The Twenty-Third Sunday of Ordinary Time

Opening Prayer

Lord,

Help us to recognize

the hunger within is for YOU alone;

May we know

the thirst which only YOU can quench;

Let us listen

to YOUR Word with our hearts and act on it!

Journal/Reflection Questions

Isaiah 35:4-7a

• What phrase from this scripture gives you hope?
• Draw a picture of what this scripture looks like to you.

James 2:1-5

• What does this scripture say about how we should treat others? Is it easy to follow?  Why or why not?
• Are there people or groups of people whom you have trouble treating with respect? What keeps you from doing so?

Mark 7:31-37

• What is the reaction of the people in this scripture? How do you think you would react if you had been there?
• For what reason do you believe Jesus told the people to be quiet? Why do you think they disobeyed this order?
• Why do you think Jesus “groaned” before he healed the deaf man?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• How do you celebrate the coming of Christ? What does it look like in your life?
• What do you need to Jesus to heal? Are you in need of healing?  In what way?
• How do you prepare for Jesus to come into your life?
• Is there something you need to be rescued from right now? How do you speak to God about it?
• Has God rescued you from something in the past? How do you show gratitude?
• Does God show favoritism? Why or why not?  If so, to whom?
• Do you think you treat everyone equally? Why or why not?  How?
• Why does having money automatically demand respect in our society?
• Identify the poverty in your life…what has God already done in response to it?

Closing Prayer

Leader:  May we recognize the TRUTH when we hear it…

ALL:  Let our ears be opened!

Leader:  May we see the NEED around us and act on it…

ALL:  Let our eyes be opened!

Leader:  May we act out of LOVE toward our neighbor…

ALL:  Let our hearts be opened!

Leader:  May we speak of ACCEPTANCE and FORGIVENESS…

ALL:  Let our arms be opened!

Leader: May our actions speak of PEACE and JUSTICE…

ALL:  Let our lives be open to YOUR Word!

 

Challenge for the Week:   The Gospel reading says, “He has done all things well.”  What do you do well?  Are these things done in God’s name?  What would others say you do well?  Ask…you might be surprised!!!