5th Sunday of Ordinary Time

Opening Prayer

Lord

At times the ways of this world consume my thoughts.

Help me so I may not become overwhelmed or weary

                rather, let me follow you;

for YOU alone can save.

Let me run to you when I am weak, restless and suffering.

I know your grace, mercy and love never ends;

        but I can sometimes forget;

let me cling to YOUR word

to remind me of your promise!!!

Journal/Reflection Questions

Job 7:1-4,6-7

• Share a time in your life when you could relate to Job. What feeling or emotion do you most relate to? Do you still feel this way?
• Compare Job’s description of his life on earth to how you describe your time on earth. How are the descriptions similar? How do they differ?
• Where is God in this scripture?  Be specific.

1Corinthians 9:16-19,22-23

• Saint Paul speaks of sacrifice for the sake of the Gospel. What are you willing to give up or sacrifice? How is this shown in your life?
• Saint Paul says it is your obligation as a follower of Jesus to speak the Gospel. How do you fulfil this obligation?
• What drives you to share the Gospel with others?  How does it relate to what St. Paul is telling the Corinthians in this scripture?

Mark 1:29-39

• Imagine yourself as Jesus in this Gospel. What are you thinking? Feeling? How do you process all that happens? 
• Jesus asked the people to not talk about the miracles which occurred. Would you be able to keep quiet about a miracle you witnessed? What do you think is the purpose of keeping quiet?
• Jesus calls out many demons, describe some of the demons which possess people today.  Is there anything you can do to call out demons like Jesus?
• Jesus goes off to pray after a long day of work.  What is the outcome of his time alone in prayer?

General Questions for Journaling

• Do your pursue God or expect God to come to you? What does each scenario look like?
• What causes you to be restless? Stress? Money? Family or Relationship issues?
• How does stress or worry affect your way of thinking? Can it change our attitude about things? Why or why not?
• Where does happiness come from? Be specific or share an example. 
• How do you respond when you hear, “How can you believe in God if He allows such suffering in the world?”
• What kind of hope can you offer someone who is in the midst of suffering? What are some things you can say or do?
• Are you better at sympathy or empathy? What is the difference and how can you show both to others better?
• When do you pray? How much effort do you put into it? Does it depend on what else you have planned for the day or whether you are too tired or not?
• What could happen if you put as much effort into Mass (going to church) as you do when you attend your child’s extra-curricular activity (basketball game or dance recital) or as you do attending a concert or professional sporting event?
• Define weakness. Do you believe it is a positive or negative trait? Explain.
• What motivates you each day to get out of bed? Be specific.
• Do you have desires in life? Do you have a plan for those desires to be met? How do your desires match up with what God desires for you?
• Is there something you need Jesus to heal? Write down what you are in need of healing and place it in your bible. Let Jesus begin to heal you!

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Lord, may I speak your name

ALL:  and feel your presence!

Leader:  May I speak your name

ALL:  and hear your voice!

Leader: May I speak your name

ALL:  and be healed of my hurt!

Leader:  May I speak your name

ALL:  and be empowered to do your will!

Leader:  May I speak your name

ALL:  and be filled with grace and mercy!

Leader:  May I speak your name

ALL:  and KNOW that I am loved!

Challenge for the Week:  Put yourself in the Gospel as Jesus.  Write down what you think Jesus prayed when he went away.  What do you imagine was the conversation between Jesus and God?  Spend time this week having this same conversation with God.  Remember to take time to listen to God’s response and consider how you may move forward with the mission which God has entrusted you with in your life.