Third Sunday of Ordinary Time

Opening Prayer

Lord

Give me the vision to see what is ahead of me.

Allow me to rest in the unknown.

The road may be covered or blocked but

when I keep my gaze on you, I will get through!

I trust you, in my heart, let my mind surrender too!

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Isaiah 8:23-9:3

• Describe in your own words the scripture passage, “the people who walked in darkness have seen a great light”.
• How has God been a light in your life?  Have you experienced the light of God in another person?

1Corinthians 1:10-13,17

• If you believe God created each person equally, what makes people want to make divisions among us?
• Is wisdom something you consider a human condition?  Who do you know that your would you describe as wise?

Matthew 4:12-23

• Jesus said, “repent”.  What does this mean?  Why do you think this is the first thing he says?
• What are some things that can overshadow a person?  How can you get out of the fog when this happens to you?

 

General Questions for Reflection

• How do you rejoice?  When did you last express this emotion?  Do you express it regularly or with scarcity?
• Where do you see gloom?  What can you do to shine light to the situation?
• What brings you abundant joy?  Make a list of at least 5 things.
• Is abundant joy a burden?  Why or why not?
• Does wisdom come with age or experience or both?
• Who or what do you claim to be a member of?  (examples, human race, christian community, the smith family, etc)
• Is there something you fear?  It is a fear related to a specific experience?
• How do you feel called by God?  Was it a specific experience like for Peter and Andrew or was it something you always felt?
• Who are people in your life whom you’d drop everything to follow?
• What is your favorite way to celebrate?  Can you find something to celebrate today? Yesterday?  Everyday?

Closing Prayer

Leader:  God of great light

ALL:  shine on my path!

Leader:  God of great light

ALL:  guide my direction!

Leader:  God of great light

ALL: pick me up when I fall!

Leader:  God of great light

ALL:  celebrate with me!

Leader:  God of great light

ALL:  you are my salvation!

 

CHALLENGE FOR THE WEEK:  Spend time with God, listening.  Too often we jump into our prayer time and fill it with the task of prayer, reciting specific prayers or praying for specific people and requests.  This week, make a point to just sit and listen.  God has a “to do” list for you…allow him to speak it to you!