16th Sunday of Ordinary TimeOpening Prayer

Lord

When you are with me

…my smile shines brighter

…my words have meaning

…my actions are true

May I never spend a moment

 not seeking YOU!
Journal/Reflection Questions

Wisdom 12:13, 16-19

 How does this scripture show God’s humility?

 Where do you see your sin in this scripture? Do you condemn
others? Are you unjust? Do you seek power? Do you “lord” over
others? Do you hold others prisoner with rules or expectations?


 Do you find hope in this scripture? Be specific.  

Romans 8:26-27

 When have you been aware of the Spirit interceding on your
behalf? What was the situation?  

 What does this scripture tell you about the nature of the Spirit?

 
Matthew 13:24-43

 Explain, by using an example, how weeds can grow in a person’s
life and how they would cause more harm to remove the weeds.


 When have you seen sin spread like a weed? How can it be
exterminated? 
General Questions for Journaling

 Where do you see kindness each day? Is it easy to find or do you need
to search for it?

 Are you 100% full of kindness? When or how do you fall short?

 Where do you see mercy each day? Is it easy to find or do you need
to search for it?

 Are you 100% full of mercy? When or how do you fall short?

 What does it mean to you that you can repent? How often do you
repent?  Is it enough?

When did you first learn how to pray? Who taught you?

 How has your prayer life developed over time or as you have become
older or more mature in your spiritual life? Share.  

 When have you stood up for someone who couldn’t stand up for
themselves? What was the situation? What inspired you to step in?  

 How are the mustard seed and yeast similar? How are they different?

 What makes them a good example of heaven? What example would
you use to describe heaven?  
Closing Prayer

Leader: Father, search my heart

ALL: for goodness and kindness

Leader: Father, search my heart

ALL: for a sense of longing.

Leader: Father, search my heart

ALL: for acceptance and mercy.

Leader: Father, search my heart

ALL: for compassion for others.

Leader: Father, search my heart

ALL: for love and forgiveness.

Leader: Father, search my heart

ALL: for the strength to endure.

Leader: Father, search my heart

ALL: and find it full of you!
Challenge for the Week: These past few weeks’ scriptures remind us that we are not alone, God is with
us. They also tell us that God will give us what we need when we are connected to him. What they don’t
tell us is that we don’t have to work to stay connected or that the path is an easy one. The parables Jesus
tells are to teach us that we are required to put forth effort, more than we even want to sometimes and  when we have no more to give, the Spirit will make up for the rest. The challenge is different for each  person, depending on where you fall on the pendulum. First, if your relationship with God is one where  you are asking for him to help you out of a situation, but you are not doing anything to move in the  direction to change, then you need to start moving. On the other side of the spectrum are those who are  giving and giving so much that they are not leaving much space for the Spirit to work, they need to step  aside before their ego steps in. No matter where we are on the scale, we can find ourselves out of whack  with one miss-step. Our best bet is to work to form a partnership with God, knowing there are times when you will give more and times when the Spirit will pull the weight to get you through.