The Twenty-Fifth Sunday of Ordinary Time

Opening Prayer

Tend to my heart…

Scatter mercy and joy like weeds

Sow peace where there is turmoil

Sprinkle truth where there is confusion

Spread seeds which take root in YOU

Cultivate in me a pure heart!

Journal/Reflection Questions

Wisdom 2:12, 17-20

• How does this scripture paint the wicked? What do they lack?
• Where does Jesus say someone should prove themselves worthy? How does this scripture contradict what Jesus teaches?

James 3:16-4:3

• How do people become people of power and influence?
• What qualities does one need to be successful? What qualities should they have to make the greatest impact?

Mark 9:30-37

• Explain Jesus’ actions in this scripture. Actions speak louder than words so what is He saying here when He takes the child into His arms?
• Share examples of how Jesus modelled for the world how to be “servant of all”.

 

General Questions for Journaling

• Does wickedness exist in the world today? Where?  What feeds it?
• Where do you see evil in the world? What is being done to keep it from growing?
• Think of a time when you acted out of anger or frustration…what were you angry or frustrated about? How did your anger or frustration help or hurt the situation?
• How do conflicts arise between people?
• What causes conflict?
• Do you treat children differently than you do adults? Why or why not?
• What do you do when you don’t understand something? How does it change your attitude?

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Do to others as God calls us to…

ALL:  Cradle and console a crying baby.

Leader:  Do to others as God calls us to…

ALL:  Hold the hand of a toddler as he takes his first steps.

Leader:  Do to others as God calls us to…

ALL:  Kiss the scraped elbow of a child.

Leader:  Do to others as God calls us to…

ALL:  Lend an ear for a confused teenager.

Leader: Do to others as God calls us to…

ALL:  Celebrate with a college graduate or newly engaged couple.

Leader: Do to others as God calls us to…

ALL:  Reach out to others and share our gifts and talents.

Leader: Do to others as God calls us to… 

ALL:  Care for an elderly woman as she takes her last breath.

Leader: Do to others as God does to you!

 

Challenge for the Week:   There are things in life which are hard for us to let go or give up such as a family heirloom or cherished gift.  There may also be words or actions which we feel are so hurtful it seems we can never forgive them.  There are many families who end up in feuds over such things and don’t talk to each other for days, weeks, months or even years.  You may or may not have an item with such sentimental value nor have you experienced unforgiveable words or actions thrown in your direction but there could still be something which causes you hurt or frustration in the world, your community or possibly within your own family.  Jesus is teaching us in the scriptures this weekend how to approach conflict and how to deal with misunderstanding.  Take time…make time…this week to reflect on one or more of these things.  Take inventory of what you are holding onto which is causing hurt in your life because of the actions of another BUT ALSO consider how your words or actions have cast out pain onto another.  After you have given it ample thought and prayer, allow God to wrap you into His arms like a child…let that hurt and pain be washed away with mercy and forgiveness.  Allow God to work in you to create a pure heart!