Sunday, September 20th Readings

25th Sunday of Ordinary Time

Opening Prayer

Lord,

Though I may grumble and complain

you continue to stay close to me.

Teach me to be more mindful of your presence

in myself and especially in others.

Help me make a habit to look more deeply

into the truth which is Your Word.

These practices should help me to see myself

more in the way you see me.

AMEN!

Journal/Reflection Questions

Isaiah 55:6-9

How often do you see, here or feel God’s presence within a 24 hour period? How do you know God is near?
Identify your wicked thoughts, how does God help you let go of them?

Philippians 1:20c-24,27a

Identify at least one person in your life who magnifies God. What qualities magnify God? How do you magnify God?
What work in your life produces good fruit? How do you engage in fruitful labor? Share an example.
What does St. Paul mean that “death is gain”? Share an example.

Matthew 20:1-16a

Where do you see yourself in the parable? Take time to reflect on each person’s perspective. Include the workers, the landowner and those who were not chosen to work.
How does this parable show justice/injustice?
What insight do you gain about God’s thoughts?

General Questions for Journaling

When do you feel God is more present in your life?
When do you feel God is less present in your life?
If God is always near, why do you need to seek Him? What make it hard to find Him sometimes?
Would God ever hold back mercy or forgiveness? Why or why not?
Have you ever held back from giving or showing mercy or forgiveness? What was the situation? How can you grow and change from the experience?
When have you felt God’s mercy? Be specific.
How do you live your life according to the Gospel? What does this mean? Share an example of how a person can live out the Gospel.
Do you know people who live a life of generosity? How can you follow their example?
Is generosity earned? How does one become worthy of being the recipient of a generous act?
How is grace given in the ways of the world? What does grace look like in these terms? How is it similar or different than the way God gives grace?
How do you respond when you feel something is unfair? How do you respond when you feel something is in your favor?
How can you teach a child to understand God’s definition of fair? Who makes the rules of fair and unfair?

Closing Prayer