27th Sunday of Ordinary Time

 

Opening Prayer

Heavenly Father,

Like the vineyard,

our lives need work.

We need to plant good things.

We need to be nourished.

We need to be tended to

when we are weary.

And there are times when

the weeds try to take over.

You are the ultimate Gardener,

help me produce good fruit!

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Isaiah 5:1-7

• What condition is your vineyard (spiritual life)? What are you doing to care for it?
• Can you prevent weeds? Sour grapes?  Infestations?  What kind of plan do you have to help these things from taking over?

 Philippians 4:6-9

• Does this scripture bring comfort or frustration?
• What does it mean to you when you hear words like, do what is honorable, just, lovely, pure, gracious; is it achievable?

 Matthew 21:33-43

• Where do you see messengers of God’s peace? God’s love?
• What is the message you receive from this scripture?
• Is God the cornerstone of your life? How are you sure?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• Have you ever had a situation in your life that just went wild and out of control? What were you able to do about it?
• Do you recall a time when your friends or family said you were acting wild? What was happening in your life at the time they said this?
• What judgment do you put on others? Do you think they judge you in return?
• Is it hard or easy to find fault in yourself?
• Is it hard or easy to find fault in others?
• Are there things others believe are faults in you but you believe otherwise?
• Would you say you are a peacemaker? Share how you bring peace.
• Describe the peace God gives. When have you experienced God’s peace?
• Have you ever had a time when you felt you had done all you could but things still turned out badly?
• What advice can you give about letting go of anxiety?
• Is there such a thing as worrying too much? What does it look like?
• Can a person not worry enough? How does that look?
• Can you feel God guard your heart and mind?
• Share a time when you felt out-numbered, beaten or rejected. How did you overcome?

 

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Lord, Grant me PEACE…

 ALL:  when walls start to crumble.

Leader: Lord, Grant me PEACE…

ALL:  when confusion outweighs understanding.

Leader:  Lord, Grant me PEACE…

 ALL:  when the world seems untamed.

Leader:  Lord, Grant me PEACE…

ALL:  when we feel alone and un-sheltered.

Leader:  Lord, Grant me PEACE…

ALL:  when contempt and judgment take control.

Leader:  Lord, Grant me PEACE…

ALL:   and surround me with your love!

 

Challenge for the Week:  Draw a picture of either what you imagine anxiety looks like OR a picture of what you imagine your vineyard looks like.  Take out a blank piece of paper and with crayons, colored pencils/pens, or markers, set out to meditate and pray.  Don’t go into the activity anxious or telling yourself that it won’t turn out because you can’t draw.  Allow yourself at least 30 minutes and make it an act of prayer.