auxillary, then archbishop, cardinal, and finally pope. He speaks of the importance of the role of bishop, and how he fulfilled the job, both instructing his brother bishops to follow certain things, but he also says not to make the same mistakes, and mentions them. I feel now, that I know Karol Wojtyla the man, and I love him like a father.

Prophetic Pope Points the Way to Renewal

In this small book, John Paul has one biblical citation for about every two and one half pages of text. The Bible permeates the Pope's thinking. John Paul also emphasizes the value of heartfelt ancient traditions of Catholic devotion. He especially emphasizes devotion to Mary and prayer and contemplation before the Eucharist. These themes of Scripture, of the emotional pull of traditional forms of piety, of Marian devotion, and of Eucharistic contemplation point the way to renewing the Church here in the United States.

A Life Hard to Imagine

When Jesus was taken from the Garden of Gethsemane he said to his followers: 'Rise, Let us be on our way." From this theme, Pope John Paul II tells the story of his life dating from the year 1958 when he became a bishop at 38 years of age after only 12 years of being a priest. Remember 1958 in Poland. This was ten years before the Russian invasion to put down the brief attempt to overthrow the communist regime. This was a time when the Government was avidly anti-church but the people were devoutly Catholic. Walking a very narrow line, this book covers a period, a life not well knows by those of us on this side of the iron curtain. Brilliantly written, the utter peacefulness of the man behind the vestments comes through.