25th Sunday of Ordinary Time

 

Opening Prayer

Jesus

Give me the ability to step out of the way;

to allow a pause and not be impatient.

Keep me from feeling I am the only one,

who is able to find an answer or complete a task.

Let my faith overcome my fear…

Let me allow you to complete the good work,

for you can bring beauty to the completion of all things!

Amen

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Wisdom 2:12, 17-20

• Explain how this scripture is a model for bullying. What can you do in opposition?
• Have you ever been tested to see how you will perform a task or handle a dilemma?
• Have you ever tested someone else?

 James 3:16-4:3

• What obstacle had God helped you overcome? How does this scripture give you the words to explain the experience?
• Conflict can bring good outcomes and bad outcomes. Share examples from scripture of each AND/OR share examples from you own experience of both.

 Mark 9:30-37

• What are the qualities Jesus deems most important in a disciple? Identify at least five you can learn about in this scripture.
• Do you think the disciples knew arguing over who would be the greatest was the wrong thing to be arguing about? Share a time when you were arguing about something you knew you shouldn’t.

 

General Questions for Journaling

• What characteristics of other just seem to “turn you off”? What do you want to do when you encounter someone who does it?
• Share examples of situations where you feel “tortured” or “trapped”. How can God or did God help you in this situation?
• What brings you comfort when you feel you have no control?
• Share a time when you broke the rules intentionally. What caused you to do so?  Were there consequences?
• Have you experienced God’s patience? Describe what it is like.  What specifically can you learn about patience from God?
• Do you have conflict with God? Why or why not?
• Can you have conflict within yourself? How can you wage war on yourself?  Does this affect others?  Is it influenced by others?
• How many things are you passionate about? Is there a limit?
• What do your words and actions say you are passionate about?
• Do you share your passion with others or keep it for yourself?
• How do you react when you hear that something will happen in a different way than you expected?
• What qualities of a child do you possess when it comes to your faith? Be specific.

 

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Lord, teach me to cultivate good fruits

 ALL:  through my words and actions.

Leader:  Lord, teach me to cultivate mercy

ALL:  and show compassion to all.

Leader:  Lord, teach me to cultivate peace

 ALL:  with honesty and just decisions.

Leader:  Lord, teach me to cultivate love

ALL:  through sacrifice for greater good.

Leader:  Lord, teach me to cultivate humility

ALL:  and give you honor and praise!

 

Challenge for the Week:  Borrowed from Ronald Rolheiser’s reflection on the scriptures; he shares thoughts in the words of Marilynne Robinson about our inability to genuinely love our neighbor.  Marilynne Robinson submits that, even in our failure to live up (to) what Jesus asks of us, if we are struggling honestly, there is some virtue. She argues this way: Freud said that we cannot love our neighbor as ourselves, and no doubt this is true. But since we accept the reality that lies behind the commandment, that our neighbor is as worthy of love as ourselves, then in our very attempt to act on Jesus’ demand we are acknowledging that our neighbor is worthy of love even if, at that this point in our lives, we are too weak to provide it. Spend time with this challenge and consider how this resonates with you.