The Twenty-Ninth Sunday of Ordinary Time

Opening Prayer

Infinite God

You know us because you created us

You understand us because you became one of us

You have felt our pain,

You know what it feels like to weep,

You hold us dear to your heart despite our failings

YOU ARE LOVE!

Journal/Reflection Questions

Isaiah 53:10-11

• What good can come from suffering?
• Have you ever wanted to take the place of another person who was suffering? Why?  What was the situation?

 

Hebrews 4:14-16

• How does this scripture make you feel?
• When do you recall Jesus showing weakness? When did he suffer?  What makes you know Jesus understands us when we have done wrong?

 

Mark 10:35-45

• When have you been like the disciples and not understood what you were truly asking?
• How does Jesus try to explain? Do they come to understand?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• Consider a time when suffering with someone caused healing?
• How does suffering through something cause you to draw closer to God? How does it separate you?
• What miracles does God allow through suffering?
• When was the last time you felt you were being tested? Who was testing you?
• What does it mean to sympathize with someone?
• Do you know anyone who is good at showing sympathy? What does it look like?
• Why do you think it is fun to be “king of the mountain”? What do you think about when you are the one in charge?
• Who do you know is a good example of being a servant to others? Anyone in the community?  Your family?
• Are there things worth fighting for? Worth suffering for?

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Moses an abandoned child and Leader of the Israelites.

ALL:  Through suffering, YOU are light

Leader:  Joseph imprisoned and champion of dreams.

ALL:  Through suffering, YOU are light

Leader:  Jesus crucified and resurrected.

ALL:  Through suffering, YOU are light

Leader:  Peter denied and head of the Church.

ALL:  Through suffering, YOU are light

Leader: Destruction of the world and a brilliant sunrise.

ALL:  Through suffering, YOU are light

 

Challenge for the Week:   The corporate ladder coined the phrase to “one up” someone which meant to move up a rung of the ladder ahead of another.  This type of competition isn’t anything new to human nature, it happened with the disciples and even the sons of Adam and Eve!  There is always someone who thinks they are better or smarter or better looking; they believe they deserve the high praise and recognition but Jesus is saying the one who deserves to live in the kingdom is the one who suffers.  Since it is human nature for us to compare ourselves to one another, watch yourself this week.  When you think someone did a better job than you, tell them.  If there is someone who is having a good hair day, let them know.  Recognizing and acknowledging the good of others is a practice of humility and that can be pretty painful.  And remember, Jesus isn’t asking us to suffer alone…He knows how we feel, He has been there!