Book Review of Cardinal Burke's Hope for the World: To Unite All Things in Christ

Before I began reading Cardinal Raymond Leo Burke’s 2016 book Hope for the World: To Unite All Things in Christ – An Interview with Guillaume d’Alançon (published by Ignatius Press), I was uncertain of what precisely to expect. However, I was not uncertain in what could be misconstrued as a “wary” way; rather, I was unsure of both what Cardinal Burke would address and how he would cover it. Soon after starting to read Hope for the World, I am glad that I did, and it was both a quick – yet intellectually enriching – and noteworthy reading experience that provided many opportunities for reflection.

Cardinal Burke is currently serving as the patron of the Knights of Malta. I have long had an avid appreciation for the pastoral efforts of Cardinal Burke since following his vast ministerial initiatives as a prelate. Reading Hope for the World provides a closer glimpse at just how pastoral Cardinal Burke is, as a man whose prime interests rest in proclaiming the Gospel and thus leading souls to Christ, especially in the midst of the myriad challenges that come with striving to be a faithful disciple in the increasingly secularized twenty-first century world. To quote the interviewer, Guillaume d’Alançon, from within d’Alançon’s introduction to the text: “For forty years, Raymond Leo Burke has been working humbly in the Lord’s vineyard. Those who have been close to him know that he is a gentle, compassionate pastor who intends to spare no effort for Christ and his Church for the sake of the salvation of souls” (page 10). Likewise, “[m]any who have worked closely with Cardinal Burke testify that he does not have the faults of an intransigent judge: this is a profoundly spiritual man and a good listener” (ibid).

Hope for the World provides Cardinal Burke’s profound reflections on circumstances of life, the sacraments (particularly the Eucharistic celebration), fidelity to doctrine based on the words of Jesus Christ and their promulgation by the Apostles, and various other matters. In Hope for the World, we see a seasoned pastor deliver multiple personal anecdotes, from his youth through his role as a cardinal, as well as examples of how to apply the Good News daily, exemplified via a piercing intellect and an unrivaled respect for the timeless teachings of Christ. We see Burke’s commitment to defending human life in all its stages, the natural law, service to those living in both material and spiritual poverty, holy matrimony, a mother’s and a father’s respectively unique roles in the family, and other Christian considerations. We also see Burke’s personal devotion to such legendarily holy figures as Saint Ignatius of Loyola, Saint Thérèse of Lisieux, and Saint John Paul II, among others. The book’s divisions include “Part One: The Lord’s Call,” “Part Two: The Church and the World in Crisis,” “Part Three: A Spiritual Renewal,” “Part Four: Proclaiming the Gospel of Life,” “Part Five: Loving and Protecting the Family,” and “Part Six: To Unite All Things in Christ.”

As we are now in the midst of Lent, and look forward to the Lord’s glorious Resurrection at Easter, the Catholic faithful would do well to take this occasion to read Hope for the World. In this book, Cardinal Burke shares his insights as a patient and gentle spiritual father, who gently corrects when necessary, but whose interest remains in sharing the Good News with his spiritual children. After all, such evangelization is the goal of every disciple, and Cardinal Burke relishes the opportunity to partake in this initiative: “Christian life is by nature missionary. When you know the great joy that results from a relationship with Christ, it is impossible not to want to share it with others” (page 112). Hope for the World will draw both you and your family closer to knowing the Lord’s deep and abiding love for each of us, and the virtue to which we are called subsequently: “If you love me, you will keep my commandments” (John 14:15). You can get Hope for the World on the website for Ignatius Press or Amazon. You shall enjoy Cardinal Burke's book, which serves to provide us with certain “hope for the world.”