The Gospel of Hope According to Juan/a

THE GOSPEL OF HOPE ACCORDING TO JUAN/A (Published in 2018 by THE STORYTELLERS’ SOCIETY INC.)

ISBN 978-971-95748-9-7

About the Book:

Every Juan/a finds him/herself trapped in extremely painful and cruel circumstances once in a while. What keeps Juan/a going in the face of life-changing situations like natural or man-made disasters, terrorism and violence, illness and death, abject poverty and hunger, social marginalization and rejection?

This third installment in The Gospel According to Juan/a series explores the nature of hope and hopelessness through storytelling. Gabriel Marcel’s “Sketch of a Phenomenology and a Metaphysics of Hope” is juxtaposed with biblical passages in framing this collection of true-to-life stories and personal essays. Philosophical and biblical thoughts on hope come to life in everyday struggles of Juan/a. In the end, one realizes that hope springs eternal in places where love abounds.

Reviews:

It may be important to warn our readers that these narratives depart from our usual plot with the protagonist in hot pursuit of some life goal while the antagonist appears standing in the way to prevent our hero or heroine from realizing that dream. Instead, in these stories, both hero and villain enter into the same battlefield where what is irresistibly human meets what is profoundly sacred and we behold a bush afire! You may need to remove the sandals on your feet before you can unravel the mystery of hope radically transforming a Pinoy kwento into a Gospel Parable. Once you decide to enter the scene, you will be graced with the power to complete the story. In my case, I have made a vow to revisit those sites where Mt. Pinatubo left its mark and see with my own eyes the glittering spectacle of millions of diamonds of hope in every grain of sand.

Br. Armin A. Luistro FSC, De La Salle Philippines President

Jesus told a lot of stories. Clarissa Pinkola Estes, psychoanalyst, post-trauma specialist and author of The Gift of Story, writes that stories can teach, correct errors, lighten the heart and the darkness, provide psychic shelter, assist transformation and heal wounds.” And, it goes without saying, give hope. Stories hold magic. Though many pieces in this book start off dripping with pathos, they end with amazing hopefulness, thanks to the story barers/tellers—the Juanas and the Juans— who saw through the pain and the darkness and caught the distant spark.

Ma. Ceres P. Doyo , Journalist (Philippine Daily Inquirer)

We are a nation that has had to live with murderous impunity, the bloody deaths driving individuals and families into grief and despair. The Gospel of Hope offers us an alternative. Taking us by our hand, Bishop Ambo shows how we might reflect on the tragedies, the travails of our lives, and yet find meaning, and the courage to hope. The deaths haunt us, but those painful memories must also goad us to live on to bring justice.

Dr. Michael L. Tan , Chancellor (University of the Philippines – Diliman)