Third Sunday of Lent

 

Opening Prayer

Father

Thank you for being patient with me!

I begin my day with you

determined to keep you close.

I fail to see you in the people I meet,

Temptations reveal themselves

and I crumble and fall.

When I lay my head down to sleep,

I know I failed and ask forgiveness.

And in the morning,

you allow me to start again!

Father, thank you for being patient with me!

AMEN!

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Exodus 20:1-17

• What do the 10 commandments mean to you? What is the importance of them in your life?
• Do you find the commandments as written relevant to the world today? Why or why not?

 1 Corinthians 1:22-25

• Define foolishness in the eyes of God vs human eyes. What are the similarities and differences in the definitions?  What makes them so?
• Define weakness in the eyes of God vs human eyes. What are the similarities and differences in the definitions?  What makes them so?

 John 2:13-25

• When have you put God on the spot and tested him like they did in the scripture? What was the situation?  What was the outcome?
• If Jesus could build a temple in three days, what could He do with you if you allowed Him to be your only focus for three days? Describe what that would look like, how it would feel and what you’d want to take with you at the end.
• What specifically makes Jesus upset in this scripture? Make a list of the things and identify ways these things are happening in the world today.

 

 General Questions for Journaling

• Can you think of things that have been around a long time like the commandments? What others things are there?
• Are the commandments easy or hard to follow or understand? Is it better to only follow/focus on the two Jesus gave us?
• How do you celebrate “Sabbath” or a day of rest? How is God a part of that day?
• Would you consider yourself a slave? What are you a slave to?  Is this good or bad?
• Do you believe God punishes people? Why or why not?  What does the bible say to support your belief?
• Do you believe God shows mercy to people? Why or why not?  What does the bible say to support your belief?
• Do you believe God blesses people? Why or why not?  What does the bible say to support your belief?
• How does your faith affect how you see situations going on in the world today? Be specific.  Share and example.
• How are you like a temple? What are you made of?  What holds you together?  Are you under construction?  Are there places in you that are not being used?

 

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Let me live out the commandments

 ALL:  and encourage instead of discourage!

Leader:  Let me live out the commandments

ALL:  and respect myself and others!

Leader: Let me live out the commandments

 ALL:  and speak truth in all things!

Leader:  Let me live out the commandments

ALL:  and refrain from judgment!

Leader:  Let me live out the commandments

ALL:  and not give into temptation!

Leader:  Let me live out the commandments

ALL:  and KNOW I am created by God!

 

Challenge for the Week:  In the second reading, St Paul talks about “stumbling blocks” that keep us from seeing the world the way God sees it.  What are some of those stumbling blocks for you?  What keeps you from having the relationship you want with God?  What keeps you from having the relationship you want with your spouse, your kids, your siblings?  Spend time this week and identify the things in you that “trip you up” and keep you from having or perusing what you desire.  How can you transform the stumbling blocks into stepping stones?

Second Sunday of Lent

 

Opening Prayer

Father God

Am I to give up

what I love the most

in order to be close

to you?

Your one desire

is for me to love you

with all of my heart

mind and soul!

Let me give you my love

without restrictions

without boundaries

without conditions.

AMEN!

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Genesis 22:1-2, 9a, 10-13, 15-18

• Have you ever heard God’s voice and followed even though you questioned?
• What are the things you withhold from God? How can the season of Lent help you to open up?
• Describe what you think God’s blessing means to Abraham.

 Romans 8:31b-34

• Have you ever been in a situation where God stood up for you? What tells you God was there?  What was the outcome?
• What is the difference between “God with us” and “God for us”?

 Mark 9:2-10

• What do you believe is the message of this scripture? Is there anything specific that strikes you as something requiring more personal reflection?
• Again we read, God says, “This is my beloved Son”. When were these words spoken before?  What are the similarities and differences from the two times these words were spoken and what is the significance?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• Have you ever been too tired, too sad or too angry to pray? Share the experience.
• Is there anyone whom you trust 100%, without question? What makes this so?
• Make a list of things you can’t live without. How many of these things are tangible?  If they are people, what specifically is it that you couldn’t live without?
• Have you ever gone against what you believe is God’s will? What was the situation?  What was the outcome?
• Do you think God has favorites? Do you think God treats each person the same?
• Have you been called to stand up for someone? Is it a specific person(s) or a group of people?  What tells you this is your charge?  How do you know God wants you to intercede?
• Have you ever experienced something so amazing it is hard to explain to another person? What makes it hard to explain?
• Share a time when you experienced something with someone and afterwards saw that person in a different light. (It could be for the positive or for the negative)
• Is there something in your life which needs “light” shone on it?
• Have you turned a “blind-eye” to a situation which needs your attention or maybe God’s attention?

 

Closing Prayer

Leader:  When I feel sunlight on my skin…

 ALL:  Lord, let me get a glimpse of you!

Leader:  When I smell a newborn baby…

ALL:  Lord, let me get a glimpse of you!

Leader: When I hear rolling thunder…

 ALL:  Lord, let me get a glimpse of you!

Leader:  When I see a hummingbird fly…

ALL:  Lord, let me get a glimpse of you

Leader:  When I bite into a juice peach…

ALL:  Lord, let me get a glimpse of you

Leader:  When I open myself up…

ALL:  Lord, let me get a glimpse of you

 

Challenge for the Week:  The season of Lent calls us to be more disciplined with our prayer, our giving and our sacrifice but really what it is drawing us to, is to be in deeper relationship with Jesus.  Spend time this week considering what it would have been like to walk with Jesus when he traveled around.  What would you learn?  What would you feel?  Do you think you could have those same experiences right now?  What if I said, YES!  You can walk with Jesus in the present time.  He is already with you and through prayer, giving and sacrifice you can become more aware of the voice directing you.  What are you waiting for???

First Sunday of Lent

 

Opening Prayer

Creator God

A promise made with words

is just a bunch of words.

A promise without action

remains unfulfilled.

You, my God

have made promises

It is my faith and YOUR WORD

which tells me

I have nothing to fear

because you are with me!

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Genesis 9:8-15

• What does this scripture tell you about the things God loves?
• What is Noah’s response? What is his role in making God’s promise complete?  What is your role in it?

 1 Peter 3:18-22

• The scripture says “saved by water”. Reflect on the similarities of the flood of the First Reading and your own Baptism.  Does this change your perspective or understanding of these events in anyway?
• Look for the references to each person in the Holy Trinity in this scripture. What do these references reveal about each person and how can the characteristics help you through your experience of Lent?

 Mark 1:12-15

• Share a time when you, like Jesus in the Gospel was surrounded by wild beasts.
• Share a time when you, like Jesus in the Gospel was ministered to by angels.
• What does the scripture mean that this is a time of fulfillment?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• What sign(s) of God’s love have been present in your life today?
• How do you show signs of love to others?
• Do you show love to others naturally or do you have to work to show love to others?
• Are promises easy or difficult to keep? Why or why not?
• What confirms for you that God will keep his promise(s)? Be specific.
• How can the suffering of Christ be a beacon of strength for you during Lent?
• Do you believe God can be disobedient? Why or why not?
• How have you been disobedient to God in the past? How does this affect your relationship with Him?  How does it affect your relationship with others?
• Are there circumstances in your life or relationships where there is an absence of God?
• What does conversion mean to you? Why is conversion important?
• On a scale from 1-10 how much do you believe it is possible to “create something new” within yourself? How willing are you to put in the effort needed to do this?
• At Ash Wednesday services you will hear, “You are dust and to dust you shall return” and/or “Turn away from sin and be faithful to the Gospel” as ashes are placed on your forehead. What do these words really mean and how can you take them to heart this Lent?

 

Closing Prayer – Inspired by Psalm 25

Leader:  Holy Spirit come….

 ALL:  bring me awareness of your presence!

Leader:  Holy Spirit come…

ALL:  guide me in your truth!

Leader: Holy Spirit come…

 ALL:  teach me your goodness and kindness!

Leader:  Holy Spirit come…

ALL:  show me compassion and love!

Leader:  Holy Spirit come…

ALL:  lead me to justice and truth!

Leader:  Holy Spirit come…

ALL:  make me a covenant of your promises!

 

Challenge for the Week:  Ash Wednesday begins the 40 day journey of Lent.  Like Jesus, you journey into the desert to be tempted and tested by things which distract you from the promises of God.  Are you prepared for the journey?  What have you brought along in your survival kit or travel bag to help you through the 40 days before Easter?  Lent is a time for renewal but in order for something to be renewed, it must die or shed it’s skin in order to reveal newness of life.  Use the Lenten practices of Prayer, Fasting and Alms-giving to get closer to God and deepen your faith!

6th Sunday of Ordinary Time

 

Opening Prayer

My God

In my shame,

I run and hide

In my guilt,

I turn away

I am infected

and you are the cure

Each dose of your Word

brings me healing

I never leave your presence empty

with you I am filled!

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Leviticus 13:1-2, 44-46

• How do you relate to those who are labeled as a leper?
• When have you acted like Moses and Aaron and forced another to be exposed or excommunicated?
• Are there people in the world today which you dub as unclean? What are your criteria for determining they are unclean?

1 Corinthians 10:31-11:1

• What does it mean to “do everything for the glory of God”? Share examples
• Think back to yesterday and determine if you were aware of God’s presence all day. Were there gaps?
• What times of the day or what activities are the most difficult for you to be aware of God’s presence in your life?

 Mark 1:40-45

• Jesus reached out in pity, when have you felt Jesus reach out to you with pity? What was the situation?  What was the outcome?
• Would you be able to contain yourself if you were healed and not tell anyone or would you be like the leper who shared with everyone the good that was done?
• How is the leper in the first reading treated differently or the same as the leper in the Gospel reading? What lesson do you take from this?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• Do you bear a scar or flaw which you cover up so others cannot see? Why are you afraid for others to see?
• Have ever felt shunned or left out? What was the outcome of the situation?
• Do you cover your scabs or leave them exposed? What is the benefit of both?
• Have you ever left someone out because of an imparity?
• Do you have a hero? An idol?  What characteristics draw you to them?
• Who in your family do you take after? What traits do you have in common?
• Did you “inherit” family traits which you are proud of or ones with which you struggle?
• What traits do you have in common with Jesus? Do these come naturally or do you work at them?
• Have you ever done something which caused you much attention?
• How can you use your scars to bring healing to others?

 

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Lord, let me see what you see!

 ALL:  When I see illness,

Leader:  Lord, you see wellness.

ALL:  When I see something broken,

Leader: Lord, you see it whole.

 ALL:  When I see poverty,

Leader:  Lord, you see richness.

ALL:  When I see sin,

Leader:  Lord, you see forgiveness.

ALL:  When I see death,

Leader:  Lord, you see life.

ALL:  Lord, let me see what you see!

 

Challenge for the Week:  A movie I saw a while back was about a 30 year old woman who had been overweight in high school gathered her group of friends together to celebrate meeting her weight loss.  Her weight had kept her from participating in activities and stood in her way as an obstacle.  It was even a source of jokes among her friends and she accepted and allowed the derogatory names.  Her journey in losing the weight was not just a physical journey but an emotional and spiritual one as well.  She changed her thoughts.  No longer did she allow people to call her names or make jokes about her size, nor did she hesitate to participate in the things she wanted to, even if it was more difficult because of her weight.  When she called her friends together, they didn’t recognize her.  She had imagined being able to celebrate this achievement of her weight loss with her friends and that they would be proud of her.  Instead, they all were wrapped up in their own battles of self-loathing they were unable to be happy for their friend.  The people she had looked up to and wanted to be like had become “Ugly People”(I believe this is the title of the movie).  I share this as a challenge for you to make sure you are not too focused on your faults or scars that you are unaware of others around you.  Also to perhaps open you up to something you will work on over the upcoming weeks of Lent.  Jesus saw many unclean people, riddled with many diseases and he welcomed them in so they could be healed.  What can you do this Lent to follow in Jesus’ footsteps?  Remember though, you must first be healed before you can go out and give healing to others.