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.