20^th Sunday of Ordinary Time

 

Opening Prayer

Holy Father,

May I walk in the house of Lord,

all of my days!

May I find a comfortable place

to lay my head!

May I hear your voice clearly,

despite the noise!

May I show gratitude to you,

for the gifts you give!

Praise your name forever!

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Isaiah 56:1, 6-7

• Share examples of ways people honor God.
• How do you give honor to God?
• Is it possible to not give God enough praise or thanks? Can you give God too much?

 Romans 11:13-15, 29-32

• What makes you feel accepted by God? What do you think makes you unworthy of God’s blessing?
• In what ways do you disobey God? How does the Sacrament of Reconciliation help you feel accepted?

 Matthew 15:21-28

• How does Jesus’ example in this passage motivate you to reach out to others?
• When has Jesus shown you the same mercy as he shows the Canaanite woman?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• When have you felt “left out” from receiving God’s praise? What was happening in your life?
• Identify a moment in your life when you felt closest to God. Where were you?  Who were you with?  How did it feel?  Are there ways to replicate that feeling now?
• When do you reach out to God? Are there moments or situations which cause you to reach out more persistently?
• Do you think the line of communication between you and God is clear? Do you believe your messages get sent through?
• How do you receive your messages from God? Do you have voicemail or do God’s messages get right through?
• Where do you see joy in your life right now? How can you cultivate it to grow more abundantly?
• How do you live justly? What does this look like?
• Have you ever re-gifted a gift you received?
• How do you feel when you give a gift? What does it mean to you?
• Does your love have limits?
• How can the scriptures help you overcome the things that limit your love? Be specific.
• Where does mercy come from? What are some examples of mercy?

 

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Lord, I am blessed

ALL:  Let it show on my face!

Leader:  Lord, I am blessed

ALL:  Let it be heard in my words!

Leader:  Lord, I am blessed

 ALL:  Let it be seen by my actions!

Leader:  Lord, I am blessed

ALL:  Let it be felt through my compassion!

Leader:  Lord, I am blessed

ALL:  Let it be acknowledged in my prayers!

Leader:  Lord, I am blessed

ALL:   Let it be shared with others!   

 

Challenge for the Week:  God gives the most precious gifts to us but how do we repay Him for these gifts?  We have the opportunity each day to show God our gratitude through our words and actions.  This week be intentional about giving God a specific gift each day.  Perhaps it is the gift of time with Him or with a friend in need.  Maybe the gift you give to God is picking up trash from the side of the road or paying for a tank of gas for a stranger.  We are faced with opportunities each day to repay God for the gifts He has given.  Now, God doesn’t bless us with the expectation for a response so we cannot either; when we give, we give without expectation.  Look back each day on the specific gift you gave and share with God how this gift expresses your gratitude.  These are moments to cherish!