16^th Sunday of Ordinary Time

 

Opening Prayer

Savior,

I wander aimlessly

Let me hear your voice more clearly

Your deepest desire is for me to be with you

Allow me to empty space

So you can fill me

Amen

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Jeremiah 23:1-6

• Are there moments in your life when you look back and wonder where God was? Have you ever experienced a time when God wasn’t with you?
• Where are modern day shepherds? Are they easy or hard to identify and find?

 Ephesians 2:13-18

• Does following the commandment automatically bring you peace? Why or why not?
• What is your definition of peace?
• What does this scripture offer in the form of advice?

 Mark 6:30-34

• Jesus calls his disciples who work for him to take time for themselves. How do you take time for yourself?
• Where do you see an abundance of compassion in the world? What can you do to increase the work being done already?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• Name some of the things that lead people astray or cause them to make bad decisions. Are you victim to any of these?
• Who helps you determine what is just and unjust?
• Do you consider yourself high-maintenance? What is your definition?
• Who are the shepherds in your life? What makes them voices you listen to and follow?
• Can fear and peace exist at the same time? Why or why not?
• Is there anyone you care for/take care of? What is your role in their life?
• Who are some of the victims in today’s society? Is there anything being done for them?  Is there something you can do?
• What does the symbol of the cross mean to you? Has it changed over the years or does it remain the same as you always remember?
• Do you see more differences or similarities between you and the people in your community? On the other part of the world?
• Is there a way to bring peace to the world? What are your options?
• How do you care for others? How do you care for yourself?
• Would you describe yourself as a compassionate person? Why or why not?

 

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Lord, Lead me to do what is right

 ALL:  Let me hear your voice over the noise.

Leader:  Lord, Lead me to do what is right

ALL:  Give me courage to follow.

Leader: Lord, Lead me to do what is right

 ALL:  Even when the road is steep and narrow.

Leader:  Lord, Lead me to do what is right

ALL:  Allow your spirit to radiate in me.

Leader:  Lord, Lead me to do what is right

ALL:  My hands reach out for justice.

Leader:  Lord, Lead me to do what is right

ALL:  Bring peace to this world.

 

Challenge for the Week:  Are there topics of conversation which you avoid?  Is it because of your lack of interest?  Lack of understanding?  Do you stay out of the conversation because you believe differently than others whom you spend time?  Are there topics you avoid because you feel strongly and don’t want to force your opinion onto others?  Make a list of some of those topics that divide people.  Some of these can cause a riff in a family or friendship for years.  On the other hand, what are those topics of conversation that are safe, that bring people together?  What is it about these topics that make them safe?  Spend time this week reflecting on a couple of relationships that are important to you and the topics of conversation.  What is it about these relationships and conversations that you enjoy?  Do you gravitate to these people because of the topic of conversation?  Then while you are at it, consider the topic of conversations you have with God.  Are there topics you avoid with God?  How does avoiding topics affect your relationship with God?  Keep in mind that God is already there with us and knows everything!