Fifth Sunday of Easter

 

Opening Prayer

Generous Lord,

There is no limit to your love!

You come to us and lead us to safety

when we encounter danger.

You embrace us and give us comfort

when we stumble and fall.

You open the gate and usher us through

even when we turn away.

May we learn from YOUR generosity

and be more generous in our own lives!

Amen!

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Acts 14:21-27

• Paul and Barnabas opened doors of faith to others; what doors do you open?
• Who are the gentiles in the world today who need to hear God’s Word from you?

 Revelation 21:1-5a

• Describe how God has made things new in your experiences? What specifically was done?
• What does it mean that “God’s dwelling is with the human race”? How is this lived out in the world?

 John 13:31-33a, 34-35

• How do you let God work through you? Do you believe you can work a miracle?
• Where have you shared God’s love? Where have you received it?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• How is faith expressed in your home? Is it the same or different than how you express your faith personally?
• What traditions do you have in your family which flow from your faith?
• Are there traditions you have in your family which you could tweak to add an element of faith?
• How does your faith carry with you when you travel? Is it something you pack with you or do you leave it behind?
• What are some of the things that make loving your neighbor so difficult? What stands in the way?  How can you work to break down the obstacle(s)?
• Where do you see examples of God’s selfless love? How has it been modelled for you?
• When was the last time you did something with expectation? Where do you share God’s selfless love?
• Where can you inspire positive change? How much effort would it take?  Are there others who can help you?
• How do you define the human race? What is human?  Why race?  Where is God in the definition?
• Does God need to increase or decrease in your life? How does this happen?
• Faith is like a bumper sticker on your soul…what does your bumper sticker say?

 

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Lord, may we proclaim your love

ALL:  to each person we meet!

Leader:  Lord, may we proclaim your patience

 ALL:  to each person we meet!

Leader:  Lord, may we proclaim your forgiveness

 ALL:  to each person we meet!

Leader:  Lord, may we proclaim your generosity

ALL:  to each person we meet!

Leader:  Lord, may we proclaim your acceptance

ALL:  to each person we meet!

Leader:  Lord, may we proclaim the Good News

ALL:  to each person we meet!

 

Challenge for the Week:   The warmer weather opens the door for us to get outside and enjoy creation…however our schedules often get busier during the springtime too.  There are family gatherings and celebrations (Easter, First Communion, Confirmation, Mother’s Day, Graduation) and a rash of other commitments which keep our minds and bodies from slowing down and remembering that God is God and we are not.  We can quickly get sucked up into a tornado of bitterness and resentment forgetting what a gift each of these activities bring.  Psalm 145 is the perfect reminder that we have laid dormant all winter (and through Lent), now is the time for us to step up our game, show God our appreciation!  Resist the temptation to fill each hour with activity and slow down to allow God to love you, be reminded of God’s goodness.  Imagine how a little bit of time with God to refresh your soul can change your attitude!  This week, spend time with Psalm 145, take it piece by piece, let it soak into you and allow the Words to become one with your flesh.  Then you will be ready to share God’s goodness with everyone you encounter!