The Habit of Reading
This engaging session begins not with a lecture but with a simple, reflective activity—inviting participants to name their favorite book and then explore five topics they’d love to learn more about. What starts as a casual exercise quickly opens a deeper conversation about how we nourish our minds and hearts. With humor, honesty, and a touch of nostalgia, the speaker shares a formative decision made in childhood: giving up television for a year. That choice, made in 1986, sparked unexpected growth—more creativity, more play, more depth. But like many, the speaker admits how easily the noise of modern life can creep back in, turning occasional TV into a default habit. Through stories of binge-watching everything from MacGyver to The Expanse, the talk gently challenges us to reconsider how we spend our time—not in judgment, but with possibility. What if we gave more of our time to reading, learning, and listening to ideas that shape us instead of just entertain us? What if we chose input that forms the soul, not just fills the hours? With warmth and wisdom, the session encourages a return to intentionality—because sometimes, one book, one idea, or even one quiet hour without a screen can begin to reawaken a deeper life.
MC: Adam Hohn
Parochial Vicar: Tyler Arens
Presenter: Jonathan Larsen
Deacon: Rick Freedberg
Brought to you By: The Knights of Columbus
Audio Trasnscription
participantOne:(620-27480): Let's hearken to the Lord's Prayer. Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, amen.
participantOne:(27760-61180): Welcome to the third Saturday for the month of May. Does anybody have any announcements of things going on locally here in Jackson? Brandon. Yes. Everyone got, not locally in Jackson, but June 21st, which is a Saturday, the Diocese of Lansing is having a mass at Blugnum's Field, and then they're doing a Eucharistic procession, and then there's a...
participantOne:(63640-96940): They're having epic mass and new procession. They're having at the cathedral, they're having a family fun day in front of the Capitol. Food trucks and. Great, so the processions from Loch Ness to the cathedral. Correct. Cool. Ask them what you might do. Sure. Yeah. Is anyone here for their very first core meeting, gathering? Welcome, welcome.
participantOne:(102500-136280): For those who don't know, that is Mac. And he was invited by Jonathan. So it's that easy, guys, to bring somebody to court. What do you need to do, Adam? Well, it's very simple. You see a prospective candidate, which is any man around Jackson. And you say, hey, I want you to come to this thing. It's great. It's amazing. Plus, I'm going to be there.
participantOne:(136980-162900): it's that easy it can be even easier any other announcements or things going on maybe somebody here for their second time at CORE maybe I'm here for my first time thanks Tom Maynard Maynard go ahead this coming Thursday the 22nd we are going to do the
participantOne:(164460-197260): for that gentleman, for Mark Shaffer. It's on George Street, which is right back from the fairgrounds off of North Street. North Street's right back to fairgrounds. George Street and that's west. 805 George Street. Probably start at 10 or 11 o'clock. Really use some help. We need to get a lot done on Thursday because they gotta finish this Friday.
participantOne:(198440-228720): other council that's my partnership yeah it's gonna happen starting thursday great do you need to have a carpentry background to help out no fantastic but if you use a shovel and a chop saw maybe a handheld electric drill or something yeah you can do it what about a strong back
participantOne:(229000-252519): That's an option. Sure. I've got a strong back and a weak mind. Would that work? Sure. We'll let you figure it out. There we go. There we go. All right. So now I'm going to welcome Joseph Gruber, who's going to introduce our speaker. Joseph. Thank you, Adam. Good morning, everybody. Good morning.
participantOne:(253180-278180): I guess there is one other announcement. Next week we'll be having the breakfast at Cascades Manor. So there was a sign-up sheet if you are coming to indicate that you're coming. You sign up. If you're going to bring someone, list the number of men you're going to bring. So Cascades Manor, 7 a.m. next week. Not here, but Cascades Manor. That should be settled.
participantOne:(278520-298600): So not here. Not here. I know last month we did the old switcheroo, but this month it should be settled. Good? Also, I don't know if everyone knows this, but in my spare time, I run a marriage ministry alongside my wife.
participantOne:(298940-319040): And by that I mean that's my full-time job. I just wanted to throw it out there that we are offering a virtual workshop tomorrow night for couples on Lectio Divina and listening. So 8.30 p.m. on your computer. It is not free unless you need it to be.
participantOne:(319520-344719): and then I'll make it free for you. But if you're interested in doing a workshop with your wife, if you're married, you can let me know after. All right. I think that's it for announcements. Good morning, everyone. It is my pleasure to introduce today's speaker, Jonathan Larson, who will be speaking to us about reading, a tool to develop your God-given talents.
participantOne:(345100-370560): Jonathan, a Jackson native, has attended Queen of the Miraculous Medal since before Reagan's presidency. He completed his education at Jackson Public Schools, Jackson College, and Western Michigan University, earning a bachelor's degree. With 23 years in the automotive aftermarket, focusing on digital cataloging vehicles, the last 10 years at the Auto Care Association,
participantOne:(370940-396060): A Toastmaster for 10 years, he received his Distinguished Toastmasters designation, DTM, which in the Toastmasters world, that's a big deal. He did that in 2022. He's been married for eight years with three redheaded daughters. Jonathan has listened to or read 150 books for the past three years.
participantOne:(396280-428800): Today he will be sharing insights on reading, a subject he is incredibly passionate about. Please join me in welcoming Jonathan Larson to the stage. So I have a prayer that we're going to start with. So in the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Father, Creator of all things, we thank you for all the gifts you have given us. We thank you especially for the individual talents and interests you have chosen to distribute to each of us.
participantOne:(429560-453140): We are grateful for your gift of intelligence, that we are able to think, reason, and be thankful. Jesus, our brother and redeemer, show us how to use the Father's gifts wisely. Just as you redeemed many people through your love and concern, help us to use our individual gifts to the fullest.
participantOne:(453600-479280): always in the service of others. Encourage us to see the value in other people and to convince them of their own worth. Let us share in your redemptive work. Spirit of God, source of love, constantly remind us that the gifts we possess are meant for others, and that if we do not have love, these talents have no value.
participantOne:(479580-504660): Start a fire of love within us and convince us that we must not only use our talents, but we must lovingly desire to serve those who do not share our own gifts. Without you, we cannot call God our Father. Without love, we cannot accomplish any lasting good. Amen. In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.
participantOne:(505920-536280): Good morning, everyone. We're going to start with, we're going to dive right into an activity. So there's paper on your desk. And I've got two different questions that I want to start out with here today. And this is just a quick activity to think about this, but you guys should have pens and papers in front of you. And the two questions are, and I'm going to start with the first question here. What is your favorite book?
participantOne:(536680-577580): and why? What is your favorite book and why is the first question. Now we already, Adam was taking a look at this question before and he was like, wow, what genres are you talking about? Is there a specific book? But pick one right now and then why did you pick that book? So that's your first question. All right, I'm gonna give you guys a second. You guys are thinking about it, I like that so far.
participantOne:(577839-650520): But let's go with this other topic here because you're thinking about it, you're thinking about it, but let's think of this one here. Maybe this will get you back to your favorite book. List five interests or topics you'd love to learn more about through reading. Five interests or topics that you'd like to love to learn more about through reading.
participantOne:(667780-689140): And for some reason it seemed like it was way easier for you guys to come up with those five topics instead of just that one book off the top of your head. Now, that could be multiple reasons. One, we haven't had enough coffee yet. Two, there's a lot of genres that it could be, and you're like, how do I get this down to one? Or it could be just...
participantOne:(689900-720080): Maybe I'm not reading enough, and maybe I don't have a favorite book yet. And all of those are okay, except for the coffee one, because there's still more coffee over there, so you guys need to at least go get some more coffee. I appreciate you taking that time to think about those things. So let's, we're going to go back in time right now. And it's 1986. I made a decision that surprised a lot of people. I gave up watching TV for a whole year.
participantOne:(721300-751620): It wasn't easy at first, but something amazing happened. Without all the noise and distractions, I found myself more focused and more creative. Now, also granted that I was nine, okay? I thought more, I played more, and I did more. And I grew in ways I didn't expect. But like many, many of us, without nurturing the other habits, the TV has crept back into my life.
participantOne:(752120-780340): Little by little it went from background noise to a full blown habit. One show turned into three. One night turned into every night. I found myself binge watching the entire series. MacGyver, The Expanse, Shears, Golden Girls, Gilmore Girls, anything with science fiction in it or superheroes.
participantOne:(780839-813040): sometimes staying up late just to finish that one more episode. And before I knew it, I wasn't just watching TV. I was relying on it to fill my time and my mind. Now I'll be honest, I've always enjoyed a good story, whether it's a movie, a novel, or a documentary. I love getting pulled into a great narrative. But a few years ago, I asked myself a simple,
participantOne:(813339-843600): but challenging question. What if I use the same time for something that fills me instead of just entertains me? I'm gonna say that again. What if I use that same time for something that fills me instead of just entertains me? What if instead of reaching for the remote, I press play on an audio? What if I let the stories, the ideas, and the wisdom shape me again?
participantOne:(845060-860480): Like they did when I was younger. That small shift, swapping screen time for story time. What a game changer that would be. And I started to listen to books while driving, while walking, even doing dishes.
participantOne:(861319-881600): And Joseph mentioned 150 books, so you have to put a goal out there as well to say, okay, how far are you going to take this? Because I looked at how many books I was doing before, and maybe a book a year, maybe five books a year. Did I crack one open? How can I do this faster? How can I do more of it?
participantOne:(883660-904180): I totally just lost where my space was, but that's okay. Before long, I was just enjoying those stories. I was sharing them, I found myself recommending books to friends, starting conversations, and encouraging others to make space for reading too. Sorry, John. That's okay. What'd you think of the last one?
participantOne:(905480-937020): You haven't finished yet? That's okay. We'll talk about that later. That's fine. That's the power of reading. Even if it's listening instead of just flipping pages, it feeds your mind, stretches your thinking, and helps you steward your gifts with intention. With this talk today, I'm going to share five books that I have read or even re-read. And each of us has God-given talents.
participantOne:(937459-962620): We all have unique talents, special gifts from God that are meant to be discovered, developed, and used to make a difference. Maybe you're a natural communicator, a leader, a creative thinker, a problem solver, or someone who loves to care for others. But here's the thing. Even the most amazing talent won't grow unless we nurture it.
participantOne:(963319-987040): That's where reading comes in. Reading isn't just something we do for school or work. It's a powerful way to grow those talents and become the person God created us to be. When we read, we open our minds and our hearts to new ideas, deeper understanding, and a fresh inspiration. The Bible. That's book one.
participantOne:(987579-1013340): Encourage us to keep growing in wisdom and understanding. Take a look at these verses. Proverbs 2.6 says, For the Lord gives wisdom, from his mouth come knowledge and understanding. And Romans 12.2 tells us, Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is good and what is evil.
participantOne:(1013819-1042120): pleasing and perfect will be of God. What I love about these verses is how they remind us that God wants us to give us wisdom and that starts with renewing our minds. Reading helps us do that. It helps us learn from others, gain new insights, and see the world through God's eyes. And here's something else. We're not meant to grow alone.
participantOne:(1042440-1070880): We're called to be part of a fraternity, a community of brothers who supports and encourages each other. When we come together to read, to share, and to learn, we strengthen not only ourselves, but also those around us. Together, we can grow in faith and use our talents for something bigger than ourselves. So let's go with three benefits of reading. Mental and emotional growth.
participantOne:(1071180-1089600): Reading expands our understanding, deepens our empathy, and sharpens our thinking. It helps us connect with ideas, experiences, and emotions we may never encounter in our daily lives. Spiritual and personal development.
participantOne:(1090139-1116000): Reading especially books grounded in faith encourages reflection and helps align our actions with our values. It often inspires us to see God's hand in everyday life. Building your talents, whatever your God-given gift is, leadership, creativity, problem solving, reading helps you develop it.
participantOne:(1116480-1139980): Books provide practical tools, fresh insights, and real-life examples to grow those skills. For example, in Every Tools That Hammer, Adam Savage talks about how growth often happens through the process of making and experimenting, not through perfection
participantOne:(1140620-1173260): He reminds us that we don't need the most expensive tools to get started. What matters most is getting started with what we have and being willing to learn along the way. So let's take this a step further. A few months ago, Joseph Gruber recommended that I read a book called How to Read a Book by Mortimer J. Adler. That's book three, just letting everybody know. And at first, I laughed a little bit.
participantOne:(1173740-1195940): Read a book about reading. Okay. But Joseph started to explain how this book will challenge how I think about learning. And it was right, as usual. So that's actually one of the best reasons to read a book. Because someone you trust believes it will help you grow.
participantOne:(1196400-1209680): And Adler is one of the most respected voices of the value of reading. As a philosopher and educator, it reminds us that reading isn't just about skimming and flipping through the pages. It's about engaging deeply.
participantOne:(1210620-1239400): And Adler said that reading is an active process, not a passive one. He believed that if you're asking questions as you read, you're not really learning. And he emphasizes four levels of reading. So there's the elementary reading, the basics, understanding the words and the sentences, and special reading, skimming and scanning to get the gist.
participantOne:(1239740-1263780): that analytical reading, reading where you wrestle with the author's arguments. And then the syntopical reading, comparing ideas from different books and forming your own perspective. Now, Adler believed that reading well was essential for living well. And that's in his own words, he says, reading is a basic tool in living of a good life.
participantOne:(1264160-1277760): And this includes living out your calling by reading actively, by thinking and reflecting. You're not just gaining information, you're growing in wisdom one page at a time.
participantOne:(1278160-1297340): And in terms of nurturing our God-given talents, Adler's idea fits perfectly. Reading actively helps us gain wisdom, understanding different perspectives, and makes thoughtful decisions guided by the Spirit. And it's not just about entertainment, it's about transformation.
participantOne:(1298800-1327200): All right, so that was heavy. The library is going to be the next topic that I have here. One of the most valuable and often overlooked resources for reading and learning is the library. It's more than just a quiet place with shelves of books. It's a community hub where knowledge, imagination, and inspiration come alive. And best of all, it's free or very cost-effective for everyone.
participantOne:(1328280-1348140): And if you guys don't know me, I like to do things inexpensive. Listen, I have three girls, and they're like, we want to go get dolls or whatever. I'm like, how about we go to the library and get free books instead? Especially after they get away with their fines. Exactly. Exactly. There's no fines anymore in Jackson, America. So thank you for that.
participantOne:(1348340-1366820): Libraries often are an incredible range of materials, such as those physical books, those audio books, those e-books, magazines, and even classes or workshops. There's actually a class out there to do bees, to have bees at your house.
participantOne:(1367060-1389060): And at some point I want to take this class. Every time I see it, it's just not there. Alright, that was a side note. That's a Larson thing. I'm going to come back to where we want to be here. But yeah, classes are there too. Whether you want to explore new interests, such as bees, deepen your passions, or just find a great story, the library has something for you.
participantOne:(1390020-1418160): Quick survey, when was the last, in the last 30 days, has anybody been to the library or done something with the library? Okay. Alright, that table, we're gonna get you guys there somehow, okay, that's good. If you love a good story like I do, audio books from the library are a fantastic way for reading and incorporating that into your busy life. Listening while you commute, exercise, or do chores and turn lost time into moments of growth.
participantOne:(1418520-1447880): The library also makes it easy to access accessible books that challenge and inspire you without needing to spend a dime. For example, John C. Maxwell's The Failing Forward, that's book four, just letting you guys know if you're keeping up, is a powerful book about changing the way we view failure. Instead of seeing setbacks as the end, he encourages us to see them as the stepping stones to success.
participantOne:(1448280-1479820): The message is clear. We don't grow in spite of failure. We grow because of how we respond to it. That kind of insight is just sitting on the shelves, waiting to be picked up. By using the library resources, you're not just feeding your mind, you're supporting a place that fosters lifelong learning and builds community. Alright, so here's the goal. You guys have your sheets that you put into place here.
participantOne:(1480920-1503380): Commit to reading or listening for just 10 minutes a day. That's it. Just 10 minutes a day. It may seem small, but those minutes add up in a big way. Over time, that daily habit will grow your talents, deepen your understanding, and strengthen your faith.
participantOne:(1504020-1532360): From the book Atomic Habits by James Clear, that's book five, there's a powerful principle, small changes lead to remarkable results. Habits don't have to be huge or dramatic to be life changing. They just need to be consistent. That's why I want to leave you with this simple encouragement. Create that one small reading habit, make it part of your routine, maybe right after breakfast,
participantOne:(1532660-1558960): during your commute, or right before bed. Let it be easy, let it be enjoyable, and something you look forward to. You'll be surprised how much you'll grow over time just by showing up for those 10 minutes a day. So in closing, your talents aren't just for you. They're gifts from God meant to be nurtured and used for his glory.
participantOne:(1559200-1584320): Reading is one of the simplest and most powerful ways to do that. So next time you reach for the remote, ask yourself, what story, wisdom, or insight could I discover instead? Open a book, open your mind, and let God work through what you've learned. And to help you keep this journey going, I've prepared something for you guys.
participantOne:(1584540-1593020): and it's been in the preparation for a while and I'm very excited about it. I wish Clay was here because I said, hey, I have this crazy idea.
participantOne:(1593260-1614260): Can we do this? And I swear to you, it was less than like three hours. He goes, what about this? And I was like, OK, I couldn't have done that. It wasn't less than three hours. But thank you. But I want to say thank you to Clay for this design here as well. And so it made bookmarks. And this is going to help us because when Adam said this morning, hey, how do we get more people here?
participantOne:(1613879-1637100): We were able to do this because we now have some bookmarks that you can give a bookmark to someone else because it has all of our information related to Korah on it to help with this as well. So to help with this journey, this isn't just a book holder, it's an invitation. An invitation to keep reading, growing, and inviting others to join us at future meetings.
participantOne:(1637280-1660440): Share these bookmarks with friends, family, and anyone that's interested. And together, as fraternity, we will build a community that's uplifting each other through the power of reading. Thank you for being here today, and I'm excited to hear what stories you're going to take with you.
participantOne:(1664460-1693700): So we do have the bookmarks up here. At this point, if you want to grab a little bit more coffee or another cinnamon roll, and then join each other in the round tables for some small group discussion. So take a minute or two to mill around, and then after we play musical chairs, everybody in the back.
