REDISCOVER JESUS

MATTHEW KELLY, Rediscover Jesus: An Invitation, Beacon publishing, Kentucky,

2015, 187; Paperback, $12.
This book is a profound invitation to seek deeply personal answers to our deeply personal
questions. It is very helpful for acquiring a social knowledge of the practicality of the gospel
today. For nurturing the soul and encouraging the minds of the readers, it is a perfect guide.
Rediscover Jesus is meant for all who are interested in the words and deeds of Jesus.
Matthew Kelly is being hailed as an icon of self-help and motivation to Jesus; he dedicates
his life to help people and organizations becoming the best-versions of themselves. But that
was not the end of it. Kelly is unusual bridge figure in many other aspects and also the
founder of the Dynamic Catholic Institute in Cincinnati. He is also a great soul, who has
international acclaim as a speaker, author and business consultant. While writing he is
proficient in encouraging the readers to overcome their spiritual weariness and troubles.
As he writes in the opening thoughts, this book is not about the words on the page but it is
about an encounter with Jesus as a friend. Before plunging into the coming chapters, he gives
the reader four tasks, of what point is to be pondered, which verse is to be lived, what
question is to be considered and how to be prayed.
In forty chapters he shares the spiritual wisdom and practical insights that helps us to know
both Jesus and ourselves in a novel way. Through prologue and opening thoughts he
introduces the book to the readers, while the coming pages touches our lives through Jesus as
our companion.
The Chapter 1-10 prepares the reader to believe this is the best time to re-discover Jesus. For
Kelly, his God is a God of surprises, who loves new beginnings and waiting for us. To
answer the question- who is Jesus, he suggests, Jesus is an invitation. Rediscovering Jesus is
not only for our own sake but also for our children, coming generations, society where we
live in and for all humanity. It raises a question-are we ready to allow Jesus in performing
miracles in and through our lives; for answering that question we cannot quote or copy
somebody else’s answer. It should be deeply personal answer.
Learning from Jesus, author teaches that one’s value is not derived from what one does, but
from who one is. He sets us free from selfishness and sin to be the best version of ourselves.
Kelly speaks about the heart of the Gospel from chapter 11-20, there we find two radical
invitations- to give and to forgive. For Jesus’ notion of generosity and forgiveness, mediocre
middle is not permitted but rather radical love is necessary. By that love Gospel calls us
Children of God and thereby we become sons and daughters of a great King.
In a rare lucid style, Rediscover Jesus presents Jesus and his radical gospel invitations- of
love, forgiveness, and generosity. Kelly points out suffering has a value and it is a tool that
can transform us into more loving people. His book is an excellent guide to anyone wanting
to know how Jesus gave a unique and awesome leadership by his example and asking for
great commitment from his followers.
Rediscover Jesus wonderfully addresses the need of inviting readers into their own personal
relationship with Jesus by a conversational style. Broken down into 40 short chapters, this
work covers the basics of living a life according to Christ. Running through the pages, I find
three main themes in this book; firstly who God is and who Jesus is (ch.1-9), secondly how
we are called to imitate Him (ch.11-20), thirdly how Christ transforms our lives, if we allow
him (ch.21-25). Towards the end of the book author clearly states holiness is possible for
everyone (ch.26-40).