Sunday, July 11th Readings

15^th Sunday Ordinary Time

Opening Prayer

Lord

So many times a day

I need you.

Together we travel

through ups and downs.

You stay with me

even when I turn from you.

Thank you for being my

constant companion.

Amen

Journal/Reflection Questions

Amos 7:12-15

When have you felt God calling you to something you are/were not qualified to do? What did you do about it? Did you make the right choice? How did you know it was God pulling you?
Through Baptism we are all called to be “priest, prophet and king”. God has already called you to be a prophet like Amos if you are baptized…how are you living out your call as a prophet?

Ephesians 1:3-14

How does it make you feel to hear/read the words “God has known you for eternity”? What does this mean to you? How does it make sense?
How can you explain to a child or new believer that God has known you/them since the beginning of creation? What words or images would you use to explain?
What does it mean to you to be “sealed with the promised Holy Spirit”? How do you feel, see, know the Holy Spirit is in your life right now?

Mark 6:7-13

Jesus told to disciples to “dust off your feet”; are there hurts, regrets, ideals that need to be “dusted off your feet” for you to be stronger in your testimony to the Gospel?
The scripture says they were sent out with no food, no sack and no money. How would you fare in this situation? What was the purpose of doing this? Could you go on a journey with nothing? Are there things you are attached to which keep you from doing the work God has called you to do?
The disciples were sent out two by two. What is the purpose of this? How is this relevant today? Who would you consider your “partner in crime” to spread the Gospel message?

General Questions for Journaling

People say “God only gives us what we can handle”, you find this true? Why or why not? What are other ways to say, “God only gives us what we can handle”?
When was the last time you spoke out against an injustice? Or when did you last speak up for something you believe in? What was it? How did you feel?
What are your “hot topic” conversations, those which you feel strongly about and would happily debate your side against another?
Have you ever spoken out and been the only one with that idea or opinion? How did it feel? Did you regret sharing your input? What did you learn from the experience?
What are those “hot topic” conversations which you have been witness to but didn’t contribute to? How did you feel? What were those feelings or emotions? Why do you think you felt that way?
How do you know someone is “qualified”? What qualities do you look for in a friend, husband, co-worker, boss, President? How do your standards of qualifying compare to how God seeks out prophets and disciples?
How would you describe your ‘comfort zone’. What does it look like? Sound like? Smell like? Taste like? How does it feel?
How have you felt God’s love this past week? What does it feel like to receive God’s grace?
Describe what it is like to have the Holy Spirit active in your life. Name 3 times when the Holy Spirit has been active in your life this week.
What are some things you hope for? Do you have a list? Are the things you hope for just for you or do they benefit others?
Describe hospitality? How is it done well?
What can you do this week to help people feel welcome and comfortable? How is this a reflection of God’s love and evangelization?

Closing Prayer

Leader: Your grace covers me like a warm blanket