Sunday, September 2nd Readings

22nd Sunday of Ordinary Time

Opening Prayer

Lord

You are so near to me

sometimes I forget how near.

My days get highjacked

with things that are meaningless.

Let me remember to reach out

so you may guide my path.

I am forever grateful

for your presence in my life!

Amen

Journal/Reflection Questions

Deuteronomy 4:1-2, 6-8

What has God set before you today? Is this task because of something you did or just because it is God?
How are the first fruits different than the last fruits? How do you describe yourself as a believer of Christ? Someone who came at once without question or one with hesitation? Do you think God keeps score?

James 1:17-18, 21b-22, 27

Are there traditions that have been passed down in your family that have basis in faith? What are they?
What emotion/feeling does evil leave you with? Is there a bad taste in your mouth or foul smell? Identify it.

Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23

Do you feel closer to God while doing or being?
How does God know you are behind him? When might you not have God’s back?

General Questions for Journaling

What do you offer God that is “good enough” for endless love, grace and mercy? Is this necessary? Why or why not?
What kind of things does God ask for you to do? Are they difficult or easy?
Where do you turn for help and support? What kind of help and support do you need to fulfill the tasks God has asked of you?
Can you think of two or three “world issues” where you could make an impact? What keeps you from getting involved?
What kind of “world change” would directly affect your life right now? Are you concerned? Why or why not?
What gifts has God given you? Do you have gifts you would rather not have? Brainstorm ways you can use those gifts.
If a mother can give birth multiple times, do you think a person can be “born again” multiple times? Explain your answer.
Describe the difference of hearing the Word of God and acting on it? Where do you lie on the scale between hearing and doing? Is there a perfect balance point?
What God has planted in you, must you also plant in others? Agree? Disagree?
How is caring for others a gift to God?
Is the exterior as important as the interior or the other way around? Explain?
Describe a scenario where there is a balance between what God desires and what you desire? Is this possible?
What does it mean for you to observe religious Holy Days?

Closing Prayer

Leader: Lord, when I smile at a stranger…

ALL: my actions speak louder than words.

Leader: Lord, when I reach out to lend a hand…

ALL: my actions speak louder than words.

Leader: Lord, when I hold a hand to give comfort…

ALL: my actions speak louder than words.

Leader: Lord, when I look the homeless in the eyes…

ALL: my actions speak louder than words.

Leader: Lord, when I show patience in prayer…

ALL: my actions speak louder than words.

Leader: Lord, when I offer my time to listen…

ALL: my actions speak louder than words.

Challenge for the Week: Michael Jackson is one of those artists that you either love or hate. However you feel about him personally, his music is still some of the most recognizable worldwide. One of his songs, “Man in the Mirror” talks about how if we want the world to change, we must first begin with ourselves. Change is not easy, but MJ had it right, if we want something to change, we MUST begin with our own impact. Jesus says the same. He calls us to stand up, die to our old self and be renewed…we MUST change in order to make an impact on others. What change is God calling you to this week? This month? This year?

Sunday, August 26th Readings

21st Sunday of Ordinary Time

Opening Prayer

Father God,

You created me.

You know me.

And you still choose me!

What keeps me from doing the same for you?

I choose you!

Let me know you through all you’ve created.

Open my heart to the wonder!

Amen

Journal/Reflection Questions

Joshua 24:1-2a, 15-17, 18b

Joshua calls the people to make a decision whether to choose God or not. When did you make the choice? Share the experience.
Joshua has a list of reasons to follow God. What does your list of reasons look like? Are they similar or different from the ones Joshua speaks of in this scripture?

Ephesians 5:21-32 or 5:2a, 25-32

What new insight about marriage do you hear in this scripture? What do you have trouble understanding?
Saint Paul is saying when a man and woman are joined in marriage; their relationship requires love, reverence, honor, respect and dignity. What would your recipe for a marriage be?

John 6:60-69

Simon Peter tells Jesus, “you have the words of everlasting life”, what words of scripture or what miracle or what action convinces you that Jesus has the words of everlasting life?
If there was no place to gather to worship, nowhere to celebrate Eucharist, what would happen to faith?

General Questions for Journaling

Have you ever been witness to God saving someone? What was this like? How did you feel? Where were you? Have you ever shared this experience with anyone before? Why or why not?
What would you classify as a modern miracle? How big or small does a miracle need to be for you to believe it was the work of God?
Where in your home does God dwell? Do guests in your home see, hear, feel the presence of God? Share examples.
How do you feel when you come out of a church service? What emotions are present? Be honest.
What can you do to sustain the “joy of the Lord” throughout the week?
Do you actively choose to follow God or is it something that you out of habit or because it appeases someone else?
What does it mean to actively choose God?
Do you think you could ever stop believing in God? Why or why not?
Have you ever wanted to leave the church, give up faith? What caused you to want to leave it behind?
How would your life be different if you left your faith behind?
How does choosing God affect your other decisions in relationship with your spouse, your job, your hobbies, etc.
When entering into a relationship with a friend or potential spouse, how much emphasis did you, do you put onto faith compatibility?

Closing Prayer

Leader: You have blessed me Lord…

ALL: with each Word you speak!

Leader: You have blessed me Lord…

ALL: with the just and unjust!

Leader: You have blessed me Lord…

ALL: with truth and righteousness!

Leader: You have blessed me Lord…

ALL: with prayers answered and unanswered!

Leader: You have blessed me Lord…

ALL: with a Spirit of courage!

Leader: You have blessed me Lord…

ALL: with love everlasting!

Challenge for the Week: When a couple gets married, traditionally, the parents of each person invites guest to come to be witness to the union. The sacredness of the marriage ceremony too often gets lost in the pomp and circumstance society has put onto the ceremony. So much that many will not even attend the ceremony and just attend the reception. There are even couples who get married someplace out of the county or at the courthouse and then invite friends and family to a reception to celebrate. This all takes away from what a true marriage should be and focuses on the wedding. Spend time this week reflecting on the value of marriage as shared by Saint Paul to the Ephesians and contemplating what you can do to help those you love to uphold this type of love and commitment in their relationships.

Sunday, August 19th Readings

20^th Sunday of Ordinary Time

Opening Prayer

Spirit

Awaken my soul,

Let me guard my heart no more!

Open my eyes,

Let me be filled from head to toe!

Bring me your fire,

Let it radiate through me…

FOREVERMORE!

Amen

Journal/Reflection Questions

Proverbs 9:1-6

Wisdom is preparing for the Lord. How do you prepare for God to come spend time with you?
What does this scripture tell you about the things you can learn from wisdom? How is wisdom different than knowledge or understanding?

Ephesians 5:15-20

How would you define living a “wise life”? What does the scripture say you should do to live a life that is wise?
What are examples of foolishness described in the scripture? Do you believe there are others?

John 6:51-58

Can you survive on bread alone? What does this scripture tell you about the importance of this relationship between body and blood?
If you didn’t get the message in last week’s Gospel, Jesus is continuing to speak to the crowds about how He is the source of life, the bread from heaven. What specifically have you learned or come to understand more deeply about communion?

General Questions for Journaling

If you were to prepare a meal for God, what would you make? Would you make it or order in or take him out?
What was the most extravagant meal you’ve ever had? Where was it and who where you with?
How was the extravagant meal you had similar and different than say what you had for dinner last night?
What is the difference between being “full” and being “nourished”?
Is ignorance the opposite of understanding? What can you offer a person who is ignorant to God’s ways?
What advice would you give a person who is struggling? How can you help them find a reason to give thanks, even in the hard times?
What is the importance of giving thanks to God in our struggles?
Is music an important part of your life? What does music offer you? How do you share it with others?
Share a song that speaks to you. What does it say? How does it make you feel?
How do you use music to relate to others? How do you use it to relate to God?
What can you share with others after your experience of communion with God? What does God want you to do because of your experience?

Closing Prayer

Leader: Father, I come to you…

ALL: nourish me to the fill!

Leader: I sit with you at the feast…

ALL: nourish me to the fill!

Leader: Lord, you are what I desire…

ALL: nourish me to the fill!

Leader: I give thanks for all that is before me…

ALL: nourish me to the fill!

Leader: I open up to your Spirit…

ALL: nourish me to the fill!

Leader: Jesus, you are my source of life…

ALL: nourish me to the fill!

Challenge for the Week: In the First Reading, Wisdom builds a house and sets seven columns. Spend time this week thinking about these seven columns as the seven most important things about your, your relationships and your life in general. How would you label the seven columns? What would you put inside each of them? What would they look like, all the same or different styles, colors and sizes? In your reflection, imagine if you could live without any of the seven columns; how would it affect your life to only have six? Make sure to consult with God as you work through this challenge and listen to God’s advice as He understands you better than you understand yourself!

Sunday, August 12th Readings

19^th Sunday of Ordinary Time

Opening Prayer

Lord

Give me the courage to step out

You have shown me the way

Let me move forward

Allow your love and mercy

overflow from me

So wherever I go, others see YOU!

Amen

Journal/Reflection Questions

1 Kings 19:4-8

Share a time when you were able to look back on a situation in your life and see how God prepared you to be able to continue forward.
Reflect on how this scripture teaches the difference between what you want and what God wants and how God cares for you even when you aren’t willing or able to continue.

Ephesians 4:30-5:2

Paul says to be “imitators of Christ”. What about this statement is difficult for you to follow? Be specific. What holds you back from imitating Christ more often in your daily life?
Bitterness, fury, anger, shouting, reviling, malice…what is it about these emotions that are difficult for you to let go?
Explain how a “sacrificial offering gives a fragrant aroma”. More specifically, how does Jesus’ sacrifice give a fragrant aroma?

John 6:41-51

How does the imagery of Jesus being the bread of life feel to you? Do you think this is a good comparison or would another image/comparison make more sense to you?
The people in the crowd have a difficult time believing and understanding. What is their roadblock? Do you have any roadblocks when it comes to your faith?

General Questions for Journaling

How does it make you feel that God is still cheering for you, providing your needs when you are ready to give up?
When has God pulled you out of a pity party? What specifically did he say to make you smile?
Where do you go to hide from others? God? Yourself? What about this place gives you comfort?
People say, God only gives you what you can handle. Share a time when you screamed at God, ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!
Do you believe angels still speak to people today? Has God ever sent you an angel? Share the experience.
Do you remember your dreams? Do you think God speaks to you through your dreams?
Make a list of 5-10 things that will bring you back from a bad mood.
How do you grieve? Are there levels to your grief? Where is grief in relation to sadness or pain or emptiness or devastation?
When was the last time you forgave someone? Is there need for you to forgive someone now?
When was the last time you forgave yourself? Are you in need of forgiveness?
What is the significance of the Body and Blood of Jesus for you?
What is your favorite part of the Eucharistic celebration?
Are you always in the right mindset to receive the Body and Blood of Christ? How important do you think it is for you to be prepared and what exactly does that mean or look like?

Closing Prayer

Leader: I want to be a part of your life forever…

ALL: Jesus, you were with me at the moment of my first breath!

Leader: I want to be a part of your life forever…

ALL: Jesus, you were there when I stumbled and helped me get back up!

Leader: I want to be a part of your life forever…

ALL: Jesus, you helped me see my life is about serving others, not myself!

Leader: I want to be a part of your life forever…

ALL: Jesus, you taught me what it means to love!

Leader: I want to be a part of your life forever…

ALL: Jesus, you never leave me, you are always with me!

Leader: I want to be a part of your life forever…

ALL: Jesus, you gave me life, everlasting!

Challenge for the Week: Like Elijah in the first reading, each of us is on a journey to the Holy Mountain. Reflect this week on that journey. When have you wanted to just give up because you didn’t feel you were making an impact or doing as much as those before you? It is hard for us not to get wrapped up in productivity. Instead, God has a plan for each of us and he knows already when we sit and when we stand…even the thoughts in our head that tell us we can’t go on. As you reflect, take time to thank God for those times when he has come to your aide to help you and give you what you need to continue on the journey. The journey is long and we have many lessons to learn along the way but the Lord has prepared a place for you and you are on the pathway to find it.

Sunday, August 5th Readings

18^th Sunday of Ordinary Time

Opening Prayer

My God

Even in the desert places of my life

YOU can hear me.

When I am grumbling and uncomfortable

YOU can see me.

On those days when I look for solace

YOU can touch me.

In my joy and in my sorrow

YOU are there to fill me.

YOU are the aroma of my soul…

may I always give thanks for your presence!

Amen

Journal/Reflection Questions

Exodus 16:2-4, 12-15

Do you think God still sends down bread from heaven? Why or why not? Do you believe God sends things down from heaven?
Share some examples of grumblings you have for God. What fuels these grumblings? How does God respond? How do you want God to respond?

Ephesians 4:17, 20-24

What does it mean to “put away your old self”?
Make a list of ways you “renew your spirit”. When was the last time you did one of these things? Does your spirit need renewed now?

John 6:24-35

Do you pursue God? What is it you are seeking when you do so? What is the end result when you reach God?
Share examples of “bread from heaven” in your life. What are the things that fill you up?

General Questions for Journaling

How do you fill your time? Is it filled by things you are proud of?
What does how you spend your time reflect your values?
Are there people in your life whom always complain to you? Do you enjoy listening to them complain? Why do you think they complain to you?
Share a time when you didn’t think something was fair. What did you do? How did you feel? What was the outcome of the situation?
Have you ever skipped a meal? Gone a day without eating? Describe what hunger feels like?
Do you believe hunger is physical or mental?
Are humans naturally greedy? If not, where is greed learned? Is there anything you can do to reverse it?
Share a time when you made a significant change in your life. What happened, what was the purpose, was it your choice or something you were forced to do?
If God doesn’t make junk, how come we can feel that way sometimes?
Can you clean up your “act” like you clean up your house? Make some specific analogies of how.
Define the word “perish”. How does this apply to your life? Does good or bad come from things that perish? Do you allow things to perish or does God have control over that?
How does Eucharist give life to people today? Share some examples.
What are some of the things that sustain you in your life? Have these things always been the same or do they change as you deal with different situation and obstacles in your life?

Closing Prayer