26th Sunday of Ordinary Time

 

Opening Prayer

Lord

It is not wrong to desire nice things

or to work for a better life.

Let us not get consumed by these things

or allow them to be our focus.

Keep us humble so we might know

it is YOU who give us what we need.

Help us remember to share what we have

with all whom we meet for you are there!

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Amos 6: 1a,4-7

• What would you describe as luxury in today’s standards?
• Is this scripture saying we shouldn’t enjoy having good things?

 1Timothy 6: 11-16

• How do you pursue righteousness, devotion, faith, love, patience, and gentleness?
• Where do you see these qualities lived out?

 Luke 16: 19-31

• Do you see or have you seen a “great chasm” in the world, in politics, in the church? What can you learn from it and can it be overcome?  How does/did it affect your thoughts and behavior?
• Are there words of warning or wisdom which have been left behind for you from loved ones who have died? How do you honor those?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• Is there such a thing as too much? When is it too much?
• What are some of the finer things in life…your definition?
• Can you have wealth without be self-indulgent? Why or why not?
• What prejudices do people have toward those who would be considered wealthy in society?
• What prejudices do people have toward those who would be considered poor in society?
• Do you believe power comes with having wealth? How do you see power used in good and bad ways?
• Are there acts of charity or justice which you prefer over another?
• Are there things you would not do to serve or help another? Why or why not?
• Do you have scars others cannot see? If you revealed those scars do you think you would be treated differently?
• When have you treated someone differently because of the scars they have?
• Have you ever disregarded another due to haughtiness on your part?
• Have you ever needed to repent for disregard you showed toward another? What did you do and was your apology accepted?
• Are there warnings which you ignore? What are they and why do you disregard them?
• Are there warnings which you follow and warn others against? What are they and why are you apt to follow the warnings?

 

Closing Prayer (fill in the ALL with specific prayers of need you see)

Leader: I see a need…

ALL:  _____________, I can help!

Leader:  I see a need…

 ALL:  _____________, I can help!

Leader:  I see a need…

 ALL:  _____________, I can help!

Leader:  I see a need…

ALL:  _____________, I can help!

Leader:  I see a need…

ALL:  _____________, I can help!

 

 Challenge for the Week:  What do these scripture readings tell us about this disposable world attitude we have today?  What are some of the things we use lavishly?  Are there things you use which you take for granted?  Think back to your childhood…what has changed?  How does the “fast” pace of the internet, speed limits, mobile phones, microwaves and fast food contribute to the self-absorbed attitude we come across too often?  What ONE thing can you do to help?  What ONE thing can you change in your life which contributes or gives into this movement?  How can you make this change one which draws you closer to God?

25th Sunday of Ordinary Time

 

Opening Prayer

Lord

How can I help my neighbor?

I can barely care for myself.

What do I have to offer?

I don’t have any more to spare.

Lead me to find the resources

I need to care not only for myself

but for others too!

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Amos 8: 4-7

• How do you feel called to care for the poor? What do you do to live out this call?
• What are you willing to sacrifice to provide for those you are responsible to care for?

 1 Timothy 2: 1-8

• Have you ever given something up for another person? What was it and for whom did you give it up?
• What causes people in the world today to get angry? What are some of the arguments going on in the world right now?  How would lifting your hands to God help?

 Luke 16: 1-13 or 10-13

• Have you ever squandered something away or spent extravagantly?
• Do you save things or hold things back for future generation? If so what?  For what purpose?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• When have you been in a situation or witnessed a situation that was unjust? How did you deal with it?  What did you do?
• Have you ever horded something valuable and chose not to share? What was it?
• Identify a time when you have been greedy. What did it feel like?  What was the situation?  From whom did you with-hold or take from?
• Have you ever been exploited? Have you exploited another?
• Have you ever been oppressed? Have you oppressed another?
• Is there an injustice which needs your attention? How does scripture lead you to a solution?
• How do you take your faith outside of the church doors? How do you live it each day of the week?
• Have you ever had someone be a mediator in your life to help resolve a situation?
• When have you helped two people work out an issue? How did you handle the situation?  What was the outcome?
• How do you see church and state, regardless of the law? Do you believe they are separate?  Do you think they interact?  Do you agree they should be separate?  Why or why not?
• How many people do you know that you would describe as trustworthy?
• How do you serve God? How do you serve society?  Which one wins?

 

Closing Prayer

Leader:  When I feel trampled

ALL:  you come to pick me up!

Leader:  When I am in need

 ALL:  you find a way to satisfy!

Leader:  When I call out to you

 ALL:  you listen to my plea!

Leader:  When I hold back

ALL:  you urge me to give more!

Leader:  When I surrender

ALL:  you give abundantly!

 

 Challenge for the Week:  We can sometimes fool ourselves into thinking there are adjectives for a lie…a little lie, a big lie, it can be necessary or harmless but really none of these are true.  A lie is a lie and when we lie, it often catches up with us.  When have you told a lie?  Did you lie to get out of something you didn’t want to do?  Did you lie to make someone feel better?  Did you lie so you didn’t have to deal with the truth?  Are there lies you have told which have no meaning?  Sometimes one lie causes you to tell another lie and another until you lose track of the truth and you can begin to believe our own lies.  Spend time this week meditating on a recent lie you told, was it a slip of the tongue or is there something you are hiding?  Once you’ve determined what you have done, figure out how you will make it right.

24th Sunday of Ordinary Time

 

Opening Prayer

Lord of immense patience

How can I learn from you?

Where can I go to find patience?

Is it within my reach?

What can I do to cultivate more?

Why can’t I seem to wait?

Be with me Lord,

I cannot do it on my own!

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Exodus 32: 7-11, 13-14

• What does this scripture say about human nature? Is it still true today?  Where do you see an example?
• What advantage do you have over Moses to get God’s message through to others? What disadvantage do you have over Moses?

 1 Timothy 1:12-17

• Identify how God has shown mercy to Paul.
• Identify how others showed mercy to Paul.

 Luke 15: 1-32

• How do you rejoice when you have been forgiven?
• Describe what it feels like to be filled with compassion.

 

General Questions for Journaling

• Would you consider yourself a persuasive person? Who do you identify as a persuasive person?
• Could a persuasive person get you to do something you know is wrong or that you shouldn’t do? Has this ever happened?
• How do you use persuasion in your life? Do you use it to get what you want or what God wants?
• Do you try to talk God into things? If so, what?  And how did/does He respond?
• How do you feel when you make a deal with someone and they don’t keep up their part?
• Have you ever reneged on a deal? What was the situation?
• Do threats work? Why or why not?  When are threats necessary?
• Does God ever give up on you? Why then, do you give up on yourself?
• When have you given up on yourself? Did you reach out to God or to others?  Were you shown mercy?
• Have you ever been lost? What did it feel like?  Who found you?  How did you feel when you were found?

 

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Thank you Lord

ALL:  For you never give up on me, a sinner!

Leader:  Thank you Lord

 ALL:  For you never leave me, a sinner!

Leader:  Thank you Lord

 ALL:  For you never lose patience with me, a sinner!

Leader:  Thank you Lord

ALL:  For you never for me, a sinner!

Leader:  Thank you Lord

ALL:  For you never forsake me, a sinner!

 

 Challenge for the Week:  On the anniversary of the terrorist attack on the twin towers in New York City and the Pentagon, each person over the age of 18 can tell you a story about where they were and how they felt when they heard the terrible news.  If you reflect back to your story, it may be filled with sadness, anger, surprise, but probably not much mercy or forgiveness…at the time.  Spend some time this week and examine what has changed in your life, in the world and see how time has perhaps changed your perspective or understanding.  Have you seen mercy and forgiveness happen in the world?  What examples can you come up with as ones to share with others so they can learn to be able to forgive and show mercy to others.

23rd Sunday of Ordinary Time

 

Opening Prayer

Lord

You must have immense patience

to listen to us whine and complain

about our suffering and pain.  We are so naive.

You have heard every excuse but still we give them.

The promise of peace, forgiveness and mercy

doesn’t seem to be enough for us to let go.

May your WORD today help us to surrender!!!

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Wisdom 9:13-18b

• Can you with confidence tell others what God has planned for you? Why or why not?
• What do you know for sure about your faith? About your purpose?  About the promises of Christ?

 Philemon 9-10, 12-17

• Are there ways in which you feel imprisoned or enslaved by your faith?
• Are there ways in which you feel imprisoned or enslaved by the world?

 Luke 14: 25-33

• What are the costs of following Christ? Do you know the end of the story?  What do you fear about the middle (unknown) that keeps you from surrendering?
• Make a list of the resources you use and have at your disposal in order to finish the race, build the tower and live with purpose?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• Have you ever had a plan which was executed perfectly? What causes you to have to change your plan?
• How do you feel when there is not a plan?
• Are there times when you need a plan and when you don’t want a plan? How are those different?
• What can you do to learn more about the plan God has for you? How will you know it is God’s plan?
• Are there relationships you need to let go of in order to allow change?
• How is love revealed in your life?
• Where is love found?
• To what do you cling? What keeps you from surrendering completely to God?
• What does your cross include? Are there days when it is lighter/heavier than others?
• Does everyone have the same size cross to bear? Do they all look the same?
• Picking up your cross to carry it is a choice. Are there days when you choose NOT to pick it up?
• Who are the people who have helped your carry your cross?

 

Closing Prayer

Leader:  May we seek the path to YOU

ALL:  when we cannot stand on our own;

Leader:  May we seek the path to YOU

 ALL:  when the clouds cover our eyes;

Leader:  May we seek the path to YOU

 ALL:  in the midst of the storm;

Leader:  May we seek the path to YOU

ALL:  on the best and worst of our days;

Leader:  May we seek the path to YOU

ALL:  even when none can be found.

 

 Challenge for the Week:  People can spend weeks, months and years trying to make sense of things beyond their grasp.  Sometimes they get so wrapped up in trying to make the pieces fit, they lose sight of anything else.  When this happens, whatever path they are on doesn’t matter because they are standing still.  IF you relate to this and it describes you now, please seek guidance from a spouse, friend, counselor, priest, etc. and if this describes someone you love, share this scripture with them and pray for the words to help them start taking steps on their journey again!