21st Sunday of Ordinary Time

 

Opening Prayer

Father

Vast is your love for us,

let me see it each day!

Endless are the gifts you give,

let me show gratitude!

Abundant is the mercy you grant,

let me share it with others!

You surround me with what I need

and guide me through,

my ups and downs.

Forever you are with me;

You are my all in all!

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Isaiah 22:19-23

• Imagine yourself as Eliakim. How does it feel to be called God’s servant?  Can you see yourself being given a place of honor in God’ house?
• Where do God’s blessings come from? Are they given on purpose or by accident?  How do you know?

 Romans 11:33-36

• Describe what “riches” Saint Paul is referring to in this scripture.
• What are the things you don’t understand about God? What are the things that you DO understand about God?  How does the knowledge of these things affect your faith?

 Matthew 16:13-20

• Explain why the disciples and others would compare Jesus to Jeremiah, Elijah and John the Baptist?
• Who do you say Jesus is? Do you tell him?  Do you tell others?
• When you build, you need a solid foundation; how have you built your foundation?
• Do you only get one shot to build up your foundation?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• Do you allow God to have authority in your life and rule your decisions? If not, who has the authority?
• When you are placed in a position of honor, how do you feel? How would you describe your actions?
• Are there paths in your life, you think about, but you never took? Are they doors you closed or God closed?
• Do you have a childhood dream that you never pursued? What has kept you from going after the dream?
• How does God inhabit your life? Be specific.
• Does God hold a prominent place in your life or do you keep God hidden?
• What experience(s) have taught you about the meaning of the words, eternal, everlasting, forever? What have you learned?
• How would you teach another about God’s endless mercy and everlasting love?
• Is there something in your past which you hold onto which keeps you from moving forward?
• How can faith help you to let go of past hurts, worries or tragedy?
• How does Jesus reveal himself to you? Where are you?  What is the situation?  How do you carry the experience with you?

 

Closing Prayer

Leader:  I am humbly in your presence…

 ALL:  when I allow the silence to take over.

Leader:  I am humbly in your presence…

ALL:  as I pause to give thanks before a meal.

Leader:  I am humbly in your presence…

ALL:  when I look into the eyes of an innocent child.

Leader:  I am humbly in your presence…

ALL:  as hear the rumble of thunder and crack of lightening.

Leader:  I am humbly in your presence…

ALL:  when I see a couple holding hands.

Leader:  I am humbly in your presence…

ALL:   as I open my heart and mind to the wisdom of your Spirit!

 

Challenge for the Week:  Growing up in the church, I’ve heard the phrase, “clothed in Christ”.  As a child I would imagine literally wearing a white robe like the one we see Jesus wearing in many of the pictures of him.  Now as an adult, this phrase takes on much more meaning since it is really a figurative phrase.  What are specific ways a person can be “clothed in Christ”?  Spend time this week reflecting on these ways and then focus on yourself, discerning how you too are “clothed in Christ.  In your prayer time, ask God to help you move your thinking so you can take ownership of this phrase and believe it when you say, “I am clothed in Christ!”