Fourth Sunday of Easter

 

Opening Prayer

Shepherd

You give me what I need each day;

may I be grateful and have my fill.

You lead me on the path of goodness;

may I accept your mercy and follow.

You call my name to come to you;

may I listen to only Your voice in my life.

Amen

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Acts 2:14a,36-41

• What emotions do you feel as you read these words? Imagine being there.  How do your emotions change?
• Peter’s advice is to repent. Knowing Peter’s story, how do these words impact you coming from him?
• Peter is calling everyone to action. What do you feel called to do after hearing his words?

 1Peter 2:20b-25

• How does this reading remind you to seek God’s grace instead of revenge? How can this be applied to a situation your life right now?
• What do you learn about God’s love in this passage? How does it make you feel?  How can you help others see this type of love in your life?

 John 10:1-10

• Who in your life provides you the shelter and protection the Shepherd shows to the sheep in this passage? Who do you provide this depth of security for in your life?
• Are there people whom are need of some type of shelter (physical, emotional, spiritual) which you can help lead them to the shepherd?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• Define conversion. How does conversion work?  Is it a onetime thing or a lifelong thing?  What does it mean when applied to your life?  Have you undergone a conversion of some kind?  What was the result of it?  Do you need to undergo another conversion?  Why or why not?
• Where in your community do you see a need for a change? Is there something you can do to help make a change?
• Think of a time when you tried to do the right/just thing and your efforts were not rewarded in a positive way. Why do you think good people suffer?  Consider some of the reasons a person might have to go through suffering in order to bring about good.
• When confronted with violence, is violence ever the right response? How does your anger get in the way of following Jesus’ example not to retaliate?
• Jesus had no sin but suffered death to take sin away; write a prayer of thanksgiving to Jesus that your sin is wiped away through his death.
• Jesus already suffered for your sin, what sin(s) do you hold onto because you think you still need to suffer guilt and shame?
• When did you last testify to your faith? How did you?  Explain how you felt and how others reacted.
• Could you hold your tongue if you were falsely accused of something? Why or why not?  Are there circumstances which you could or shouldn’t? Explain.
• How does scripture restore you? How does it heal?
• What qualities does a shepherd have which you want? How will you develop these qualities?
• Are there people whom are need of some type of shelter (physical, emotional, spiritual) which you can help lead them to the shepherd?

 

Closing Prayer

Leader:  We stray like little sheep

ALL:  Lead us as we are to go.

Leader:  We wander around without direction

ALL:  Lead us as we are to go.

Leader:  We listen to the voices of the world

ALL:  Lead us as we are to go.

Leader:  You know our Spirit and still love us

ALL:  Lead us as we are to go.

Leader:  You are the gate which leads us to heaven

ALL:  Lead us as we are to go.

 

Challenge for the Week:  Imagine you take your child to Disney on Ice.  There are hundreds, thousands of people, parents and their kids as far as you can see.  You can hear the families talking, the kids crying and calling out to their mom and dad.  How are you able to tell when your child calls out to you?  What is your response when you hear their voice?  You don’t turn around each time you hear a child call “MOM” or “DAD”, rather, you turn around only when you hear your own child’s voice.  It is a voice which you are familiar; you know it no matter what because of the intimate relationship you have.  This is the same with your relationship with Jesus.  When you know Jesus, really know Him and spend time with Him, you know His voice above any other.  What can you do to hear Jesus more clearly?

Third Sunday of Easter

 

Opening Prayer

It is through Jesus’ birth we are given hope.

It is through Jesus’ miracles the world receives healing.

It is through Jesus’ sacrifice that we are nourished.

It is through Jesus’ resurrection that we have life everlasting.

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Acts 2:14,22-23

• Peter speaks to the disciples with such conviction. Where do you believe his strength comes from?  Remember, it was only days before when Peter denied Jesus three times.  What can you take away from this knowledge and how can it apply to a situation you are dealing with in your life right now?
• What evidence is there that Jesus rose? How does Peter verify the resurrection?

 1Peter 1:17-21

• Why might this reading be called the Sermon of hope? What gives you hope as you read it, listen to it or meditate on it?
• Jesus died in order to save. He gave His life in order for generations upon generations could live.  How do you live your life to show gratitude for the ransom paid?

 Luke 24:13-35

• What does it mean to have your heart burn within you? Have you ever experienced this feeling?  Revisit the memory.  Does reminiscing about the experience ignite the flame within you?
• Identify a person or people you are on the “road” with on your faith journey.
• What do you think Jesus was thinking as He walked along listening to the conversation? Do you think it made him mad they didn’t recognize Him?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• How does the resurrection of Jesus change your life, your faith, your attitude, your actions?
• What is the path of life? Is it the same or different for everyone?

• What opportunities do you have to break bread with Jesus?
• What in these readings give you a deeper understanding of Jesus’ existence BEFORE he walked on the earth?
• Is there anything that confuses you?  Who, what or where do you turn in order to set yourself straight?
• Are there people in your life with whom you love to spend time with?  How do you feel when you have to leave them?
• Where can be Jesus be found in your relationships?  With your spouse?  Your children?  Your peers?  A stranger?
• What do you hope for?  What do you have hope in?  Do you have anything in which you have lost hope?
• How do you feel when you run into an old friend you haven’t seen for a while?  Is there someone you should reach out to?
• What does the cross say to you? What emotions are attached to the cross?

• What obstacles of faith do you see in the world? What obstacles do you encounter?  What do/can you do?
• Share an “ah-ha” moment when you went from not seeing Jesus in a situation and then suddenly saw him. This could also be a moment when you saw a truth revealed about Jesus that you didn’t know or your perspective changed.

 

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Draw us near

 ALL:  to listen for your voice.

Leader:  Draw us near

ALL:  to follow your call.

Leader:  Draw us near

 ALL:  to the acceptance of your embrace.

Leader:  Draw us near

ALL:  to the promises of your love.

Leader:  Draw us near

ALL:  to your joyful presence.

Leader:  Draw us near

ALL:  to an intimate relationship with YOU!

 

Challenge for the Week:  The disciples didn’t recognize Jesus as He was walking and talking with them.  How often do we pass Jesus by without recognizing Him in our own lives?  This week, as you get ready for bed, spend time reflecting on your day and where Jesus was present.  Sometimes we can see Him working in others toward us or through us toward others.  As you reflect, really pay attention to the multiple things you saw, heard or felt throughout the day.  Dig deeper to find God not only on the surface but in the little things…God spends a lot of time on the small details!

Second Sunday of Easter/Sunday of Divine Mercy

 

Opening Prayer (Psalm 118)

Alleluia!  Alleluia!

Give thanks and praise to God!

For he is good and his love is everlasting!

Rejoice and be glad for our Savior lives!

Alleluia!  Alleluia!

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Acts 2:42-47

• What do you think is the “secret ingredient” in this scripture passage that makes it sound like utopia?
• The scripture passage says twice, “they devoted themselves to…”, is there something in your life right now which needs your devotion? How can devoting your time and attention to that project/person/situation bring peace and/or contentment?

 1Peter 1:3-9

• Share and example of how you know this scripture is true.
• This scripture are the words of Saint Peter, he who denied Jesus thrice before the crucifixion. How does this knowledge open up the scripture even more?  Choose one phrase of the scripture that most shouts of Peters new found confidence.

 John 20:19-31

• Can you relate to Thomas? Would you need to see and feel the nail marks in Jesus’ hands to believe?  What helps you believe today?
• Jesus brings peace and the Holy Spirit to the disciples. Identify where Jesus brings you peace and the Holy Spirit today.
• Jesus breathes on the disciples…where have you heard this before in the scripture? What do the passages have in common?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• Do you see signs and wonders in the world today? How do they point to God?
• Where do you see people working together? How does it inspire you and is there something you can do to support it?
• Describe what it feels like to have “favor” on someone or something from your own perspective. Then describe what is it like for someone to have “favor” or show “favor” to/on you.
• How do you know someone is acting out of sincerity?
• How do you feel safeguarded by God?
• Name a specific example of how Jesus’ resurrection affects your life right now.
• What do you love about Jesus? Be specific.  Can you name more than three things?
• What does ‘genuine’ faith look like? Do you know when you are being genuine in your faith vs. being fake?
• Are there things in your life right now which you find hard to believe because you haven’t see them? Does this unbelief cause division with your family or co-workers?
• How do you know when Jesus is in your midst? Describe the feeling.  How can you reproduce this feeling to last all day?  Is it possible?  Explain
• The “great commission” is said to happen at our baptism (MT 28:19-20) but these scripture readings have the same kind of commissioning feel. Choose one thing from the scriptures this week to take on as your task.

 

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Jesus, the doors were locked

ALL:  but you broke through!

Leader:  Jesus, you died and were buried

 ALL:  but you broke through!

Leader:  Jesus, you were nailed to a cross

 ALL:  but you broke through!

Leader:  Jesus, you were beaten and bleeding

ALL:  but you broke through!

Leader:  Jesus, you were a Carpenter’s son

ALL:  but you broke through!

Leader:  Jesus, you were born in a manger

ALL:  but you broke through!

 

Challenge for the Week:  Saint Peter in the second reading says “you rejoice with indescribable and glorious joy, as you attain the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls.” (1PT1:9)  Take time this week to map out the goal of your faith.  What are your goals?  Write them down so you can see them and then set out to achieve them.  Do you want to know Jesus more (not just know of him, but really know him).  Do you want to have a prayer space in your home?  Do you wish to learn more about the Saints?  Do you want to read more spiritual literature?  God doesn’t say we have to do anything to earn his love, grace or mercy but if you are like me, when someone does something unbelievably kind, I want to give back to them to show my gratitude!

Easter Sunday

 

Opening Prayer

Lord

You conquered death to make us new.

Let us work to die to the things of this world

so we may better reflect your love to others.

Help us to be renewed by the trials we face

so we proclaim Your Word through our lives.

Fill us with kindness, tenderness, peace, humility and joy.

Alleluia!

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Acts 10:34a, 37-43

• How do you define the word witness? Do you define it as a noun (person) or a verb (an action)?  What is the difference?
• What can you learn from Peter in this reading? What example does he set that we should learn to follow?

Colossians 3:1-4 OR 1Corinthians 5:6b-8

• How do you rise like Christ this Easter season?
• What does it mean to seek what is above? What does this look like?  Write three practical ways you can seek what is above this Easter Season.

 John 20:1-9

• Put yourself in the place of the women who came to anoint Jesus’ body. What are your reactions?  Would you feel fear?  Confusion?  What would you do?  Who would you tell?  What words would you use?
• What does this scripture reveal about Jesus? About his disciples?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• Has the journey of Lent helped to strengthen your faith? How?
• Did you gain a new perspective on a problem or struggle you have in your life right now through prayer, almsgiving and/or fasting?
• What brings you peace? Describe the feeling of peace/peacefulness.  Would you say peace is a state of mind or a feeling of the heart?  Is it something that is given to you or something you work for?
• Do you ever experience feelings of confusion? Have you ever been paralyzed by feelings of fear?  What was the circumstance and how were you able to overcome or get past these feelings?
• Are you carrying around “dead weight” such as hurt feelings or a burden that is not yours to carry?
• Do you hide Christ in your life? In your conversations?  In your home?  What can you do to reveal him?
• Jesus overcomes death on Easter. What do you believe will happen when you die?  What feelings do you have about death?
• How does Jesus live on? How can we find comfort in Jesus’ resurrection?
• Is there anything you are looking forward to during the Easter season?
• Are there things you can continue to work on (using prayer, almsgiving and fasting as your guide) for the next six weeks? Why do these Lenten practices have to only be practiced during Lent?
• Easter is a day of joy. Consider how you can share the joy of Easter with others.  How can you make the joy of Easter last longer than one day?

Closing Prayer

Leader:  What was hidden;

ALL:  has been revealed!

Leader:  What was broken;

 ALL:  has been healed!

Leader:  What was lost;

ALL:  has been found!

Leader:  What was sin;

ALL:  has been forgiven!

Leader:  What was buried;

ALL:  has come to life!

Leader:  What was crucified;

ALL:  has been resurrected!

 

Challenge for the Week:  Jesus was believed to be dead.  The disciples buried him in a tomb.  After three days his broken body was healed and he was radiant.  Imagine you could go away for three days and get away from any pressures, stress and obligations.  What would you do?  How would you spend your time?  How would you pamper yourself to relieve stress?  What conversations would you have with God about your life?  Take time for a mini retreat, even if it is only for 5 minutes to step away from your life and let the joy of Easter and Jesus’ resurrection spark a renewal within!

OR

Consider what moves you to feel compassion.  Is it when you see suffering?  When someone is sick or dying?  When you know someone is doing without or is lonely or alone?  Pope Francis calls us to act on our feelings of compassion and to go to the aid or service of others.  Make it a point this week to intentionally show compassion toward someone.  Go visit a shut-in, send a note to someone who may be feeling lonely, volunteer, help your neighbor who is need, the options are endless.  Go forth and show someone compassion; may they see the risen Christ in YOU!

Passion Sunday/Palm Sunday

 

Opening Prayer

Savior,

You brought us out of the desert,

gave us living water,

cured us of our blindness,

and called us from out of our graves into new life.

May we be fully aware of the sacrifice you have given,

so we may truly live,

the life you want us to live,

in joyful abundance!

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Isaiah 50:4-7

• How can you identify with this scripture? Are you feeling weary as the season of Lent comes to a close?
• Does this scripture give you any encouragement to keep on with your Lenten disciplines?

 Philippians 2:6-11

• Name qualities of a humble person. Do you have any of these qualities?  Do you know anyone who does?
• How do you show Jesus you love him? How does he show you he loves you?

 Matthew 26:14-27:66 (27:11-54)

• Choose an action from the Gospel reading that reflects something going on in your life right now.
• How have you rejected Jesus today? Yesterday?  This week?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• What gets in your way when you try to give your time to Jesus in prayer? What distracts you?
• If you don’t feel well, do you want others not to feel well along with you?
• Consider the conversations you’ve had in the last 24 hours…how many of them included a complaint by you or another person?
• How much of your prayer life is complaining or whining to God?
• What causes you to feel weary? Make a list of the things that drain you.
• How do you feel when you are accused of something you didn’t do?
• When have you felt rejected? Who rejected you?
• Have you experienced a time when you were able to turn your back to people or actions which had taken control over you? How were you able to overcome?  How can you continue to resist the temptation to give up or give in?
• How do you respond to people who question the existence of God because He allows suffering?
• Share a time when you have changed your perspective, like those in Jerusalem.(one day they are praising Jesus and another they are condemning him)
• What in your life is worth dying for? How do you determine worth?
• Do you know anyone who is selfless? What qualities do they have that you can model?

 

Closing Prayer

Leader:  May I be emptied…

ALL:  so I can be refilled with humility.

Leader:  May I be emptied…

 ALL:  so I can be refilled with obedience.

Leader:  May I be emptied…

 ALL:  so I can be refilled with hospitality.

Leader:  May I be emptied…

ALL:  so I can be refilled with forgiveness.

Leader:  May I be emptied…

ALL:  so I can be refilled with acceptance.

Leader:  May I be emptied…

ALL:  so I can be refilled with trust.

Leader:  May I be emptied…

ALL:  so I can be refilled with faith.

 

Challenge for the Week:  The Romans hung Jesus on the cross to bring attention to him, ridicule and humiliate.  Even in this state, Jesus was able to forgive those who had scourged, tortured and spat on him.  How do we act when someone lies to us, cheats or tells lies about us?  What do we do when people throw daggers at us with their words and actions?  How do we forgive those who hurt us?  On the flip side, what do our actions say?  Do we consistently treat others kindly or are we guilty of spreading rumors or gossiping?  Do we turn the other way when someone is being treated unjustly?  This week, take some time to really look at your actions; what are they really saying?  Do we look more like Jesus in these readings or like those condemning him?  Make a commitment to make a permanent change in how you treat others, even if it is a baby step.  Take the opportunity given to pray more intently this last week of Lent to make a positive change.