28^th Sunday of Ordinary Time

Opening Prayer 

Generous Lord,

We are invited to the glorious banquet,

May we come to understand the value of this honor.

Let our words and actions reflect that it is YOU who covers us,

Who makes us worthy to clothe ourselves in Christ!

No matter our circumstances, all are welcome!

Journal/Reflection Questions

Isaiah 25:6-10a

• How does the idea of a banquet translate into how God calls you to live out your daily life? How is your daily life lived out as a banquet?
• This scripture says God takes away all sorrow and tears, but people still experience sorrow and shed tears. What do you read in this scripture which can help you understand about the veil which separates people from God in times of sorrow, pain and loss?

Philippians 4:12-14, 19-20

• God gives without measure. Can you say you give without measure?  When you give, do you do it with expectation or out of obligation?
• Identify a struggle you face currently. Make a decision to pray this scripture each day as you face the challenge; then write down your thoughts and feelings about this struggle each day.

Matthew 22:1-14

• Imagine yourself as a guest at the banquet. How do you feel?  How do you interact with the other guests?
• How does this scripture change your perspective, knowing you are invited to attend the banquet? What can you do to get ready for the banquet?

General Questions for Journaling

• Identify a time when someone came to your aid. What kind of trouble where you in?  How did they help?
• How does God wipe away our tears and sorrows?
• Make a list of 20 things that are worth celebrating. What makes them worthy of celebration?  Are they only important to you or to others as well?
• Are you open or closed to God’s invitation to join Him at the feast?
• What feelings are associated with an invitation? How do you feel when you send out an invitation?  How do you feel when you receive an invitation?
• What would you serve if Jesus came to your house for a meal?
• Describe the feast God has prepared for you TODAY!

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Father, YOU are with us through our sorrow;

ALL:  We feel your loving arms surround us.

Leader:  Jesus, YOU console us when we need comfort;

ALL:  We feel your loving arms surround us.

Leader:  Holy Spirit, YOU wipe away the tears and lead us on;

ALL:  We feel your loving arms surround us.

Leader:  Holy Trinity, YOU are alive in us

ALL:  YOU satisfy every longing and give us all we need!

Challenge for the Week:  Whatever season of life you are in, there is “fasting” and “feasting” involved.  For example, a newlywed couple might be in a “fasting” season of time spent with friends or family because they are “feasting” on the new married life relationship.  They are focused on building their lives together as one and adjusting to the give and take of joining two households together.  Through this season, there are “personal” things they give up such as their bottle cap or stuffed animal collection to make room for “their” things and in turn “feast” in the joy of new memories made together.  Reflect this week on the things you “fast from” and “feast on” during the season of life you are currently in.  What drives the things you fast or feast from?  Do you have some kind of control over the things you fast from?  Are the things you feast on helping to build the kingdom of God in your midst?  Where is Christ in your fasting and feasting?