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| Back cover of the book, "Rediscover Jesus" |
At the beginning of Lent this year, I reported that I promised to read the book, "Rediscover Jesus" during Lent. I had received the book from my friend, Fr. Hattie. My intent was to follow the recommendation of the author and read a "chapter" each day. I also promised Fr. Hattie that I would write to him at the start and finish of the book to report on its effect.
This is to report that I stayed true to my word and diligently read one chapter each day during Lent. So this post is my report to you readers of my blog of my thoughts after completing this book.
As a result of reading a chapter a day, I was reminded that Lent is actually more than 40 days. Lent begins on Ash Wednesday and ends on Easter Sunday (nominally). If you check the Wikipedia article you will see that there are different ways of counting the 40 days as well as the identifying the start and end of Lent. The US Conference of Catholic Bishops provide this explanation regarding the length of Lent:
"It might be more accurate to say that there is the "forty day fast within Lent." Historically, Lent has varied from a week to three weeks to the present configuration of 46 days. The forty day fast, however, has been more stable. The Sundays of Lent are certainly part of the Time of Lent, but they are not prescribed days of fast and abstinence."
Since Lent is more than 40 days, I actually finished the book on Palm Sunday (March 20, 2016).
Did I rediscover Jesus as a result of reading this book? In short, NO.
This book is more about its author, Matthew Kelly, than it is about Jesus. The book is typical Catholic Christian guilt and fear. Guilt that you are not perfect and not doing a better job. Fear that you will burn in hell because you aren't as good a person as you could or should be. If you want to "rediscover Jesus," my opinion is that you'd be much better off by just reading the Gospels. Try reading each one in a day or two; then go back and get into the meat.
Did this book affect me? Of course. After reading this book, I am different than when I started. Overall, I was disappointed by the book because I really wanted to understand this Jesus thing better. So many people claim to have a personal relationship with this character, Jesus. However, I have to even hear from Jesus. So far, Jesus is merely a character in some ancient writings.
I think that as a result of reading this book, I reinvigorated my interest in Jesus. More about that in another post (I think).
Did I rediscover Jesus as a result of reading this book? In short, NO.
This book is more about its author, Matthew Kelly, than it is about Jesus. The book is typical Catholic Christian guilt and fear. Guilt that you are not perfect and not doing a better job. Fear that you will burn in hell because you aren't as good a person as you could or should be. If you want to "rediscover Jesus," my opinion is that you'd be much better off by just reading the Gospels. Try reading each one in a day or two; then go back and get into the meat.
Did this book affect me? Of course. After reading this book, I am different than when I started. Overall, I was disappointed by the book because I really wanted to understand this Jesus thing better. So many people claim to have a personal relationship with this character, Jesus. However, I have to even hear from Jesus. So far, Jesus is merely a character in some ancient writings.
I think that as a result of reading this book, I reinvigorated my interest in Jesus. More about that in another post (I think).
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Links:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lent
http://www.usccb.org/prayer-and-worship/liturgical-year/lent/questions-and-answers-about-lent.cfm
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Written Saturday 23 April 2016
http://www.usccb.org/prayer-and-worship/liturgical-year/lent/questions-and-answers-about-lent.cfm
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Written Saturday 23 April 2016
