Third Sunday of Ordinary Time

 

Opening Prayer

Lord

Teach me to be holy

as you are holy!

Teach me to listen

as you listen!

Teach me to give

as you give!

I am ready to do your will!
Amen

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Nehemiah 8:2-4a, 5-6, 8-10

• Throughout this scripture, Nehemiah tries to make sure we understand Ezra did everything he could to help the people understand. What is the purpose of this?
• Where do you see this act of bringing people together to teach happening in the world today? Do you agree or disagree that they are attentive to everyone understanding?  What can they learn from this scripture so they succeed in their goal of people being in one accord?

 1 Corinthians 12:12-30 or 12:12-14, 27

• What does this scripture say to you about yourself? What does it day about community?
• Where do you see division and suffering in the world today? In your family?  Within yourself?  What wisdom from this scripture can shine light on the situation?  Be specific.
• Choose one thing you can do to live out this scripture today.

 Luke 1:1-4; 4:14-21

• Say out loud how the scripture was fulfilled. Proclaim it like Jesus!
• When you proclaim it, how do you feel? Do you believe it about Jesus?  Do you believe it about yourself?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• What makes a day more special than another? What value do you put on a day such as your birthday or an anniversary?
• How do you determine a day to be Holy? What do you think God’s criteria would be to describe a day as Holy?
• What value do you find in looking to the past?
• How do you view the future and the past? Share an example of how each affects you right now in the present.
• Are there books you have read more than once? What are they?  What is the purpose of reading them again?
• Same with TV shows…are there shows you have watched more than once? What are they are why do you watch them again?  Explain the value of experiencing it again.
• What is your most favorite thing about yourself? Explain
• What super power would you most like to have and why?
• Point out special gifts you see in ten people this week. You can do it in person (preferred) or send a note.
• What do you believe and know in your heart strongly enough to stand up and proclaim to others?

 

Closing Prayer (inspired by Psalm 19:8, 9, 10, 15)

Leader: Lord, your Word is wisdom…

ALL:  help me see your way!

Leader:  Lord, your Word is enlightening…

ALL:  open me to your light!

Leader:  Lord, your Word is trustworthy…

 ALL:  let me know your truth!

Leader: Lord, your Word is fair…

 ALL:  teach me your precepts!

Leader:  Lord, your Word is enduring…

ALL:  show me your heart!

Leader:  Lord, you Word is life…

 ALL:  fill me with your WORD!

 

Challenge for the Week:   Create a pie chart which represents how much time you spent thinking about past events, situations and experiences, how much time you spend planning and hoping for the future, and how much time you give to thinking about what you are doing right now in the present.  Use some of these things to help you determine your answer…What is the topic of your conversations?  What do you pray about?  What books do you read?  What do you watch on TV?  What hobbies do you participate in and why?  For further reflection you can create a pie chart as you see it before reflection and then make another one after reflection and compare.