Second Sunday of Ordinary Time

 

Opening Prayer

Lord Jesus,

You are generous beyond compare.

The wellspring of your love never runs dry.

You are the giver of all that is good.

We shout from the rooftop… praise to YOU above all!

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Isaiah 62:1-5

• How do you know God loves you? How would you explain this kind of love to someone who had never met God?
• God calls you His delight and promises not to forsaken you…what other names does God give you? What other promises does He make?

 1 Corinthians 12:4-11

• What gift(s) do you have? How do you use it/them?
• Are you jealous of a specific gift? Why?  What would you do with it if you had it?
• When have you seen a variety of gifts work together for good?
• What specific gift is needed in your family right now? In your work place?  In your community?

 John 2:1-11

• Compare your life to the wine which was served first and your future to the water which was turned into wine. Can you find hope in the comparison?
• Put yourself in the scripture. Imagine yourself as the head waiter, the bride/groom, the guests, Mary.  What are you thinking?  How do you make sense of what happened?  Whom do you share this occurrence with and how?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• What names do you call God?
• Does comparing God’s love to the marriage union still hold value when people get divorced or don’t get married at all? Why or why not?
• How does God know you love Him? Do you tell Him?  Do you show Him?  What do you do?
• Does God show partiality among denominations? Why or why not?
• Do you believe the phrase, “you get what you pay for”? What does it mean?  How can you translate it to faith?
• Have you ever wished for something? Do you believe in wishes?
• Is there anyone in your life whom you trust will provide for all of your needs? Do you think it is a rarity or surplus in life to have one or more people?
• Have you ever been asked to give more than you thought was expected? What was the situation?  How did it affect your attitude?  What was the outcome?

 

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Created for a purpose…

ALL:  turn us into wine.

Leader:  Washed clean by our Baptism…

ALL:  turn us into wine.

Leader:  Saved by your power…

 ALL:  turn us into wine.

Leader:  Made whole with your love…

 ALL:  turn us into wine.

Leader:  Changed from water into wine…

ALL:  to be a witness of YOUR miracles!

 

Challenge for the Week:   One name for God is King of Glory and we call Jesus the King of Kings who reigns over the Kingdom of God.  The First Reading says we are “crowned” as children of the Most High King.  What does it feel like to have a crown?  If you were to actually wear a crown, how would it change your behavior?  What words would you use to describe royalty; do any of these words describe you?  Why or why not?  This week during your prayer time, before you get out of bed or after you brush your teeth, make a point to crown yourself with an imaginary crown and remind yourself of your royal bloodline!