Thirty-Second Sunday of Ordinary Time

Opening Prayer

Generous Lord

Let us learn by your example

to give without counting the cost

to love without condition or boundaries

to trust beyond a shadow of a doubt

to believe with our entire heart and soul… YOU ARE GOD!

Journal/Reflection Questions

1Kings 17:10-16

• What does the widow do to receive the generosity of another?
• Are there only a few people whom you would sacrifice the last of something for or would you sacrifice the same for a stranger/anybody?

Hebrews 9:24-28

• What is the significance of one sacrifice?
• How does one find salvation according to this scripture?

Mark 12:38-44 or 12:41-44

• What is Jesus telling us about giving? Is He only talking about money to the church?
• What are the two types of people Jesus is referring to in this scripture? What characteristics are being highlighted as good and bad?  Where would you rate yourself on the scale?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• What do you have that never runs empty?
• What do you have that limits you?
• Is there anything you wouldn’t give away? What would it be and why?
• Would you say you have a generous spirit? Why or why not?
• What is needed to create a habit of giving? Do you have it?
• Are there always rewards for doing good things?
• What good comes from helping others?

Closing Prayer

Leader:  When I am held up at a red light…

ALL:  Help me make room for YOU!

Leader:  When I give up control of the remote…

ALL:  Help me make room for YOU!

Leader:  When I let someone else choose…

ALL:  Help me make room for YOU!

Leader: When I hold my tongue…

ALL:  Help me make room for YOU!

Leader: When I sacrifice time or money for another…

ALL:  Help me make room for YOU!

 

Challenge for the Week:   Jesus uses the widow woman to show how one gives from the heart, all they have to give.  This week, make a point to not just do the minimum needed or required of whatever task is in front of you.  Give a little more effort in preparing the meal for your family, take a bit more time enjoying the beauty of the colors of fall, and be more attentive when your spouse is telling you about the events of the day…whatever you have in front of you, give yourself completely.