32^nd Sunday Ordinary Time

Opening Prayer

Lord

Prepare the way.

Make me ready.

Lead my steps.

Open the gate.

Welcome me home.

AMEN!

Journal/Reflection Questions

Wisdom 6 :12-16

• What does Wisdom have waiting for you?
• Do you seek Wisdom?  Is Wisdom easy or difficult to find?  Explain.

1Thessalonians 4:13-18

• Does ‘fallen asleep’ mean those who have died?  Could it also mean those who have ‘fallen asleep’ in faith?  Describe someone who has ‘fallen asleep’ in their faith.
• How does this reading impact your vision of death?  Of heaven?

Matthew 25:1-13

• Would you say you are ready to open the door to God?  Why or why not?
• What kinds of things keep you from lighting your lamp?  Keep you from being delayed?  Keep you from going out?  Keep you from being ready for the feast?

General Questions for Journaling

• Do you look for God in all things?
• Are there places you don’t look for God?  Why or why not?
• Are there places where you don’t see God at all?  Explain.
• When have you felt there was something waiting ahead of you?
• How does wisdom differ from knowledge or understanding?  Explain.
• If you knew when you would die, how would that affect how you live your life?  What would you do differently?
• How would knowing when others will die change your relationships?  Be specific.
• Are there things of which you are unaware?  Are you unaware because you honestly don’t know or because you are disinterested?
• Do you think there is a connection between awareness and wisdom?  Explain.
• How has awareness of God affected your decisions?  Share an example.
• When have you grown impatient, waiting for God in your life?  Share an example.
• Is there a difference between knowing of Jesus and knowing Jesus?  Explain.

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Lord, let me find you in all things…

ALL:  you are the stars that shine!

Leader:  Lord, let me find you in all things…

ALL:  you are the baby crying!

Leader:  Lord, let me find you in all things…

ALL:  you are the changing seasons!

Leader:  Lord, let me find you in all things…

ALL:  you are an act of kindness!

Leader:  Lord, let me find you in all things…

ALL:  you are a banquet feast!

Leader:  Lord, let me find you in all things…

ALL:  you are the path of life!

Challenge for the Week:  Stay awake!  Be ready!  We do not know the day, nor the hour of when Jesus will come.  This warning has been passed on for centuries.  But what does it mean?  Spend time this week contemplating this question.  Write down at least 10 things that you believe you must do or have so you are ready when Jesus returns.

AND/OR

On a scale from 1-10, how would you rate your awareness of God’s presence in your life each day?  Reflect on the past 24 hours and identify all of the times when you saw or felt or called on God’s presence.  Were there times when you turned your back on God or hid your face from him?  Were there moments where you kept God in the closet or on a shelf, then let him back in when you were ready?  What are those things you think you are keeping from God?  Do they enhance your life and make it better?  How does being aware of God’s presence affect your attitude and your decisions?  Jesus is the light of the world, let him bring light into yours!