20^th Sunday of Ordinary Time

 

Opening Prayer

Father

It is our nature to love you,

but there are so many distractions.

Help us fight off the distractions,

and be persistent in our commitment.

Let us not be limited by love of things which don’t last,

but seek your love which is limitless.

Keep us open to your everlasting love,

so we can love without limits too!

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Jeremiah 38:4-6, 8-10

• Have you ever felt like you were sinking in the mud? What did it feel like?  How were you able to get “un-stuck”?
• When have you interceded for another, like the Court Official in this scripture? Who was it?  What were the circumstances?

 Hebrews 12:1-4

• Describe “cloud of witnesses”. Is it the same for everyone?  What is the specific purpose of a “cloud of witnesses”?
• What does this scripture say about suffering, specifically about Jesus’ suffering on the cross?
• Do you believe God wants you to suffer? Why or Why not?  Is this belief because of faith or experience?

 Luke 12:49-53

• How does God set the world on fire? What is consumed?  What needs to be consumed?  What is role in keeping the fire alive?
• Where do you see divisions in the world, your community, your church, your family, your own heart? Is there a common thread in these divisions?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• Are there people who offend you? Who?  Why?  How does it affect how you act around them or how you treat them?
• Are there laws which you don’t agree with but follow?
• Have you ever worked to change a law which you found to be unjust?   What did you do?  What did you learn from the experience?
• How does your faith/hope/love in Jesus affect how you deal with loss/struggles/suffering?
• What would you say to someone who is struggling who doesn’t have a relationship with Jesus? How would you show them support or give comfort?
• What divides you from others?
• What is the definition of division? What is the opposite?

 

Closing Prayer

Leader:  May we never lose sight of the faith which fills us…

ALL:  Pray for us, Father Abraham!

Leader:  May we always find hope in the promise of heaven…

 ALL:  Pray for us, Prophets of the Old Testament!

Leader:  May we always be waiting and listening for God…

 ALL:  Pray for us, Mother Mary!

Leader:  May we never forget the sacrifice made on the cross..

ALL:  Pray for us, Jesus our Savior!

Leader:  May we always keep the Holy Spirit close and follow…

ALL:  Pray for us, Prophets of the New Testament!

Leader:  May we never turn away from the love which created us…

ALL:  Pray for us, Saints of today and yesterday!

 

Challenge for the Week:  As humans, we can sometimes let one little thing cause a tornado of stress and worry in our lives; something as simple as a paper cut can turn our attitude around.  When we look to the Prophets and Saints, we often forget they are human too.  They were also distracted by things (maybe even a paper cut) but persevered in learning to keep Christ centered in their lives.  Take time this week to seek out a Prophet or Saint (dead or alive) and consider how your might be able to learn to fend off distractions in your life.

Examples: (1) Moses was “crippled” by his speech impediment but was able to put it aside to serve God and save the Israelites from slavery  (2) Oscar Romero loved God and serving the Church so much he lived out his call as a priest despite the opposition…even to death