May 21, 2025

With clarity and deep conviction, Kelly presents a simple yet profound truth: holiness is not for the extraordinary or the spiritually elite. Instead, it is for each of us, right now, through small, deliberate choices that bring our lives into alignment with love, kindness, and purpose. The book revolves around the idea of "holy moments"—short, purposeful choices in which we opt to overcome selfishness and choose what is good, true, and unselfish. 

Kelly removes the mysticism that so often pervades the concept of holiness and speaks of it in terms that are deeply human and relatable. Rather than dwelling on religious ritual or theological nuance, he brings the discussion to where we live our lives: in our relationships, our habits, and our capacity to choose good in every moment. 

Understanding Holy Moments 

The greatest lesson I learned was Kelly's succinct and down-to-earth explanation of a holy moment. A holy moment is whenever we create an opening to receive God's grace and decide to behave in a manner that displays love, goodness, and truth. This may be something as minor as giving someone a word of affirmation, being patient during a frustrating interaction, assisting a person in need, or deciding to forgive instead of nurturing resentment. 

This realization was liberating. Holiness is not some idealized notion or unattainable requirement—it's a tangible, immediate possibility. By only concentrating on what I can do in the *next moment*, holiness is within reach, decision by decision. I no longer considered holiness to be the domain of saints or spiritual heroes; rather, I realized that it was a lifestyle that I could start practicing right away. 

Holiness is for Everyone 

Perhaps the most empowering message of the book is that holiness is not reserved for just anyone, but is for anyone, no matter our past, our standing, or how far we may feel from God. Kelly gently destroys the myth that holiness is for those who have it "all together." He reminds us that each and every one of us has the ability to create holy moments, no matter what our spiritual background or personal struggles. 

This vision of holiness that is expansive and inclusive nudged me away from the perception that I must be perfect first before I could start living a purposeful, faith-filled life. It made it possible for me to cling to grace—to understand that I am called to do good because I am loved, not because I am perfect. Kelly's message encourages us to start exactly where we find ourselves, with what we have, to create a difference. 

Living with Intention 

Another powerful theme in the book is the call to intentional living. Kelly argues that many of us go through life on autopilot—reacting, consuming, surviving—without truly engaging with the world or the people around us. Holy moments, however, require intention. They ask us to wake up, to pause, and to respond with love, instead of simply reacting to circumstances. 

This forced me to take a slower pace and be more aware of my thoughts, words, and deeds. I started asking myself more often, "What does this moment need from me?" With that simple question, I opted for compassion instead of frustration, for patience instead of speed, and for understanding instead of judgment. I discovered that intentionality is the door to holiness. Without awareness, I miss the possibilities that life continually presents. 

The Beauty of Small Acts 

Perhaps one of the most important things the book teaches is that small things do make a difference. In a world that too often worships the great, Kelly's message is a breath of fresh air: greatness is in the little things. A smile, a gentle word, a quiet prayer—these are nothing, but when given in love and intention, they are holy. 

Realizing this made me change my perspective. I no longer had to push to make major overhauls to live with intention. I began instead seeking out tiny opportunities to introduce light into my own day and into the days of those around me. And what I found is that these small actions often more profoundly affect their lives than I could have possibly known. They brighten lives, establish credibility, and leave room for recovery. In the stillness of everyday life, holiness grows. 

Identifying Unholy Moments 

Kelly also gives us the term "unholy moments"–moments when we operate out of fear, selfishness, anger, or pride. These moments drift us from who we are best to be and from our own best selves. Recognizing unholy moments kept me more observant of my negative patterns—the moments when I let impatience, resentment, or indifference dictate my action. 

But rather than reacting with shame or guilt, Kelly presents a more positive view. Every unholy moment is an opportunity to learn. We are not who we are because of our worst decisions. We can always start anew—with the next decision, the next moment. This message made me want to be kind to myself and concentrate on growth, not perfection. 

Partnership with God 

The most spiritual understanding in the book is that it's a cooperation with God when we make a holy moment happen. When we choose good, we are not alone. We align our will with God's grace and join in His work in the world. Holy moments are sacred spaces where human and divine intersect. 

This remolded my perception of my spiritual life. I ceased to think of God as a watchful spectator and came to regard Him as a close companion, beckoning me to participate in the holy task of love and redemption. My actions, however insignificant, could become tools of grace. Such an understanding gave my existence greater significance. 

Creating a Culture of Holy Moments 

Kelly's vision doesn't end with personal change. He calls us to become "champions of holy moments" and to create a culture of love, truth, and service. That involves not only making holy moments ourselves but helping others to do the same. When we act with compassion, kindness, and integrity, we give others permission to do the same. 

This shared nature of holiness was deeply compelling. I found myself pondering how my surroundings—my job, family, friends—would be changed if more people thought this way. Holy moments are contagious. An individual's courage to forgive, to talk gently, or to give abundantly can trigger a chain reaction of goodness. In a world so in need of healing, this thought filled me with hope. 

Embracing the Present 

One of the quiet yet powerful messages in *Holy Moments* is the call to live in the present. Kelly stresses that the only time we can move is *now*. Brooding about the past or fretting about the future takes us out of the sacred possibilities of the present moment. 

This lesson gave me peace. I often find myself replaying regrets or anxieties, but the book reminded me that most of all, what counts is the choice that I make today. Every moment in the present is a gift—an offer to craft something beautiful. If I remain present in the now, then I can live more alive, love more intensely, and respond to life with presence and elegance. 

Faith in Action 

At its core, *Holy Moments* is an invitation to put faith into practice. It is not sufficient to believe intellectually in God or to observe religion outwardly. Authentic faith is experienced—through how we treat other people, how we handle obstacles, and how we opt for love rather than indifference. 

The book provided me with a realistic, long-term path for living out my faith. I did not have to drastically change my life or hold back for some ideal time. I could begin now, using whatever opportunity was presented to me. And as I did this, I found my faith was becoming richer and more authentic—not simply a set of beliefs, but an experienced connection to God and to people. 

A Message of Hope 

Perhaps the most lovely lesson from Holy Moments is one of hope. In a despairing, divided, noisy world, Kelly reminds us that goodness is still present—and we are challenged to be its messengers. Each holy moment is a small act of defiance against despair. It is a statement that love is important, and that we are still capable of changing the world. 

This optimistic vision reignited my sense of purpose. I was reminded that I am not helpless, even when faced with seemingly insurmountable problems. I might not be able to fix every problem, but I can always opt to create a moment of holiness. That is how change starts: not with huge movements, but with one soul opting for love in one moment. 

Conclusion 

*Holy Moments* by Matthew Kelly is not just a book—it's a spiritual guide for anyone seeking to live a life of purpose, love, and influence. It has taught me that holiness is not far off or inaccessible. It is present, now, and present in every decision I make. I learned that every moment holds potential, and that by deciding to build holy moments, I am living according to a higher design. 

I no longer view holiness as something that belongs to saints or heroes. I view it in the mother who consoles her child, in the friend who forgives, in the stranger who gives help without being asked. I view it in myself, every time I act out of love rather than fear. 

This book didn't inspire me—it empowered me. It provided me with a tangible process to live more deliberately, to honor each moment as holy, and to work with God in small ways that create large change. Holy Moments taught me that each moment provides an option—and within that option, the potential to alter not just my own existence, but the world at large.