Seventh Sunday of Ordinary Time

 

Opening Prayer

Jesus

When I feel beaten

and alone,

When it seems all is lost

or forgotten,

Let me cling to YOUR spirit.

Allow me to gain strength

through your love.

Come.

Dwell in my soul.

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Leviticus 19:1-2, 17-18

• In what way are you holy as God is holy? (Be specific).
• How does it feel when you carry a grudge, hatred or revenge with you?

 1 Corinthians 3:16-23

• Can a person deceive themselves? Can they lie to themselves?  Share an example.
• If God dwells in you, you are the tabernacle. How do you treat your body as the temple of God?  How do you honor God within yourself?

 Matthew 5:38-48

• What makes it difficult to turn the other cheek? Name the feeling.  Where does it come from?
• When was the last time you gave more than was required or asked for? What was the situation?  Why did you give more?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• How do you define community?
• Are you a member of one or more communities?
• What value do you derive by being a part of a community?
• Is there someone whom you are in conflict with right now? What stands in the way of reconciliation?
• What do you see when you look in the mirror? Do you see your sin or your potential?
• Knowledge you can measure through testing to show how much you know. How is wisdom measured?
• On a scale from 1-10, identify the wisdom within. How do you rate?  Do you know anyone whom you’d rate at a 10?
• Who taught you about taking turns or how to be fair?
• How does it feel when you don’t get your turn?
• Are there situations in your life right now that are “not fair”? How do you deal with them?
• Is there something in your life (a sin) which tempts you? Do you give in?  What helps you to resist?
• Have you ever been able to find peace in an unfair situation?

 

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Holy is the word of Jesus,

ALL:  Holy is the WORD!

Leader:  Holy is the flesh of Jesus,

ALL:  Holy is the BODY!

Leader:  Holy is the blood of Jesus,

ALL:  Holy is the BLOOD!

Leader:  Holy is the cross of Jesus,

ALL:  Holy is the CROSS!

Leader:  Holy is the peace of Jesus,

ALL:  Holy is his PEACE!

Leader:  Holy is the name of Jesus,

ALL:  Holy is his NAME!

 

Challenge for the Week:  We often find it easier to point out the bad things in ourselves (and others) than to identify the good things.  This week, make a list of at least 10 things you love about yourself.  Then, next to each good quality or trait, write the name of another person in your life whom shares that trait.  Make an effort to list a different person for each gift you wrote down about yourself.  The next time you see that person who shares this characteristic you love about yourself and them; tell them.  Allow the “love” of the Valentines holiday extend past one day.