Fourth Sunday of Lent

 

Opening Prayer

Lord

Help me to remember,

my life will be muddy at times

and I will not be able to see.

Let me turn to you,

so you can wash me clean

and I can live like you live!

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

1 Samuel 16:1b, 6-7, 10-13a

• David was working in the field when God called upon him; where were you when you first felt God call you?
• Have you ever questioned how God handled something? What can we learn from Samuel’s doubt of God choosing David to be King about our own doubt?

 Ephesians 5:8-14

• Share an example of how being rooted in Christ produces “good fruit”.
• Share an example of how being disconnected from Christ causes darkness.
• Do you see Christ’s light in the world today?

 John 9:1-41

• The Blind Man is thrown out of the synagogue for defending Jesus, have you ever been thrown out because of your belief? What caused this division?  How did you react?  Was it resolved?
• Reflect on how Jesus used clay to cover the Blind Man’s eyes to heal them. What in your life has Jesus covered with clay or mud in order for you to transform?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• How do you feel anointed by God this Lent?
• Compare how it feels to be chosen by a person verses how it feels to be chosen by God.
• Consider the next big decision you need to make. Try to think of the situation through God’s eyes.  What would Jesus do?  Is there a story in the Bible which can help you see how God sees the situation?
• Can you decline a call from God?
• What are characteristics of a person who has a good heart?
• What is the difference between the way people see others and the way God sees others?
• What is the difference between the way people see situations and the way God sees situations?
• What are you trying to “die to” this Lent? What “light” comes from you letting go?
• Are you hiding anything in the dark which needs to be brought to light in a relationship?
• Share an example of how God’s light shines on you today.
• Are there sins you carry around that hold you back?
• Are there sins you carry around that are not yours?
• Describe how you feel when you are washed clean from sin.

 

Closing Prayer

Leader: May I see what you see

ALL:  when you see a newborn baby.

Leader:  May I see what you see

 ALL:  when you see a hungry child.

Leader:  May I see what you see

 ALL:  when you see flower in bloom.

Leader:  May I see what you see

ALL:  when you see a woman on welfare.

Leader:  May I see what you see

ALL:  when you watch the sunset.

Leader:  May I see what you see

ALL:  when you see me.

 

Challenge for the Week:  In the Gospel we hear the story of a man born blind.  Take time this week to think about the life of this man.  Prior to meeting Jesus, what do you think a typical day looked like for him?  When he met Jesus, he listened to Jesus and followed what Jesus told him to do.  Then the people in the village saw that the blind man had changed and the blind man told everyone about Jesus.  He even stood strong in his belief when faced with opposition from the Pharisees who criticized Jesus and doubted the blind man, trying to discredit his character publicly.  After being ridiculed and pushed aside, Jesus came to give comfort.  What lessons can you learn from the blind man?  Is there a particular area in which you have trouble…meeting Jesus, listening to Jesus, following Jesus, telling others about Jesus, standing up for Jesus, allowing Jesus to comfort you?  Let the blind man’s story give you strength, guidance and wisdom as you continue your journey through Lent.