6th Sunday of Ordinary Time

 

Opening Prayer

Compassionate God

YOU silence every cry, YOU wipe away every tear.

Each of us are bound, bruised and broken,

but throughout history Lord,

everything YOU touch is made whole.

You are the healer and perfector of all creation.

Comfort us, Almighty Father.

Hold us in your arms…forever!

Journal/Reflection Questions

Leviticus 13:1-2, 44-46

• Do you know a leper? Is there someone in your workplace or community whom others have outcast or deemed “unclean”?
• What if your sins showed on your skin like the sores of leprosy?

 

1Corinthians 10:31-11:1

• Do you give thanks to God each time you eat and drink? Consider how many hands your food passed through in order to get to you and provide you with the nourishment you need.
• When do you give thanks to God? How many times on average do you give thanks to God?

 

Mark 1:40-45

• How can your hurt help others?
• Jesus was moved with pity by the leper. What has moved you with pity into action?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• Have you ever been outcast because of a physical ailment?
• Imagine how quickly a disease can spread. What can stop it?
• Do you have a physical feature which you try to hide or cover? What is it?  How could God use it?  How can you show God’s glory through this thing you try to hide?
• Can the glory of God spread by touch like the disease of leprosy? Why or why not?
• Are there times when it is easier to give thanks to God? Make a list of times when it is easy and another list of times when it is hard.
• How do you show God glory at dinner? Watching TV?  At work?
• Define “pity”. What is it, who has it and where does it come from?
• Is there something or someone within your grasp that needs a healing touch? What can you do?
• When have you experienced the healing touch of God in your life?

Closing Prayer – Inspired by Psalm 32

Leader:  When my thoughts, feelings and ideas are tossed aside as if

they were nothing but garbage.

ALL:  In times of trouble, fill me with the joy of salvation

Leader: When I am judged unfairly or accused of doing or saying things

I did not do or say.

ALL:  In times of trouble, fill me with the joy of salvation

Leader:  When I am beaten or abused by others words and there is no

where to turn for support.

ALL:  In times of trouble, fill me with the joy of salvation

Leader:  When I run to YOU with my troubled heart and broken spirit.

ALL:  In times of trouble, fill me with the joy of salvation

Leader:  When I confess all of my sins and YOU take away my guilt and

shame.

ALL:  In times of trouble, YOU fill me with the joy of salvation!

Challenge for the Week:   How do you show God glory each day?  Is in your morning or evening prayer enough?  Is praying before your meals sufficient?  Consider all of the “everyday” things you do such as brushing your teeth, driving or doing the laundry.  Make a list of all of the “everyday” things you do and then think of a way to do that same task for the “GLORY OF GOD”.  Then do it!