The Sixteenth Sunday of Ordinary Time

Opening Prayer

YOU are our Shepherd

The one who calls our name

The one who directs our path

The one who saves us

The one who comforts us;

Let us lead others to you through your example!

Journal/Reflection Questions

Jeremiah 23:1-6

• What do you believe makes a “bad shepherd”? What does God say will be done to those who mislead or do not care for the flock?
• Where can you be a “good shepherd” to help aid and lead others to safety? What can you do?

 

Ephesians 2:13-18

• Reflect on some of the walls which divide people today. Which ones are evident in your life, your family, your community?  What can be done to start to break down the walls that divide those around you?
• Recall a story from the news or from your own life where you witnessed a dividing wall tumbling down. Share that story of restoration with three people this week.

 

Mark 6:30-34

• Jesus was moved with pity for the crowds gathered…why? Can you think of an example from today where Jesus would also be moved with pity for those gathered?
• How would you react if you were in this Gospel reading? Imagine having just come back from a long trip and you are taking a break to regain your energy.  However, just as you are about to really relax, you are faced with having to go out again.  What would you do?  Could you show mercy for these people and give them what they need and sacrifice what you need?  Would you instead ask them for mercy to allow you to get the rest you need?  How often are you asked to give more than you have for the benefit of others?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• How would you explain that God is just? What helps you to know God is just?  Are there examples?
• Can you be a shepherd and be a sheep as well? How is this possible?  Identify situations where you are one or the other or both.
• What is it about shepherds that God values? What are some of the characteristics needed to make a good shepherd?
• Where do you see injustice happening in the world today? Who are the “shepherds” leading the flock?
• Would you say fear is a major cause or contributor to injustice? Why or why not?
• Is there someone in your life whom you feel sorry for? What is the situation?  What do or can you do for them?
• So many people live without purpose…what can you do to help lead them to the shepherd?

Closing Prayer

Leader:  When the world seems cold and lonely…

ALL:  Lord, let us flee to YOU!

Leader:  When the only news we hear is bad news…

ALL:  Lord, let us flee to YOU!

Leader:  When conflict and chaos becomes the norm…

ALL:  Lord, let us flee to YOU!

Leader:  When natural disasters consume more than we can save…

ALL:  Lord, let us flee to YOU!

Leader:  When the wall which divides appears unbreakable…

ALL:  Lord, let us flee to YOU!

 

Challenge for the Week:   There are many “divides” among people.  It could be political, religious, racial, economical and the list goes on.  These divides can seem deep where many people fall in between the cracks, while others seem so high to climb that it is deemed impossible to meet in the middle.  To bridge the divide might even seem like a waste of time and energy especially if you don’t have an opinion putting you on one side or the other.  However, there are other walls which divide people that are not so commonly spoken about…the wall we build to keep people out because of our own prejudices or in order to protect us in some way.  As individuals we build up walls in our relationships to keep people from hurting us, we get defensive and build roadblocks at work in order to achieve success, and we even put stumbling blocks in our own paths to keep us from being in right relationship with our God and Savior.  Spend time this week thinking about the walls you have built up around you, the roadblocks you have secured which have caused you to detour and the stumbling blocks you have tripped over; many of which we blame others for but really need to accept responsibility for creating.  If it helps get a pen/pencil and a piece of paper to draw a diagram of these things so you can get a visual of just how many obstacles there are and if there is a pathway around these things.  Make the decision to choose one of these things to “break down” and clear the path.  Remember to seek God, our Shepherd to help make the pathway straight!