Second Sunday of Ordinary Time

 

Opening Prayer

Lamb of God

You call us through our baptism

to be holy as you are holy.

Let your light shine from the heavens

down upon each of us.

We look to you to lead the way

and make our path clear.

You are the light of the world!

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Isaiah 49:3,5-6

• How do you show others the glory of God?
• The scripture says you were made glorious. Describe what if feels like to be glorious.  When was the last time you felt that way?

 Corinthians 1:1-3

• Where do you see the “will of God” working today? Share a specific example of where the “will of God” is working in your life or in your community.
• Define holiness. This is something you are or something you aspire to have?  How does this scripture change or affirm your definition?

 John 1:29-34

• Jesus is the Lamb of God who came to take away sins. Are there sins which you are unable to allow God to take away?  Why?
• What is your understanding of the difference between being baptized in water and being baptized with the Spirit?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• What does it mean to you to serve?
• How is a servant the same and different in the eyes of God vs. how the world sees a servant?
• Reflecting on the past year, where did you experience the strength of God? Be specific.
• Who is your life is a beacon of light? What does that person mean to you?  Have you shared how you feel?
• Where do you see God’s grace the most right now?
• Where do you think God’s grace is the most needed right now?
• If Jesus came to the world today, what do you think would happen?
• Share your baptism story.
• How would you say your baptism changed you? Are there things you think you should change because you have been baptized?
• Have you ever felt like the Spirit was upon you? When was it?  What were you doing?  How did it feel?  Were there witnesses?

 

Closing Prayer – Inspired by Psalm 40

Leader:  I am here Lord

ALL:   put a song on my lips!

Leader:  I am here Lord

 ALL:  my ears are open!

Leader:  I am here Lord

 ALL:  my heart is filled with delight!

Leader:  I am here Lord

ALL:  I shout your name to the heavens!

 

Challenge for the Week:  As a servant of God’s will we should show God obedience through our words and actions.  Spend time this week looking back on the past week to see how you have shown obedience to God.  Have you been supportive and kind to others?  Have you given compliments and helped others?  Have you spent time with God in prayer?  Has it been productive?  Identify some of the things you have done in the past week that you know are in line with the servant you want to be and also determine if there were times when your words and actions were not in line with the person you want to be (and God calls you to be)…make a plan to adjust this in the future.