13^th Sunday Ordinary Time

Opening Prayer

Lord

You are the beginning and the end.

You are the alpha and the omega.

You are the day and the night.

You are life and death.

Let me seek you in all things and at all times!

Amen

Journal/Reflection Questions

Wisdom 1:13-15; 2:23-24

• The scripture says, “by the envy of the devil”, for what does the devil need to be envious?
• What clarity do you find in this scripture about your purpose to live and the reason God created you?

2 Corinthians 8:7, 9, 13-15

• Explain, “whoever had much did not have more, and whoever has little did not have less.”
• How does this scripture explain the feeling of empathy? Does it inspire you to help other? What can you do right away?
• How does the abundance of God make you feel?

Mark 5:21-43 or 5:21-24, 35b-43

• Jesus simply needed to be present to heal. Are there situations in your life where all you really need to do is be there for another person?
• This woman “encounters” Jesus. What does that mean to you? Do you remember your first encounter with Jesus?
• When have you touched Jesus? Describe the experience.

General Questions for Journaling

• Share an experience when you knew God was on your side.
• Share an experience when you knew the devil was envious of your words or actions.
• If God created man to be imperishable, how do you explain feelings of being defeated or broken down? Where do you see abundance in your life? How can you share it?
• What are the qualities of humankind?
• Are any of the qualities of humankind the same as the qualities of God?
• What qualities of God do you wish you had?  What keeps you from having those qualities?
• Draw a picture of yourself in God’s image. 
• How does knowing God made all things change how you look at a person? An animal? An insect? A spider? A landscape?
• Have you ever been on the receiving end of abundance given freely?
• How does God’s presence impact you? Be specific.
• How many times do you think a person must encounter God before they are a believer and follower?
• Is there something that always lifts your spirits? Maybe a song or a special treat or hearing someone speak with voice full of helium?
• How come people say God provides? How does God pay my rent?
• Describe how you’d act in a room with extremely wealthy people. How is it different from the question below?
• Describe how you’d act in a room full of people in deep poverty. How is it different from the question above?

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Lord, you created me…

ALL:  so I could find you!

Leader:  Lord, you created me…

ALL:  so I could see you!

Leader: Lord, you created me…

ALL:  so I could touch you!

Leader:  Lord, you created me…

ALL:  so I could hear you!

Leader:  Lord, you created me…

ALL:  so I could know you!

Leader:  Lord, you created me…

ALL:  so I could share you!

Challenge for the Week:  Have you ever gone to serve a meal or sat down for a meal at a shelter? Reflect this week on that experience (or those experiences). Think about how you felt, what you saw, whom you met and the circumstances which brought you to that place. Society would say you were in a place of poverty, is that what you saw? Perhaps. If your experience is anything like the ones I have had, you may have seen the world’s definition of poverty but not God’s. Some of the most generous and grateful people I have ever met are ones I have met by working in a soup kitchen, food pantry or shelter. When we reach out to others with our abundance of time, talent or treasure, we don’t expect to be touched in return by God’s grace but believe me it happens!