Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ

Opening Prayer

Jesus

Let your grace fill me

from head to toe.

Let your love course through my veins

as though it is my blood.

May I live my life knowing

the sacrifice you made

is forever and for all!

Amen

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Exodus 24:3-8

• How is this gathering like people gathering in church on Sunday? What are the similarities?  Can you list at least three?
• Can you answer in union with the Israelites, “We will do everything that the LORD has told us” in word and deed?

 Hebrews 9:11-15

• What good things does Jesus say are to come to us in communion?
• Do you believe you become more like Jesus when you receive Him in the Eucharist? How does this scripture support your belief?

 Mark 14:12-16, 22-26

• How is this gathering like when your family gathers to celebrate a meal? Is Christ there when you gather?
• What do you know of Passover? What preparations are needed?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• Why does blood make a sacrifice more meaningful? Is there significance to it?
• What happens if there is no blood in a covenant? Is it considered void?
• Can a person survive without blood? Blood gives life.  How is like a relationship with God?
• What do you sacrifice for God? What can you offer?
• Do you believe it is Jesus’ body and blood you receive when you go to communion?
• How do you show reverence to Jesus in the Eucharist? (Eucharist is the body and blood of Christ and means thanksgiving)
• Define tabernacle.
• What is a sanctuary? Is it a specific place or a state of mind?
• How does Jesus’ body and blood tie us together? Is He truly the common union among believers?  Why or why not?
• How do you know Jesus loves you?
• What in creation makes you feel loved by God?
• Where or when do you feel the closest to God/Jesus/Holy Spirit? Are they all the same?
• Does the consumption of Jesus’ body and blood have conditions or expectations?
• Do you feel differently when you receive communion?
• Who are the friends you gather with to celebrate life?

 

Closing Prayer

Leader:  A covenant made in blood.

 ALL:  This is my Body.

Leader:  A promise of everlasting life.

ALL:  This is my Body.

Leader: A sacrifice for all.

 ALL:  This is my Body.

Leader:  A love freely given.

ALL:  This is my Body.

Leader:  This is my Body…

ALL:  I give it to you!

 

Challenge for the Week:  Imagine Christ within you right now.  Is it hard or easy to do?  What thoughts help you feel Christ in you?  This week spend time throughout the day recapturing the feeling of Christ in you.  Set an alarm if you need to so you can stop to remind yourself of how present Christ is in your life.  The more aware you are of Christ in you, the easier it will be to recognize the Christ inside of others.  The latin, Christ in me is…In me Christus! Christ is not just in you, Christ is in US!

Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity

 

Opening Prayer

Father Almighty

All creation speaks of you!

Every ant that crawls.

Each raindrop that falls.

Tells your story.

Create a story for all time

with my life!

Amen

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Deuteronomy 4:32-34, 39-40

• What makes you know God wants you to prosper? Share an example of how God shows you signs of His love.
• How do you show those you love that you love them? What does God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit have to do with how you show love to others?

 Romans 8: 14-17

• God asks us to suffer with him in order to be glorified. What does the word suffer mean to you in this instance?
• What does this scripture teach you about the Holy Spirit?

 Matthew 28:16-20

• Does this command apply to you today? How do you live out this commandment from Jesus?
• Does this scripture inspire you?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• What amazes you about creation?
• What is your favorite part of the story of creation?
• Have you ever been present for the birth of a child?
• Are there people in your life whom you know are connected to God? Do you listen to them more closely because of this?  Why or why not?
• Who in your life are you willing to stand up for? What makes this so?
• What is the most important part of prayer? Is it your intention?  Your tone?  The words you say?  Explain your answer.
• Where do you find treasure in your life? Be specific.
• Do you believe in God in order to receive blessings or are you blessed because you believe in God?
• Share a time when you have doubted God.
• Share a time when you have doubted yourself. Where was God in the situation?
• What is the purpose of God? Jesus?  Holy Spirit?  Describe the difference/similarities of what they mean to you and how each works within the world today.
• Define disciple.

 

Closing Prayer

Leader:  When it seems we are alone…

 ALL:  you are there in the beyond.

Leader:  When we think we can’t…

ALL:  you are there in the beyond.

Leader: When the walls begin to close in…

 ALL:  you are there in the beyond.

Leader:  When we are paralyzed with doubt…

ALL:  you are there in the beyond.

Leader:  When a ray of light shines in the dark…

ALL:  you are there in the beyond.

Leader:  When you feel calm in the chaos…

ALL:  you are there…with me!

 

Challenge for the Week:  Have you ever been in a situation where you felt you were in “dire need for prayer”?  What was the situation?  Did the prayer come?  Where did it come from?  How did you know when the need for prayer passed?  What was the conclusion?  The second reading reminds us that prayer is a powerful thing and when we pray, with all of our hearts and call for others to pray, the Holy Spirit’s power can be seen in a very profound way.  This week, share your example of the power of prayer with someone who hasn’t heard the story.  It is a reminder for all of us that God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit is still here among us!

Pentecost

 

Opening Prayer

Come Holy Spirit!

Shine your divine light upon me!

Wash away the stains of guilt

and wrap me with your mercy!

Start a fire within me for you!

Ignite the flames in me

so I can bring light to all I meet!

Spirit, dwell in me forever!

Amen

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Acts 2:1-11

• Imagine being there; what would you be feeling? Describe what it might have been like to experience the strong winds and house shaking?  How did those gathered know it was okay?
• Why was it so important for everyone to understand? What is the significance of this?

 1 Corinthians 12:3b-7, 12-13

• Are gifts of the Holy Spirit limited to one per person or can you have all of them? Are they always there or can you summon them like a super-power of a super hero?
• Do you believe we are one, though many faiths? Why or why not?  What do you think keeps us separated?

 John 20:19-23

• What does it mean that Jesus “breathed” on them? What does this signify?  What does it remind you of or relate to in the Old Testament?
• What do sins have to do with Pentecost? Can we experience Pentecost if we are unable to forgive?  Why or why not?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• Have you ever gone to an event, dinner or party and was surprised you had a good time? Share the experience.
• Have you ever met someone, who at first glance you thought would be boring or uninteresting and you were wrong?
• How does the power of the Holy Spirit work? Have you been a witness to what it can do?
• What happens when you cannot understand another person? How do you act?  How do they act?  Does this have to keep you from communicating?
• What is the significance of the Holy Spirit in your life right now?
• Is what you have enough? Is there more you want/need?  Do you blame God or is it something you withhold?
• Do you think you are aware of all of the gifts you have been given by God? Why or why not?
• If you act out of faith, what characteristics do you show? How do you know a person of faith by their actions?  Share examples.
• When has God surprised you?
• Where do you see the strength of the Holy Spirit at work?
• Do you call upon the Holy Spirit for anything? If so, when?  If no, why not?  What would be the purpose of doing so?

 

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Let me call out to you…

 ALL:  Veni, Sancte Spiritus!

Leader:  Come, fill me!

ALL:  Veni, Sancte Spiritus

Leader: Reach the depths of my being!

 ALL:  Veni, Sancte Spiritus

Leader:  Create in me a new spirit!

ALL:  Veni, Sancte Spiritus

Leader:  Bring comfort, bring healing!

ALL:  Veni, Sancte Spiritus

Leader:  In you, joy never ends!

ALL:  Veni, Sancte Spiritus

Challenge for the Week:  How do you hear God’s voice?  How do you Jesus is calling out to you?  What role does the Holy Spirit have in you following faith?  This week, determine if you are really hearing God’s voice and following God’s call.  Perhaps, you need to reach out to the Holy Spirit for affirmation you are on the right path.  Listen for the Holy Spirit in the wind, in a whisper or in a strangers smile.  Consider writing down each day where you heard, saw or felt the Holy Spirit communicate with you.  Come Holy Spirit!

The Ascension of the Lord

 

Opening Prayer

Lord,

May you find us looking for you

In the sky

At work or school

Within a stranger

Wherever we go, may we find you!

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Acts 1:1-11

• Share a time when you had Jesus in your midst.
• What proof do you have that Jesus was alive and walked on the earth?
• Does the message the men in white had for the disciples ring true for you today?

 Ephesians 1:17-23

• How do you know if the Spirit is near? Is with you?
• What name do you give God? Jesus?  Holy Spirit?  Do they respond when you call them by name?  Share an example.

 Mark 16:15-20

• What does the Gospel say about baptism that continues to live on in you today? Anything?  Nothing?
• How do you think it felt for the disciples to lose Jesus a second time? How was this time different?  How was this time the same?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• Describe the Holy Spirit.
• What does your baptism have to do with the Holy Spirit? How does the Holy Spirit affect your baptism?
• How does knowing the Holy Spirit change your perspective on life? Situations?  Struggles?  Blessings?
• How do you know the Spirit is near? Is with you?
• Where do you look for God? In the sky?  In the blessings?  How does this limit God’s power?
• Do you believe in heaven? Why or why not?  Do you believe this is where God/Jesus can be found?
• Explain why God is exalted? What does this mean?
• Give an example of someone who has grown in faith? What are the symptoms/signs that your faith has grown?
• What characteristics does a person who is “full of faith” have? By your definition, how do you compare?
• How does God call you to share the Good News?
• What message are you here to share? All of the Gospel or just a piece of it?
• What signs or miracles do you see today?
• Have you been a witness of a modern day miracle?
• Where do you believe God is most present?
• Where do you believe God in needed most?

 

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Father, we are

 ALL:  connected in faith!

Leader:  Father, we are

ALL:  bound by love!

Leader: Father, we are

 ALL:  consumed with grace!

Leader:  Father, we are

ALL:  surrounded by mercy!

Leader:  Father, we are

ALL:  unified in blood!

Leader:  Father, we are

ALL:  joined with the Spirit!

 

Challenge for the Week:  Consider the qualifications of a person who follows God.  What would be the job description of a Disciple?  Would the description be different from the time the Apostles walked with Jesus vs today?  Why or why not?  Do you need to work for the church, be a priest or pastor in order to be closer to God or to be a Disciple?  Do you need to spend hours in prayer and reading scripture?  Must you do good works and deeds and help those who are marginalized in order to be considered as a Disciple?  Spend time this week really considering what a person in society today has that makes them a Disciple of God.

Sixth Sunday of Easter

 

Opening Prayer

Holy Spirit!

Come! Fill me!

Reveal life within me!

Stretch me to my limits!

AMEN!

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Acts 10:25-26, 34-35, 44-48

• Have you ever been in the presence of someone whom you thought deserved honor and respect? How did you act?  How did you show honor?
• Do you remember your baptism? What have you been told about the day/event?
• How does it make you feel that God’s love and the Holy Spirit is there for everyone?

 1 John 4:7-10

• Does knowing God already died for your sin cause you to try to avoid sin or make you feel it is okay to sin?
• When you think of God’s love, how does it feel? How do you describe it?
• How do you know God loves you? It is something internal or external?

 John 15:9-17

• Do you have incentive to stay in God’s love? If so, what is it?  If not, what causes you to continue to seek God’s love?
• What is the greatest thing you have learned from God???

 

General Questions for Journaling

• Do you acknowledge the work of the Holy Spirit in your life?
• How do you know the Holy Spirit is working in your life?
• Do you remember the first time you accepted Jesus into your life?
• Do you remember the first time you acknowledged the Holy Spirit?
• Explain the difference of being baptized in water and being baptized in the Holy Spirit.
• Are there people whom you know that you are surprised they are Christian? What makes this so?
• Are there people whom you know that you are surprised they are NOT Christian? What makes this so?
• What parts of your live do you try to keep God from? Is this even possible?
• What do you learn about God through Jesus?
• What do you learn about God through the Holy Spirit?
• How do you reveal God’s love for others? Is it on purpose?
• Do you believe the gifts you have been given by God help you fulfill the purpose God has called you to? Why or why not?
• How do the commandments affect your relationship with God?
• How have you come to know God? How do you maintain your relationship?

 

Closing Prayer

Leader:  In me

 ALL:  reveal your wondrous deeds!

Leader:  In me

ALL:  reveal your kindness!

Leader: In me

 ALL:  reveal your goodness!

Leader:  In me

ALL:  reveal your justice!

Leader:  In me

ALL:  reveal your infinite love!

Leader:  In me

ALL:  reveal your salvation…for all!

 

Challenge for the Week:  When you chose someone to spend time with, what qualities do you look for in that person?  Are there people in the world which you admire and believe you would be great friends?  Are there people whom you’d prefer not to spend time?  In the Gospel, Jesus says he is your friend and that he chose you.  There must be some great things about you if Jesus is willing to die in order to keep a relationship with you!  Even further, those people whom you avoid spending time with have also been chosen by Jesus.  What can you do to be more welcoming and open to others?