23rd Sunday of Ordinary Time

 

Opening Prayer

Lord

You must have immense patience

to listen to us whine and complain

about our suffering and pain.  We are so naive.

You have heard every excuse but still we give them.

The promise of peace, forgiveness and mercy

doesn’t seem to be enough for us to let go.

May your WORD today help us to surrender!!!

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Wisdom 9:13-18b

• Can you with confidence tell others what God has planned for you? Why or why not?
• What do you know for sure about your faith? About your purpose?  About the promises of Christ?

 Hebrews 12:5-7, 11-13

• Are there ways in which you feel imprisoned or enslaved by your faith?
• Are there ways in which you feel imprisoned or enslaved by the world?

 Luke 14: 25-33

• What are the costs of following Christ? Do you know the end of the story?  What do you fear about the middle (unknown) that keeps you from surrendering?
• Make a list of the resources you use and have at your disposal in order to finish the race, build the tower and live with purpose?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• Have you ever had a plan which was executed perfectly? What causes you to have to change your plan?
• How do you feel when there is not a plan?
• Are there times when you need a plan and when you don’t want a plan? How are those different?
• What can you do to learn more about the plan God has for you? How will you know it is God’s plan?
• Are there relationships you need to let go of in order to allow change?
• How is love revealed in your life?
• Where is love found?
• To what do you cling? What keeps you from surrendering completely to God?
• What does your cross include? Are there days when it is lighter/heavier than others?
• Does everyone have the same size cross to bear? Do they all look the same?
• Picking up your cross to carry it is a choice. Are there days when you choose NOT to pick it up?
• Who are the people who have helped your carry your cross?

 

Closing Prayer

Leader:  May we seek the path to YOU

ALL:  even when we cannot stand on our own;

Leader:  May we seek the path to YOU

 ALL:  when the clouds cover our eyes;

Leader:  May we seek the path to YOU

 ALL:  in the midst of the storm;

Leader:  May we seek the path to YOU

ALL:  on the best and worst of our days;

Leader:  May we seek the path to YOU

ALL:  even when none can be found.

 

 Challenge for the Week:  People can spend weeks, months and years trying to make sense of things beyond their grasp.  Sometimes they get so wrapped up in trying to make the pieces fit, they lose sight of anything else.  When this happens, whatever path they are on doesn’t matter because they are standing still.  IF you relate to this and it describes you now, please seek guidance from a spouse, friend, counselor, priest, etc. and if this describes someone you love, share this scripture with them and pray for the words to help them start taking steps on their journey again!

22nd Sunday of Ordinary Time

 

Opening Prayer

Lord

Where do I find humility?  What does it look like?

Why is it so hard to find?  Am I looking in the wrong places?

Show me how to be humble through YOUR words and actions…

Let the examples I read in scripture

teach me to see with more love and compassion!

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Sirach 3:17-18, 20, 28-29

• What does the scripture say about who you are as a child of God? Would you describe yourself this way?  Why or why not?
• How does someone learn to be humble? What does this scripture say one should do?

 Hebrews 12:18-19, 22-24A

• Does this scripture scare you or bring you comfort?
• Pick one of the metaphors and meditate on it. What does it look like?  How does it make you feel?  How does it apply to your life (now or in the past).

 Luke 14:1, 7-14

• What does it feel like to be the guest of honor?
• Do you need help getting to the banquet?
• What are you doing to help others get to the banquet?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• What kinds of gifts does God give? Have you ever received a bad gift from God?
• Are there bad gifts? Have you ever received a bad gift?  Have you ever given one?
• How do you define humility? Where does it come from?  How is it achieved?
• Who do you consider a great person? Who might consider you a great person?
• Are there people in your life whom you need to attend to? Do they need a listening ear?  Words of comfort or advice?
• Have you ever been given a gift which you didn’t open or use? Are you using the gifts God has given?  Are there gifts you still haven’t opened?
• Do you like when someone acknowledges you with a note, card or gift? What about when they remember a special date or something important going on in your life?  How do you feel?
• Are you bound by anything? What binds you?  Why?  Is it good or bad?  Does it need to change?  What would happen if it did?

 

Closing Prayer – inspired by Colossians 3:12

Leader:  Chosen by God…

ALL:  to be compassionate!

Leader:  Chosen by God…

 ALL:  to be kind!

Leader:  Chosen by God…

 ALL:  to be humble!

Leader:  Chosen by God…

ALL:  to be gentle!

Leader:  Chosen by God…

ALL:  to be patient!

Leader:  Chosen by God…

ALL:  to be LOVED!

 

Challenge for the Week:  In a world that puts so much focus on “I” and “ME” it’s no wonder humility is hard to find.  There are stories about people spending over their means only to impress others by their name brand clothes and the car they drive.  More stories of those who spend hours getting tummies tucked and plastic surgery to “fix” what they believe are flaws in how they were created.  The stories go on and on including people of all ages being bullied, shunned and some even killed because another person doesn’t think they live up to specific standards.  It is hard for us to push away insecurities brought on by media or the opinion of others.  We often forget we aren’t defined by what society says is “cool” or “acceptable”, rather by the one who created us.  God says we are chosen and loved, just the way we are and doesn’t ask for us to impress Him.  We are only asked to follow in His steps and accept and love one another, just as God created them.  It is when we stop worrying about impressing others with material things and embrace God’s opinion of us that we can find humility.  We can truly understand that life is “not all about me”, rather it is all about “we” and how we put God first in our lives.  Take time this week to consider what you do in order to impress others (words or actions) or how you change yourself (words or actions) in order to fit into a group of people at work/school.  AND then pray…see what God wants you to do about it!  Remember, God is the only one you should try to impress 😉

21st Sunday of Ordinary Time

 

Opening Prayer

Lord,

YOU call out to us and gather us together

YOU give us hearts of flesh to love

YOU give us hands to reach out to help

YOU give us the will to choose to follow

May we never lose sight of ALL you give

And always be grateful…you are always there!

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Isaiah 66:18-21

• How are the Israelites set apart/chosen? Does God love you in the same way?  How do you know?
• When you see the unity described in this scripture? Have you ever felt it?  When?  Where?

 Hebrews 12:5-7, 11-13

• How does God use discipline to help us become the person we were created to be?
• What does the word discipline mean? Is it hard?  Does it hurt?  Is discipline negative?  Do you think we all receive the same discipline from God?

 Luke 13:22-30

• How do you image the narrow gate? Do you image an actual gate or that Jesus is using symbolism for something else?
• Where do you see mercy in this scripture?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• Are there people in your life whom you feel united? What is the connection?
• Do you feel closer to people who are not your relatives? Why or why not?  What does this have to do with the scripture readings?
• What do you offer God? What does He offer you?  Is it even?
• What does your physical body/presence say about your spiritual health? Do you think they are related?  How?  Why?
• How do you practice spiritual discipline? What does it mean?
• What makes faith stronger? How strong is your relationship with God?  Jesus?  Holy Spirit?
• How do you exercise your faith? What areas do you need to work on?
• Do you ever feel you give and give and give with nothing in return? What makes you continue to give?
• Are there times when you don’t thing you give enough? Whom are you trying to please or satisfy?  Is satisfaction achievable?

 

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Lord, strengthen my relationship

ALL:  in the prayers I pray.

Leader:  Lord, strengthen my understanding

 ALL:  through the scriptures.

Leader:  Lord, strengthen my focus

 ALL:  as I follow the path.

Leader:  Lord, strengthen my witness

ALL:  as I speak truth.

Leader:  Lord, strengthen my commitment

ALL:  in acts of justice and mercy.

Leader:  Lord, strengthen me…

ALL:  make me your disciple!

 

Challenge for the Week:  Have you ever gone along with something because it was the popular choice but you didn’t agree?  This is one of the challenges in life…how do we become strong in our beliefs, strong enough to speak up and go in a different direction?  Since we all face this dilemma at some point, either reflect back to a time or focus on a potential situation (perhaps even the one in the Gospel reading) and consider how you will stand up with faith.  Sometimes acting out in faith and truth is not the popular decision…is your faith strong enough to withstand?  Living your life as a disciple is radical…BE RADICAL!

20^th Sunday of Ordinary Time

 

Opening Prayer

Father

It is our nature to love you,

but there are so many distractions.

Help us fight off the distractions,

and be persistent in our commitment.

Let us not be limited by love of things which don’t last,

but seek your love which is limitless.

Keep us open to your everlasting love,

so we can love without limits too!

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Jeremiah 38:4-6, 8-10

• Have you ever felt like you were sinking in the mud? What did it feel like?  How were you able to get “un-stuck”?
• When have you interceded for another, like the Court Official in this scripture? Who was it?  What were the circumstances?

 Hebrews 12:1-4

• Describe “cloud of witnesses”. Is it the same for everyone?  What is the specific purpose of a “cloud of witnesses”?
• What does this scripture say about suffering, specifically about Jesus’ suffering on the cross?
• Do you believe God wants you to suffer? Why or Why not?  Is this belief because of faith or experience?

 Luke 12:49-53

• How does God set the world on fire? What is consumed?  What needs to be consumed?  What is role in keeping the fire alive?
• Where do you see divisions in the world, your community, your church, your family, your own heart? Is there a common thread in these divisions?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• Are there people who offend you? Who?  Why?  How does it affect how you act around them or how you treat them?
• Are there laws which you don’t agree with but follow?
• Have you ever worked to change a law which you found to be unjust?   What did you do?  What did you learn from the experience?
• How does your faith/hope/love in Jesus affect how you deal with loss/struggles/suffering?
• What would you say to someone who is struggling who doesn’t have a relationship with Jesus? How would you show them support or give comfort?
• What divides you from others?
• What is the definition of division? What is the opposite?

 

Closing Prayer

Leader:  May we never lose sight of the faith which fills us…

ALL:  Pray for us, Father Abraham!

Leader:  May we always find hope in the promise of heaven…

 ALL:  Pray for us, Prophets of the Old Testament!

Leader:  May we always be waiting and listening for God…

 ALL:  Pray for us, Mother Mary!

Leader:  May we never forget the sacrifice made on the cross..

ALL:  Pray for us, Jesus our Savior!

Leader:  May we always keep the Holy Spirit close and follow…

ALL:  Pray for us, Prophets of the New Testament!

Leader:  May we never turn away from the love which created us…

ALL:  Pray for us, Saints of today and yesterday!

 

Challenge for the Week:  As humans, we can sometimes let one little thing cause a tornado of stress and worry in our lives; something as simple as a paper cut can turn our attitude around.  When we look to the Prophets and Saints, we often forget they are human too.  They were also distracted by things (maybe even a paper cut) but persevered in learning to keep Christ centered in their lives.  Take time this week to seek out a Prophet or Saint (dead or alive) and consider how your might be able to learn to fend off distractions in your life.

Examples: (1) Moses was “crippled” by his speech impediment but was able to put it aside to serve God and save the Israelites from slavery  (2) Oscar Romero loved God and serving the Church so much he lived out his call as a priest despite the opposition…even to death

19^th Sunday of Ordinary Time

 

Opening Prayer

Lord

Why do we doubt your love for us?

Let reach out to you

…and feel your embrace.

May we never lose hope in your presence!

What can we do to trust you more?

Let us call your Name

…and hear your response.

May we always know the sound of your voice!

Keep us close Lord, we cannot live without YOU!

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Wisdom 18:6-9

• Describe having “courage” to let God work in your life.
• Do you trust God will “take care of your adversaries”? Why or why not?  Give an example of what this might look like.

 Hebrews 11:1-2, 8-19 or 11:1-2, 8-12

• Have you ever felt lost in your faith?
• Explain how you show trust in God and His plan for you. Give an example of how you trust God.

 Luke 12:32-48 or 12:35-40

• Is there anything you’ve been waiting on God for which He has not delivered?
• Why would God want us to be watchful? How do you let down your guard?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• Is there a common sacrifice all Christians’ value? What is it and how do you know it is valuable?
• Is it easy or difficult to let others have power over you? Why?  What would Jesus tell you to do?
• Have you ever sworn an oath? What was it for?  Did you keep it?
• Do you love and serve God out of fear or obedience? What is the difference?
• Have you ever felt as though there was no hope? What was the situation?  Was hope really gone or had you lost sight of it?
• Can someone you know be a stranger? Why or why not?
• Have you ever moved forward in faith, knowing God was calling but not knowing what was to come?
• Has God ever delivered a miracle to you? When?  What was it?
• What was the last decision you allowed God to make without your input?

 

Closing Prayer

Leader:  When we face adversity…

ALL:  May we have the courage, only faith can give!

Leader:  When we question…

 ALL:  May we have the wisdom, only faith can give!

Leader:  When all we see is despair…

 ALL:  May we have the hope, only faith can give!

Leader:  When we feel empty…

ALL:  May we have the fulfillment, only faith can give!

Leader:  When all we have to hold is the promise…

ALL:  May we have the trust, only faith can give!

Leader:  When we feel you in our soul…

ALL:  May we have the peace, only faith can give!

 

Challenge for the Week:  Trusting God, living a Christian life and following the path laid before us can be extremely difficult at times.  Often we are tempted to stray and fall into sin or to doubt or lose hope in the promise that God will take care of us and all of our needs.  However, over and over in the scripture we are reminded that what God has planned for us is so much better than what we can accomplish on our own.  The scripture tell us that even though it might be difficult and we might want to throw in the towel waiting on what we are looking for God to deliver, that we should NEVER lose hope!  Spend time thinking about how you have remained vigilant in the promises of Christ.  Have you been losing hope?  Are you holding on by a thread to the promise?  What can you do to refocus and get a clearer perspective on what God has been doing in your life…to see He is still there, just maybe not giving you what you expect.  God has a plan for you…are you trusting Him enough for it to come to fruition?