The Gospel: Good News of Salvation
The very etymology of the word “gospel” illustrates just how deeply this term resonates in the hearts of Christians. Its meaning is the foundation of the Christian faith: indeed, this word comes from the Greek term “euangelion,” which can be translated as “good news” or “message of salvation.” In the Bible, there are four Gospels that open the New Testament: the Gospel of Matthew, the Gospel of Mark, the Gospel of Luke, and the Gospel of John. Written by different apostles, they all reveal this same Good News through the account of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection, and through his teachings.
What is the message of the Gospel?
While the Gospels are historical accounts that recount real events in the life of Jesus, they are also more than that.
The four evangelists convey to us the message of Christ as expressed through his teachings, his deeds, and his death on the cross, followed by his resurrection. The Gospel teaches us that Jesus is the Son of God, the Messiah awaited for centuries, promised by the Old Testament prophets, and who came to save humanity.
Through the Gospel, we come to know Jesus, the Savior of the world, but also, through him, his Father, our Father, for “Whoever has seen me has seen the Father” (John 14:9). The Gospel shows us God’s infinite love for humanity, His mercy manifested through Jesus Himself.
What are the different Gospels?
What are the Gospels of the Bible (canonical Gospels)?
The four Gospels found in the Bible are the canonical Gospels.
Three of these four Gospels are called the Synoptic Gospels (the term comes from the Greek “synopsis,” which can be translated as “seeing together”), because they share similarities in narrative structure, particularly in chronological order. These are the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke.
Each Gospel has its own perspective, and they do not all focus on the same periods or aspects of Christ’s life. But together, they form a coherent whole that allows us to follow Jesus from his birth (the Gospel of Luke) to his ascension, including his Passion and resurrection.
For example:
- In the Gospel of Matthew, the apostle particularly emphasizes Jesus’ messianic role through the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies
- Mark, in his Gospel, shows us how Jesus, through his deeds and his Passion, places himself at the service of humanity and the Father.
- The Gospel of Luke emphasizes how Jesus shows compassion toward the outcasts and sinners.
- John, right from the prologue of his Gospel, reveals to us the intimate relationship between Jesus and his Father, as well as his divinity.
What is an apocryphal gospel?
The apocryphal gospels or writings were excluded from the Christian canon and are not part of the biblical books as defined by the Council of Trent because their origin is not clearly authenticated. Nevertheless, some of them shed light on tradition and have provided certain details not found in the canonical gospels (such as, for example, the first names of the Virgin Mary’s parents, Anne and Joachim).
Among the apocryphal gospels, we can notably mention those attributed to Saint Thomas or Saint James.
Why is it important to read the Gospels?
A Path of Life
By reading and meditating on the Gospels, we come to know Jesus and enter into an intimate relationship with him. He opens our hearts and shows us the way back to God, so that we may once again become fully children of God. The Gospels are not merely stories recounted by men long ago; they are testimonies inspired by God. They are the Word of God, a living word that is always relevant.
The Gospel is an invitation to believe in Jesus and to open ourselves to eternal life by repenting of our sins and following Christ.
No matter what we are going through—the trials or wounds we carry—the Gospel can be a source of comfort, encouragement, and inspiration. Jesus is with us, sharing in our joys and sorrows. He experienced rejection, humiliation, abandonment, injustice, and betrayal; he endured suffering and death. And he emerged victorious, so that in him, we too might be victorious.
Discovering and Drawing Strength from Jesus’ Teaching
Jesus’ teachings—through his exhortations to unconditional love, forgiveness, compassion, truth, and care for the least among us—challenge us and invite us to take a fresh look at our lives, as he did, for example, in his Sermon on the Mount.
It is a profound message that often runs counter to the norms and values of our societies. But this is the path he invites us to follow. “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6)
Reading the Gospel is therefore also a way of setting out on a journey, of questioning our habits and our relationships with others and with God. The Gospel invites us to personal transformation, to conversion, to imitate Jesus by placing love for God and neighbor at the center of our lives. “You shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the greatest and the first commandment. The second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” (Matthew 22:37–39).
Working for the Kingdom of God
In the Gospels, Jesus speaks of the Kingdom of God, particularly through his many parables. He invites us to work for the coming of this Kingdom. Each of us is called to be a builder, a worker in it—and to bear fruit!
Through our prayer, our care for others, and our daily actions—even the simplest ones—we too can radiate this love of God, made flesh in Jesus.
How Should We Read the Gospel?
Regular reading of the Gospel nourishes our faith and is essential to our spiritual growth. It allows us to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus and helps us live as disciples of Christ by inspiring us, guiding us, and helping us to discern more clearly in our daily lives.
There are no set rules for reading the Gospels, but here are a few tips that may help with this practice.
The Gospel of the Day
At Mass or worship services, there is a “Word” segment consisting of Bible readings. Each day, a passage from the Gospel is read. Depending on the year and the liturgical calendar, the reading may be taken from one of the four Gospels. Each day, therefore, a Gospel passage is offered: the Gospel of the Day.
A simple way to read the Gospel is to read the Gospel of the Day every day.
On Hozana, you can join this community to . A brief commentary accompanies each day to help you reflect on it and see how it can guide you in your daily life.
Reading the Gospels One by One
Another way to delve into the life of Jesus is to read the Gospels one after another. This provides a more chronological view of Jesus’ life. It may be easier to start with one of the three Synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark, or Luke).
Meditating on a Verse
While diving into a Gospel may seem daunting, you can also start by exploring individual verses—that is, individual sentences. Starting the day with a phrase from Jesus, letting it resonate within you, meditating on it, and seeing how it can speak to you in your daily life is also a beautiful way to allow yourself to be guided a little more by Jesus each day.
