Sunday, August 8th Readings

19^th Sunday of Ordinary Time

Opening Prayer

Lord

Give me the courage to step out

You have shown me the way

Let me move forward

Allow your love and mercy

overflow from me

So wherever I go, others see YOU!

Amen

Journal/Reflection Questions

1 Kings 19:4-8

Share a time when you were able to look back on a situation in your life and see how God prepared you to be able to continue forward.
Reflect on how this scripture teaches the difference between what you want and what God wants and how God cares for you even when you aren’t willing or able to continue.

Ephesians 4:30-5:2

St. Paul says to be “imitators of Christ”. What about this statement is difficult for you to follow? Be specific. What holds you back from imitating Christ more often in your daily life?
Bitterness, fury, anger, shouting, reviling, malice…what is it about these emotions that are difficult for you to let go?
Explain how a “sacrificial offering gives a fragrant aroma”. More specifically, how does Jesus’ sacrifice give a fragrant aroma?

John 6:41-51

How does the imagery of Jesus being the bread of life feel to you? Do you think this is a good comparison or would another image/comparison make more sense to you? Explain.
The people in the crowd have a difficult time believing and understanding. What is their roadblock? Do you have any roadblocks when it comes to your faith?

General Questions for Journaling

How does it make you feel that God is still cheering for you, providing your needs when you are ready to give up?
When has God pulled you out of a pity party? What specifically did he say to make you smile?
Where do you go to hide from others? God? Yourself? What about this place gives you comfort?
People say, God only gives you what you can handle. Share a time when you screamed at God, ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!
Do you believe angels still speak to people today? Has God ever sent you an angel? Share the experience.
Do you remember your dreams? Do you think God speaks to you through your dreams? Explain.
Make a list of 5-10 things that will bring you back from a bad mood.
How do you grieve? Are there levels to your grief? Where is grief in relation to sadness or pain or emptiness or devastation?
When was the last time you forgave someone? Is there need for you to forgive someone now?
When was the last time you forgave yourself? Are you in need of forgiveness?
What is the significance of the Body and Blood of Jesus for you? Explain.
What is your favorite part of the Eucharistic celebration?
Are you always in the right mindset to receive the Body and Blood of Christ? How important do you think it is for you to be prepared and what exactly does that mean or look like?

Closing Prayer