Discuss the statement "Life is not about getting what you want."
Why is it important to understand what is behind all of our wanting? What is our true motive?
Desire is a gift from God. It is healthy to desire and God often speaks to us through our desires. When we fill ourselves with unholy desires, it is difficult to hear God speaking through our holy desires. Discuss this dilemma. .
How would you describe what Matthew Kelly calls the "discipline of reflection"?
Why is it a good habit to ask "What does God want?"
How do the wrong questions always lead us to the wrong answers?
How would you describe "complete joy"?
What can diminish our joy?
What can rob us of our joy?
Why is sacrifice sometimes needed to attain complete joy?
How can the Gospel lead us to complete joy?
Why are we afraid to surrender to God and to let go?
What are the real obstacles that often block our quest to live the Gospel authentically?
Is holiness possible?
Matthew Kelly says "It may be the devil's biggest triumph in modern history. It (neutralizing Christianity) is the holocaust of Christianity Spirituality." Is this true?
What is a "holy moment'?
Page 172-173 gives some examples of holy moments. Read and discuss these.
How would you explain to a spouse or a friend that holiness is possible?
If I spend my life preoccupied with me and my own happiness, I will live life missing the deepest joy that God has for me. Talk about this.
How are pessimism and cynicism enemies of faith?
Kelly says "Christianity works." What does he mean by that?
Is this the historic time for us to rediscover Jesus?.
Questions to Ponder
Am I always looking for what I want?
Am I courageous enough to go deeper into my prayer to discover the root cause of my wanting what I want, when I want it?
Am I able to distinguish between healthy and unhealthy desires in my life?
Do I take the time to reflect upon what I truly want in life?
Have I ever asked myself "What does God want?
Describe "complete joy".
What robs be of my joy ?
Do I evade the sacrifices that need to be made in my life in order to have true joy?
How is the Gospel leading me to joy?
Am I afraid to surrender to God and to let go?
What is keeping me from living the Gospel?
Am I holy? Is holiness possible for me?
Read pages 172-173. What holy moments have I had in my life?
Am I missing the deepest joy that God is offering to me?
Am I a pessimist? Am I cynical? How will these traits hurt my quest to live the Gospel?
The power of Christ is with me. Christianity works. How do I see these statements working in my life?