MOMENTS WITH GOD—MAY 10, 2025 AT THOMAS BERRY PLACE, JAMAICA, NY Reflection By Chris Anest

On May 10th, 32 women, including 7 team and 9 new attendees, gathered together to share their love of Jesus during Moments with God. Team member, Lisa Brogan, asked us the question, “What does it look like to say Yes to God?” During her presentation, we were asked to contemplate some beautiful paintings depicting some famous Yeses. The first was Mary’s Yes to becoming the mother of our Lord and another of St. Matthew’s Yes to giving up his prominent position of tax collector and becoming a disciple of Jesus.

It’s not always easy for me to say Yes to God. Sometimes He asks me to be challenged in new and different ways, which can be scary. But when I reflect back on the scariest Yeses, they have always brought me closer to God and
helped me grow in unexpected ways. Like when He asked me to be the primary caregiver for my mom at the end of
her life. Mom moved in with me for 18 months and while it was one of the most challenging times in my life, it was also one of the most fulfilling times. This time together strengthened my relationship with both my mom and my
God.

How about you? When has God asked you to do something that you thought was scary? What gifts did you receive as
you walked through the fear and said Yes?

One of my most recent Yeses wasn’t scary at all. After my mom passed away and we were arranging for her funeral
mass, I was very disappointed with the way her church did not take any interest in consoling the family. Her church did not have a Consolation Ministry. After a few months, the Holy Spirit placed on my heart, the desire to help other families with this process. After retirement and much discernment, I volunteered for my church’s Consolation Ministry. Surprisingly, I was asked by our pastor to lead this ministry. I did not hesitate to say Yes. I take great pride in helping grieving families experience God‘s love for them in the darkest times of their life.

Is God calling you to say Yes to a particular ministry or service?

After a brief break, team member, Theresa McHugh, lead us through an inspiring prayer experience Visio Divina. Visio Divina invites us to encounter God through images. Through prayerful consideration of and interaction with a photograph, an icon, or a piece of art, we experience God in a unique and powerful way. Each table was given a sketch drawing of Jesus in a particular scene. As we gazed at the image, we were asked to notice what specific part of the
image was drawing our attention. What is God directing our eyes towards? As we meditated on that part of the picture, we were asked to consider the emotions that it evoked and what message God might be revealing to us in that image. We were then asked to tell God what was on our hearts, our joys, trials, questions, all of it. We then turned to silence to simply rest with our God and allow God to hold our hearts in his hands.

It was a wonderful morning of prayer and sharing our faith with one another.

Here are reactions from some attendees:

“Today’s experience has opened me to a new method of praying and reminded me of the peace I feel when I stay connected to Jesus through prayer.”

“Enjoyed today’s presentation and feel closer to God because of it. Thank you.”

“I love this workshop and how we share our thoughts and experiences with one another. Love the diversity and openness as that is how I grow and learn with my God.”

“What an exceptional prayer experience. It is always a blessing to share our faith in community.”

“Moments with God brings new ways to pray and new community experiences that I treasure.”

“I never thought that I would enjoy reflecting with women. What an amazing experience.”

Our next Moments with God will be held on Saturday July 12th at St. Anthony Hall in Westbury. I hope to see you there.
DeColores , Chris