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!