Reflections

If you have a reflection to share, please contact Ann DiStefano at ames.distefano@gmail.com

• “I started reading the book before Lent, and I just couldn’t put it down. At one point, I had to, because I was crying! It is so powerful.”

• "Participating in the Rediscover Jesus program has connected me with other St. Ann parishioners and given me the opportunity to reflect more deeply on who I am and who I want to be.” Jen Vendetti

• “Thank you for the terrific facilitation of the Rediscover Jesus discussion last weekend at 6pm while my children were in faith formation classes. I am really enjoy getting some spiritual feeding while my children are at CCD. I mentioned this at yesterday's Rediscover Jesus session, and other women felt the same.”
• "One of the guys in my Small Group said this was the best Lent ever.“ Joe Pavano

• This book was chosen by God. Even though some in my group thought it was missing some important things about Jesus (e.g. the Eucharist), it has led us to focus on other facets of our relationships with Jesus, and on our experiences, which are different for each person. A lot of us know things about Jesus and our faith, but looking at it through a different lens has helped us go deeper. We can never know enough – it’s all part of the idea that faith is a great adventure. Hearing other people’s stories about Jesus at work in their lives has been so powerful. What a blessing to be able to share with others in this way.
• A friend told me about an encounter she had at the gas station on Ash Wednesday. The man pumping gas near her noticed the ashes on her forehead. He asked if she was from town, and whether she went to St. Ann’s. Turns out, they’ve both been parishioners for years, but never met. Then they shared that they’re both reading Rediscover Jesus! What a great way to build community.
• I had just read the opening story in Rediscover Jesus, where the guy misses his flight to help a blind woman whose vending cart he knocked over, and she asks whether he’s Jesus. Here I am, driving through Unionville in a rush with a million things to do, when I see an older women struggling to walk in the snow. Typically, I would have passed by, hoping someone with more time would step up. But I had just read that story- I had to stop. So I did

• A friend found the book in her mailbox. Not knowing who it was for, or who left it, she put it on her daughter’s bed. Their dog died that day, and her daughter collapsed on her bed in tears, looked up and saw Rediscover Jesus. It was there when she needed it. Amazing!
• “Because of the book program, we’re seeing more donations to Immacare shelter than in the past. More people are cooking/baking/providing food than ever before.” Karen Finocchio
• This program has brought me back to the parish. I felt like I was drifting – only knowing people on a superficial level. Now I know people’s names and we’ve established relationships. We’re so different from one another, and yet we’re sharing our faith. (A Large Group Gathering participant)
• I’ve been struggling with the Church, but I like the Pope and decided to try the Parish Gatherings. I was pleasantly surprised by the book and its focus on not judging.

• I have a copy of Matthew's book at home and another copy at work on my desk. We are a very busy office. Yet the hunger for spiritual guidance and a close relationship with God and Jesus is very present in our lives. I see three of the younger ladies reading the Bible and or a daily living book. Also as I was reading Matthew Kelly's book, I was able share with my beau and rediscover Jesus with him.
• So many chapters of the book resonated with me. My take aways include not judging others, letting go of the past and living fully in the present and living the life God planned for me.

Responses to the question, “What was the most important message you received this Lent from the pages of our book?”

• I learned I really need to come back to Mathew Kelly’s book (and others like it) all year long. I learned it is ok to have questions and doubts because we are human, as long as I can continue to do it with a heart that wants to grow in faith.
• I found the holes and gaps in my faith/action connection. Hope to work on patching them up :)
• I learned to never become complacent, nor to ever stop reading and learning about our very LIVING faith. I also learned to not beat myself up for my foibles, but rather to rejoice that Christ has allowed me to be aware of them so I can only grow closer to Him.
• Praise God for the myriad gifts we receive every minute of every day!
• I learned while looking deeply into "me" through the very personal "examens" in Rediscover Jesus at the end of every chapter, that it brought me more from my inner self concerns to focus more closely outside of "me " by doing more active work for others, for those in need.
• Not to be HOLIER THAN THOU. To reexamine and renew my acquaintance with the central tenets of my faith and my religion--those based on the birth, life and death of Jesus.
• Taking care of my ill husband, this has come a perfect time for me. I’ve read the book to him, when he was up to it.