Thirty-Third Sunday of Ordinary Time

Opening Prayer

Lord

Why do we search in all the wrong places to find you?

When we look in the darkness,

You are not there.

When we look behind, above and below,

You are not there.

You are in all things at all times…yet we struggle to find you!

Thank you for not turning away;

Thank you for your grace, love and mercy;

Thank you!  Thank you!  Thank you!

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Daniel 12:1-3

• What qualities do you learn are important to have as a witness of Christ through this scripture? Do you possess any of them?  If so, which ones?  If not, what can you do to build up these qualities within?
• Who are “stars” who shine brightly? Are there people in your life who let God’s light shine and worked toward justice?  Can you name some people in history who have been examples of “stars”?
• How might your life be different if you followed the stars?

Hebrews 10:11-14, 18

• Why is sacrifice needed? What sacrifice(s) do you make for your relationship with God?
• How does one become perfect in Christ? Is this even possible?  Why or why not?
• Consider, through the words of this scripture, the importance of the sacrifice of Mass. What is happening at Mass and do we understand the meaning as it is happening?

Mark 13:24-32

• What is Jesus telling us about what we can take with us when we die? How does this change how you think of material things?  How does this change how you might spend the rest of your life?
• Does this scripture cause you fear or another emotion? What emotion do you think Jesus wants us to feel?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• In the past week, where did you see God’s light shine? Who did it shine through?
• Where do you turn for comfort when you are in distress? Is God there?
• Would you consider yourself a leader or a follower? Why?
• What was the last thing you took the lead on? Who was it for?  What was the task?  How did it turn out?
• What kind of leader are you or would you be? Why?
• How can you make your sins go away? What do you do to ensure you don’t ever sin again?
• What does God do or can God do to help you defeat sin?

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Though we are sinners;

ALL:  You made one sacrifice for our sins.

Leader:  Though we are ignorant;

ALL:  You continue to teach us your ways.

Leader:  Though we often lose direction;

ALL:  You continue to guide us on the right path.

Leader: Though we waste much;

ALL:  You continue to give us what we need.

Leader:  Though we continue to fall short;

ALL:  You continue to build us up.

ALL:  Thank you Lord, for your constant love!

 

Challenge for the Week:  Attend Mass.  It really doesn’t matter if you do it on the weekend or during the week, the outcome is the same…you have witnessed a living sacrifice.  What does this even mean?  Well, when you go to Mass, it shouldn’t be just out of obligation so you can get it checked off of your “to do list” or because you get to see friends or enjoy coffee and donuts afterwards.  Nor should you attend Mass and not be an active participant.  Mass is the “shortened” version of what is actually called the “Holy Sacrifice of the Mass” where Catholics come together to remember the sacrifice Jesus made for us.  This act of love is monumental and deserves a response from each of us who gather to remember it.  Jesus died for us and in return as believers, we should sacrifice some of ourselves each time we come to take the Eucharist.  We should leave a piece of ourselves behind each time we receive a piece of Jesus at Communion, this is how we become more like Him!  So, go…make a sacrifice this week and leave behind the grumpy, negative, judgmental part of you and let the joyful, positive and accepting light of Jesus shine through!