16^th Sunday of Ordinary Time

 

Opening Prayer

Creator of all that is good,

YOU made each of us

with eyes to see

with ears to hear

with arms to reach out

with legs to go out

Let us see, hear, reach out and go to

all who feel YOU invisible.

Don’t let our to do list,

keep us from yours!

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Genesis 18:1-10a

• What do you take from the hospitality of Abraham?
• How is Abraham like Jesus in this scripture?

 Colossians 1:24-28

• Where do you see faith being passed on to generations to come? What is your role?  What is the role of the church?  How would Saint Paul respond to your answer?
• How does suffering and sins of the flesh keep you from or draw you to the church?

 Luke 10:38-42

• Identify when you are Martha and when you are Mary; are you able to relate to both or are you drawn more to one over the other? Why? Are you happy with your answer?
• What do you believe is Jesus’ real message here?
• Have you demanded God tell someone else to help you out? How did He respond?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• Does good always come from good? Why or why not?
• How do you see God blessing others in the world today? How do you know it is God and not simply good fortune?
• What is your definition of hospitality? Are you stingy or lavish with your hospitality?
• Who sees the best version of you? Are you at your best 100% of the time?  If no, what % of the time are you your best self?
• Does the fear of treating others equally keep you from doing nice things for just one person?
• Does suffering draw people together or rip them apart? How?  Where and when have you seen this happen?
• Do you say “yes” to too many things? Why or why not?
• When you say “no” do you feel guilty for not helping out or participating? Why or why not?
• Are there roles placed on you which you revoke? Are there ones you hold dear?
• Do you feel burdened by expectations? Is there another way for you to manage the expectations?

 

Closing Prayer

Leader:  May I have the Martha will and the Mary heart…

ALL:  so I might show you love through service and in prayer.

Leader:  May I have the Martha will and the Mary heart…

 ALL:  so I might complete the tasks you lay before me.

Leader:  May I have the Martha will and the Mary heart…

 ALL:  so I might work to provide for my neighbor.

Leader:  May I have the Martha will and the Mary heart…

ALL:  so I might welcome you into my home.

Leader:  May I have the Martha will and the Mary heart…

ALL:  so I might follow you wherever you lead.

Leader:  May I have the Martha will and the Mary heart…

ALL:  so I might rest at your feet at the end of the busy day.

 

Challenge for the Week:  Sometimes when we are doing good things for others, we can become resentful for having to do them or get mad at others for not helping us or upset they aren’t seeing the good we are doing.  We can get wrapped up in the blame game and make up an excuse or harbor bad feelings towards others without ever acknowledging where our negative feelings are coming from in the first place.  Spend time this week in prayer and pray for the insight to determine if you are holding onto any ill will against someone without them even knowing you are upset; then determine if you are blaming them for a choice you have made and if you really should be upset with yourself instead.  Consider the Gospel story and use it as your guide as you meditate on how you feel and what you might do to find a peaceful solution.