Sunday, December 3rd Readings

First Sunday of Advent

Opening Prayer

Lord

Shape us

Mold us

Make us your own!

May we not wander,

Let us remain close.

For you are with us

for all of time!

Journal/Reflection Questions

Isaiah 63:16b-17; 64:1, 3b-8

When have you hid your face from God? How did God respond?
What had God molded you into? What special gifts, qualities do you have? Make a list of 100 things that are special about you!

1 Corinthians 1:3-9

Saint Paul says God is what makes us whole. How do you stay close to God? Describe the feeling of wholeness.
What do you believe about life on earth and life in heaven? What remains the same?

Mark 13:33-37

If Jesus came to your home today, what would he be happy to see? What would you want to hide from him?
How alert are you on a daily basis about Jesus’ presence in your life?
Who would you say you relate to the most in the Gospel? The man traveling? The servants? The gatekeeper? None of these, because you relate more to the house, time of day or the cockcrowing it’s warning?

General Questions for Journaling

What is your name story? How were you named?
What does your name say about you?
What names do you give God? Jesus? Holy Spirit? What do the names mean to you?
When do you see God? When do you hear God? Is it true sight and sound?
Share a time when you had a problem as big as a mountain which you saw crumble because of God’s grace, mercy and love!
Have you ever experienced guilt floating away like the wind? Describe how you have felt guilt taken away.
How were you called into relationship with God? Jesus? Holy Spirit?
What do you do to call others into relationship with God, Jesus, Holy Spirit?
What kind of riches does God give? Be specific.
What are some of the things you prepare for when you have guests?
When have you been spoiled as a guest?
Share a time when you did not feel welcome when you arrived at a destination.
What do you need to prepare for Jesus’ coming? Are you ready?
What tells you of God’s presence in your life right now?

Closing Prayer (Inspired by Psalm 80)

Leader: Shine forth…

ALL: the power to save!

Leader: Shine forth…

ALL: and protect what is good!

Leader: Shine forth…

ALL: upon the right and just!

Leader: Shine forth…

ALL: bring comfort and warmth!

Leader: Shine forth…

ALL: with strength!

Leader: Shine forth…

ALL: the light of all life!

Challenge for the Week: This week make time to sit down and create your own personal motto or symbol. You might already have one or you might have a favorite scripture verse or quote which you find value but this personal motto should be something original. It should be something you want people to see when they first see you or hear you speak. It is something you would put on your welcome mat outside of your door for all to see before entering into your home. This motto or symbol for you is what guides people to learn about you, to see your gifts and to find out what is truly important. Jesus’ symbol would be the star which lead the way for the shepherds to find him and how the star’s light is full of power, full of wonder and though we cannot always see the star, we know it is there. Happy Advent!

Sunday, November 26th Readings

Solemnity of Christ the King

Opening Prayer

Lord

Let me not forget

You are in my midst.

You bring comfort

when I am weary,

and seek me out

when I am lost.

Though I may not see you

YOU ARE THERE!

Journal/Reflection Questions

Ezekiel 34:11-12, 15-17

Where are you in proximity of the Shepherd? Have you scattered? Do you need to be healed?
Is there a safe distance to stray from God? If yes, what is the distance? Is it the same for everyone? If no? Why?

1 Corinthians 15:20-26, 28

Do your words and actions reflect your faith in God to protect you and take care of you in this life and the next?
Reflect on how this scripture reflects the changing of the seasons. Make a list of parallels you see.

Matthew 25:31-46

If you love God and love your neighbor, how are you like the sheep? Be specific.
Do you believe God looks at people as the “least” or the “greatest”? How does this scripture give you evidence to confirm AND deny this statement.

General Questions for Journaling

What does it mean to tend to something? What was the last thing you tended to?
When it is dark and cloudy, how do you find your way? How does this metaphor apply to your faith?
Can you be lost and not know it?
Is there someone in your life whom is like a shepherd?
How are you or can you be like a shepherd to others? What does this look like?
What are some of the evils of the world which you fear?
Where do you see God in tragic events? Is it difficult or easy? Why?
What things do you see in the world which tears people apart? Can you make a list of at least 10 things?
Are you responsible for bringing strife into a relationship? If so, what can give you a change of heart?
What is your view of death? Be specific.
How do you separate people? What groups do you put them in? What labels do you use?
Can you relate better to a smart and rich leader or a poor and suffering one? Which one do you believe Jesus is? In which category do you place people in authority today?
Is there a difference between giving for reward and giving freely? Can you tell the difference in yourself? In others? Do you think God cares?

Closing Prayer

Leader: Lord, you care for me

ALL: so I may care for others.

Leader: Lord, you shelter me in a storm

ALL: so I may provide shelter for others.

Leader: Lord, you protect me from harm

ALL: so I can be a stronghold for others.

Leader: Lord, you show me mercy

ALL: so I will be merciful to others.

Leader: Lord, you teach me compassion

ALL: so I can offer comfort to others.

Leader: Lord, you love me without limits

ALL: so I will give love unconditionally to others.

Challenge for the Week: When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? Was it a similar profession as one of your parents? Did you learn about it from TV or from a book? What were the characteristics of the job which you were drawn to? In Jesus’ time, and for many years before and after, you were born in to a family where your future job was already chosen for you. It didn’t really matter if you had the right demeanor or characteristics to do the job well, you just did it. However, specific jobs require specific skills in order for the person to be good at their job. A shepherd for example needs to be strong and have stamina to be able to keep the sheep from straying; they must be observant and be able to be both stern and tender depending on the need of the sheep. This week, spend time reflecting on what qualities you bring to the profession you chose and how you benefit others because of what you give. Each day, you are given the opportunity to be a shepherd to someone, go and use your gifts to serve others and to serve God!

Sunday, November 19th Readings

33rd Sunday of Ordinary Time

Opening Prayer

Merciful Father,

You are the creator and maker

of heaven and earth,

Yet you regard me as one

worthy of your mercy!

You forgive without limits

and your love is infinite,

May I learn from your example

and have patience

not only with others

but with myself as well!

I am forever grateful for you Lord!

Journal/Reflection Questions

Proverbs 31:10-13, 19-20, 30-31

What does this scripture say makes a bride worthy? Is it the tasks she completes or her attitude or a combination of both?
How does the woman described in this scripture stand out? Do you know women like her?

1 Thessalonians 5:1-6

How does God’s goodness take you by surprise? Share a time when it overtook you.
What is there to fear? Death? Darkness? What does this scripture passage tell us to fear? Why should we listen?

Matthew 25:14-30

Do you think you have talents which are buried? What would happen if you dug them up?
Where have you scattered the seeds of faith? Who gave the seeds to you?
What does it mean for God to give you great responsibility? Share an example of someone who has embraced the responsibility. Share an example of someone who fears it.

General Questions for Journaling

What qualities does a woman look for in a husband?
What qualities does a man look for in a wife?
Is there a recipe for a healthy marriage?
What are some causes for a marriage to fail? Can God’s mercy provide insight?
How is charm deceptive? Share an example.
Describe something beautiful. How does beauty make you feel? Do those feelings last? Why or why not?
What does it look like to “fear the Lord”? How is it a Gift of the Holy Spirit?
Are there things in life which give false hope or false security? Name a few.
Would you say you’re a risk taker? Why or why not? Give an example.
Are there things about your faith which are risky? Are there times when being faithful put you at risk? Share examples of both.

Closing Prayer

Leader: When the love you have for me is questioned…

ALL: Lord, I am listening with all of my heart!

Leader: When the threat of bad weather is on the horizon…

ALL: Lord, I am listening with all of my senses!

Leader: When my faith is being challenged…

ALL: Lord, I am listening with my entire mind!

Leader: When stress and anxiety try to consume me…

ALL: Lord, I am listening with my entire body!

Leader: When temptation draws near…

ALL: Lord, I am listening with all of my will!

Leader: When you wrap me in grace and mercy…

ALL: Lord, I am listening with all of my soul!

Challenge for the Week: Do you spend too much time looking towards the end to be able to enjoy the present? A popular phrase over the past few years is “What is the endgame?” Too much time can be invested into what a person desires the “end” to look like and forget to make the most of the time given right now. Occasionally people get wrapped up in how we think things need to happen or what needs to be done; while other times we get so distracted by sin we forget to take the step(s) we need in order to move forward toward a goal. Focusing on the end means spending too much time in the future and not enough time in the present. God provides opportunities, experiences and lessons along the path to make the journey more enjoyable, more manageable and sometimes even less stressful. Spend time considering how much time you spend worrying about the future in comparison to how much time you give to right now.

Sunday, November 12th Readings

32nd Sunday of Ordinary Time

Opening Prayer

Lord

Why am I surprised

to find you waiting for me?

What keeps me from thinking

I am good enough for your love?

Help me to see that I am worthy

because you love me.

Help me to remember it was your death

that gives me everlasting life.

I have been a part of you

all of your life,

I want to be a part of you,

all of mine!!!

Journal/Reflection Questions

Wisdom 6:12-16

What does Wisdom have waiting for you?
Do you seek Wisdom? Is Wisdom easy or difficult to find?

1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 or 4:13-14

Does “fallen asleep” mean those who have died? How could one “fall asleep” in faith?
How does this reading impact your vision of death? Of heaven?

Matthew 25:1-13

Would you say you are ready to open the door to God? Why or why not?
What kinds of things keep you from lighting your lamp? Keep you from being delayed? Keep you from going out? Keep you from being ready for the feast?

General Questions for Journaling

Do you look for God in all things?
Are there places you don’t look for God?
Are there places where you don’t see God at all?
When have felt there was something waiting ahead of you?
How does wisdom differ from knowledge or understanding?
If you knew when you would die, how would that affect how you live your life?
How would knowing when others will die change your relationships?
Are there things of which you are unaware? Is it because you don’t know or because you are disinterested?
Do you think there is a connection does awareness have with wisdom?
When have you grown impatient, waiting for God in your life? Share an example.

Closing Prayer