Month: September 2021

Sunday, October 3rd Readings

27th Sunday of Ordinary Time

Opening Prayer

God

You created man and woman

to share in the fullness of Your love.

You call both to be in community

with one another and in communion with You.

What you bring together cannot be torn apart.

Your love cannot be removed or taken away.

It is a blessing to share, in good times and in bad

and it remains even when conflicts arise.

Let Your love be seen, felt and shared.

May I share Your love with others,

and seek Your love in others to

build up the kingdom together!

Journal/Reflection Questions

Genesis 2:18-24

  • What does this scripture remind you about in terms of your role and responsibility as a human being?
  • Does this scripture cause you to think of a woman as an afterthought? Why or why not?
  • God created Eve for Adam, why do you think God wanted to create a suitable partner for Adam?  Do you think He created a suitable partner for everyone?  Share your thoughts.

Hebrews 2:9-11

  • What does this scripture tell you about Jesus’ love?
  • How do you feel about being called a brother and sister of Jesus? What does that mean to you?
  • How are you consecrated with Jesus? What does it mean to be consecrated in Jesus?

Mark 10:2-16

  • Read this scripture as though you are a child. What different thoughts or insights do you gather?
  • This scripture says divorce is a man written law, that the people had Moses to re-write the law.  How is this practice played out today, not just with divorce but other laws created to guide us?  Explain.
  • What does Jesus mean when he says, “don’t prevent them from coming to me”? Do you think he is talking about children literally or figuratively? How does this change your understanding of the scripture?

General Questions for Journaling

  • How do you rate in terms of being an environmentalist? Do you recycle? Care for animals? Tend to the earth?  What does this reading say about your responsibility to care for God’s creation?
  • What comfort do you get from knowing Jesus spent time on earth?
  • Describe how you feel the presence of God when you are alone.
  • What can you do to find the Jesus in each person you meet? Is it possible to see Jesus in someone whom you don’t like or who doesn’t know Jesus? Explain.
  • How does Jesus’ death bring salvation to all? Does it make sense to you that you receive God’s salvation whether you believe it or not? Does that bring you comfort or cause you distress? Explain.
  • Describe the characteristics of man as you believe God created man to be.
  • Describe the characteristics of woman as you believe God created woman to be.
  • How do men and women complement each other? Is this how God created them to be?  Why or why not?
  • What causes men and women to clash? Is this how God created them to be?
  • What is your experience of divorce? How do Jesus’ words affect your opinion of divorce? How does your experience affect how you understand the scripture?
  • Do you think the fear of getting divorced keeps people who are suitable partners from getting married? What other things might keep people from getting married?
  • What makes a marriage a “perfect union”? Do you think this exists? Why or why not? Do you believe a marriage without God can last? Why or why not?
  • Make a list of some non-negotiables of a marriage God joins together?

Closing Prayer

Leader:  As I awake and begin each morning…

ALL:  May I rejoice in Your love!

Leader:  As I settle into the routine of the day…

ALL:  May I rejoice in Your love!

Leader:  As I encounter struggles and stress…

ALL:  May I rejoice in Your love!

Leader:  As I celebrate blessings and joys…

ALL:  May I rejoice in Your love!

Leader: As I lay down to rest in Your embrace…

ALL:  May I rejoice in Your love!

Challenge for the Week:  Think of a married couple you know and reflect on their relationship through the lens of these readings.  How do they complement one another?  Can you see the partnership between the two of them?

GET CONNECTED DAILY!  Find more reflections and prayers at Making Scripture Relevant on Facebook and Instagram.  Join the Weekly Scripture Journal email list by contacting heather@makingscripturerelevant.com

Sunday, September 26th Readings

26th Sunday of Ordinary Time

Opening Prayer

Father

Even when I make a mistake;

YOU love me!

When I don’t follow your precepts;

YOU forgive me!

Thank you for seeing the good in me;

YOU fill my heart!

Let YOUR WORD give me the ability to do this for others!

Amen

Journal/Reflection Questions

Numbers 11:25-29

  • Can you identify the message God is sending to the people in this scripture? What do you think Moses is thinking or feeling?
  • What does this scripture tell you about the ability to speak about God? Do you live this out? Give an example.
  • What do you learn about the power of the Holy Spirit in this scripture? How has this same power provoked you? Be specific.

James 5:1-6

  • What does this scripture say about what the world says is “fair” and what God says is “fair”?
  • Do believe your faith can become corrupted? Why or why not? What causes your faith to become distorted or off track? What role does God play in all of this?
  • Where do you see this scripture being played out in society? Where do you see yourself in the scenario? Is there anything that can be done to change the outcome?

Mark 9:38-43,47-48

  • What is the message Jesus is trying to covey? Who do you know that needs to hear it? How can you apply this message to your own life?
  • Jesus again is saying it is better to die than to live without. How does this message apply to you? How did it apply to Him?

General Questions for Journaling

  • Where do you see the Holy Spirit working?
  • Can you determine where it is truly the Holy Spirit and where it is someone “acting” as though the Spirit is speaking through them? How can you tell the difference?
  • Identify the gifts you find in other faiths, including the one which you practice. What good things are happening?
  • What was the last piece of good news you heard? Where did you hear it from and who did you tell?
  • Are you more likely to share good news with others than bad news? Does it make a difference if the news is about you or someone else?
  • Would you say you ALWAYS follow the rules or do what you are told? Are there exceptions?  Do you follow the rules to avoid negative consequences or for another reason?
  • Have you ever tried to make something fair? What was the situation? Did it work?
  • Is it okay to take from the rich to help the poor or is it just as wrong as the rich withholding from those who need help?
  • Is there a specific injustice you see in the world and feel called to do something about? What is stopping you?
  • Have you ever been in an “exclusive” club or organization? A sorority or fraternity?  Hold a membership card where you receive benefits for being a member? How does it make you feel when you receive the special benefits from being a member? What would you do or feel if someone who didn’t do what you did still received the benefits without paying their “dues”?
  • How do you speak out in the name of Jesus? What is the response when you do?
  • Where do you see God revealed in a typical day, week, month, year?
  • What are some of the things you feel strongly about that you would stand up and fight for? Can you list at least five things?
  • Is it better to stand back and not get involved or to fight for what you believe, even if it is against an opposition stronger than you?

Closing Prayer

Leader:  When I am in silent prayer…

ALL:  Holy Spirit, come dwell in me!

Leader:  When I need the courage to speak…

ALL:  Holy Spirit, come dwell in me!

Leader:  When I stand up for what is right…

ALL:  Holy Spirit, come dwell in me!

Leader:  When I bring comfort to a stranger…

ALL:  Holy Spirit, come dwell in me!

Leader:  I am your servant…

ALL:  Holy Spirit, come dwell in me!

Challenge for the Week:  How often do you pass judgment on another person simply because they worship or pray differently than you do?  How about those who worship in the same way?  What right do you have to judge if a person is good and holy based on the church they attend?  No one has the right to judge another.  Work to ignore those human instincts to compare and look with the eyes of Jesus to the focus or the truth of what others do.  If they are working toward peace and justice, who cares if they are Jewish or Islam or another Christian denomination?  Just because someone doesn’t worship at the same location, in the same way, doesn’t mean they are not serving the same God.  Sure you might have a few or even a lot of differences but when you are working toward the same goal of salvation, does it really matter?  Take time this week and start to break down any walls that have been built between you and another person or a group of people.  Let God’s truth come and tear those walls down so only love remains.

GET CONNECTED DAILY!  Find more reflections and prayers at Making Scripture Relevant on Facebook and Instagram.  Join the Weekly Scripture Journal email list by contacting heather@makingscripturerelevant.com

Sunday, September 19th Readings

25th Sunday of Ordinary Time

Opening Prayer

Jesus

Give me the ability to step out of the way;

to allow a pause and not be impatient.

Keep me from feeling I am the only one,

who is able to find an answer or complete a task.

Let my faith overcome my fear…

Let me allow you to complete the good work,

for you can bring beauty to the completion of all things!

Amen

Journal/Reflection Questions

Wisdom 2 :12, 17-20

  • How does this scripture paint the wicked? What do they lack?
  • Where does Jesus say someone should prove themselves worthy? How does this scripture contradict what Jesus teaches?
  • Explain how this scripture is a model for bullying. What can you do in opposition?

James 3:16-4:3

  • What obstacle had God helped you overcome? How does this scripture give you the words to explain the experience?
  • Conflict can bring good outcomes and bad outcomes. Share examples from scripture of each AND/OR share examples from you own experience of both.

Mark 9:30-37

  • Explain Jesus’ actions in this scripture. Actions speak louder than words so what is He saying here when He takes the child into His arms?
  • Share examples of how Jesus modelled for the world how to be “servant of all”.
  • What are the qualities Jesus deems most important in a disciple? Identify at least five you can learn about in this scripture.
  • Do you think the disciples knew arguing over who would be the greatest was the wrong thing to be arguing about? Share a time when you were arguing about something you knew you shouldn’t.

General Questions for Journaling

  • What characteristics of other just seem to “turn you off”? What do you want to do when you encounter someone who does it?
  • Share examples of situations where you feel “tortured” or “trapped”. How can God or did God help you in this situation?
  • What brings you comfort when you feel you have no control?
  • Share a time when you broke the rules intentionally. What caused you to do so? Were there consequences?
  • Does wickedness exist in the world today? Where? What feeds it?
  • Where do you see evil in the world? What is being done to keep it from growing?
  • Have you experienced God’s patience? Describe what it is like. What specifically can you learn about patience from God?
  • Do you have conflict with God? Why or why not?
  • Can you have conflict within yourself? How can you wage war on yourself? Does this affect others? Is it influenced by others?
  • Think of a time when you acted out of anger or frustration; what were you angry or frustrated about? How did your anger or frustration help or hurt the situation?
  • How do conflicts arise between people? What causes conflict?
  • How many things are you passionate about? Is there a limit?
  • What do your words and actions say you are passionate about?
  • Do you share your passion with others or keep it for yourself?
  • How do you react when you hear that something will happen in a different way than you expected?
  • Do you treat children differently than you do adults? Why or why not?
  • What do you do when you don’t understand something? How does it change your attitude?
  • What qualities of a child do you possess when it comes to your faith? Be specific.

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Lord, teach me to cultivate good fruits

ALL:  through my words and actions.

Leader:  Lord, teach me to cultivate mercy

ALL:  and show compassion to all.

Leader:  Lord, teach me to cultivate peace

ALL:  with honesty and just decisions.

Leader:  Lord, teach me to cultivate love

ALL:  through sacrifice for greater good.

Leader:  Lord, teach me to cultivate humility

ALL:  and give you honor and praise!

Challenge for the Week:  Borrowed from Ronald Rolheiser’s reflection on the scriptures; he shares thoughts in the words of Marilynne Robinson about our inability to genuinely love our neighbor.  Marilynne Robinson submits that, even in our failure to live up (to) what Jesus asks of us, if we are struggling honestly, there is some virtue. She argues this way: Freud said that we cannot love our neighbor as ourselves, and no doubt this is true. But since we accept the reality that lies behind the commandment, that our neighbor is as worthy of love as ourselves, then in our very attempt to act on Jesus’ demand we are acknowledging that our neighbor is worthy of love even if, at that this point in our lives, we are too weak to provide it. Spend time with this challenge and consider how this resonates with you.

GET CONNECTED DAILY!  Find more reflections and prayers at Making Scripture Relevant on Facebook and Instagram.  Join the Weekly Scripture Journal email list by contacting heather@makingscripturerelevant.com

Sunday, September 12th Readings

24th Sunday of Ordinary Time

Opening Prayer

Father

All the times when you step in

to protect me,

to give me the things I need,

to show love,

to teach me,

to give me strength or understanding,

to show patience,

I KNOW I AM YOURS…Thank you, Father!

Amen

Journal/Reflection Questions

Isaiah 50:5-9a

  • This scripture gives birth to the phrase, if God is for me, who can be against me? Which line of scripture gives you the most strength and understanding of this fact?
  • What advice does this scripture give on how to face turmoil or trouble? What attitude must one have when facing opposition? Is this attitude strictly for when people oppose your faith or beliefs or can it be true when facing any conflict?

James 2:14-18

  • What does this scripture say about how you should treat others? Is it easy to follow? Why or why not?
  • Look closely at yourself. Draw a diagram or chart to map out how your faith and works compare over the past week, month or year.  Are there trends?  Are there obstacles which deterred them from coming together?  Or on the positive side, are there situations which cultivated them to overlap?

Mark 8:27-35

  • The cross Jesus bore was made of wood, full of the sins of those He loved. What is your cross made of?  What do you carry?
  • Have you, like Jesus in this scripture, ever been misunderstood by faithful companion(s)? What happened? How was the misunderstanding resolved?

General Questions for Journaling

  • Consider a time when you lived out the first scripture. What was the situation?  How do you know God was on your side?
  • Imagine the first scripture playing out in a movie or play. What emotions would you feel to witness someone turning the other cheek?  How are those feelings different if you were the one who turned your face for another blow?
  • What in the first scripture lets you know you are not supposed to simply let people abuse you or trample you under foot? Is it a fine line or a wide divide between what the scripture teaches and physical, mental or emotional abuse?
  • Are you listening to what God is saying to you? What is the difference between listening and hearing?
  • Can you identify the “satan” in your life? What is it that consistently causes you to step backwards instead of leaping forward?
  • What does it truly mean to “deny one’s self”? Is it like saying no to a fourth piece of pizza or skipping dessert?  Why or why not?
  • The world teaches people to serve only themselves but Jesus says to serve others, on a scale from 1-10, how are you doing with this task?
  • Jesus wants to know he is fully loved and fully known, the way He fully loves and fully knows you. Share examples of how you can do this.
  • What specifically can you gain if you lose your life? What role does God play in this scenario?
  • Is saying Jesus is the Christ wrong?  Are there times when you should keep you mouth shut and your faith to yourself?  Give examples.
  • Make a list of reasons Jesus may have told the disciples not to tell anyone He is the one who is spoken about in the Old Testament.  What repercussions could occur if everyone knew?

Closing Prayer

Leader:  May I not turn my back on a person in need.

ALL:  Open my heart to YOUR love!

Leader:  May I not be quick to judge a person or situation.

ALL:  Open my heart to YOUR love!

Leader:  May I not rely on what the world says is truth.

ALL:  Open my heart to YOUR love!

Leader:  May I not use words to strike out and cause harm.

ALL:  Open my heart to YOUR love!

Leader: Empty me Lord so I may be made new…

ALL:  Open my heart to YOUR love!

Challenge for the Week:  Make of list of well-meaning phrases which mean nothing without love.  If you are paying attention, it is easy to see through body language or hear through tone of voice if someone truly wishes you to have a “good” morning or if they are just saying the words to fill the quiet.  It means much more to you that someone says Happy Birthday to you, even if it is a day late, than a “oh, it’s your birthday? Happy Birthday…”  This is not to say you can’t tell someone Happy Birthday without giving them a gift, but you should give them Christ’s joy.  You are God’s messenger, how are you getting the message of love across to your neighbor?  This goes for “have a nice day” or actually stopping to listen when you ask someone “how are you doing”.  Being Christ’s love in the world is a tough job…are you willing to work to put this into practice at least once a day each day this week?  Who knows it might catch on!

GET CONNECTED DAILY!  Find more reflections and prayers at Making Scripture Relevant on Facebook and Instagram.  Join the Weekly Scripture Journal email list by contacting heather@makingscripturerelevant.com

Sunday, September 5th Readings

23rd Sunday of Ordinary Time

Opening Prayer

My God,

Let me seek the water that is brings me life!

I want to reach the stream that never runs dry!

You put a thirst in me that only you can quench!

Come, bring healing to my weary soul and fill until I overflow!

Amen

Journal/Reflection Questions

Isaiah 35:4-7a

  • What phrase from this scripture gives you hope?
  • Draw a picture of what this scripture looks like to you.

James 2:1-5

  • What does this scripture say about how we should treat others? Is it easy to follow? Why or why not?
  • Are there people or groups of people whom you have trouble treating with respect? What keeps you from doing so?
  • How does your appearance change the reaction you get from others? Is this important? Why or why not? Is it a good representation of you or what you want others to believe you are?
  • What are the benefits of being poor? What are the benefits of being rich? How do they differ?

Mark 7:31-37

  • What is the reaction of the people in this scripture? How do you think you would react if you had been there?
  • For what reason do you believe Jesus told the people to be quiet? Why do you think they disobeyed this order?
  • Why do you think Jesus “groaned” before he healed the deaf man?
  • What would you have felt if you saw Jesus walking away from the crowd? How does his action cause you to feel?

General Questions for Journaling

  • How do you celebrate the coming of Christ? What does it look like in your life?
  • What do you need from Jesus to heal? Are you in need of healing? In what way?
  • How do you prepare for Jesus to come into your life?
  • When you are without one sense, how do your other senses work to “make up” for the missing sense?
  • What is something you have seen or want to see that you would regret seeing if you were to become blind today?
  • What is something you would miss hearing if you were to lose your sense of hearing today?
  • Share an example of a personal experience when you felt God came to rescue you. What was the situation? How are you assured it was God who came?
  • Is there anything that causes you fear? Anything that God could not rescue you from?
  • How does goodness, beauty and healing come from something evil, ugly and broken? Can you give an example?
  • Is there something you need to be rescued from right now? How do you speak to God about it?
  • Has God rescued you from something in the past? How do you show gratitude?
  • Does God show favoritism? Why or why not? If so, to whom?
  • Do you think you treat everyone equally? Why or why not? Give an example.
  • Why does having money automatically demand respect in our society? Identify the poverty in your life. What has God already done in response to it?
  • Do you have favorites? Favorite stores?  Favorite restaurants?  Favorite place to stop while on a road trip?  This show partiality.  How does this affect others who are in the same business?  What do your actions change in the big picture?
  • How do you relate to the cries for help from those in need?

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Praise you Lord, all my days!

ALL:  When I am weak and need strength…you rescue me;

Leader:  Praise you Lord, all my days!

ALL:  When I am oppressed and seek justice…you set me free;

Leader:  Praise you Lord, all my days!

ALL:  When I am alone and need assurance…you send a friend;

Leader:  Praise you Lord, all my days!

ALL:  When I am guilty of sin and shame…you forgive me;

Leader:  Praise you Lord, all my days!

ALL:  When I am short on faith and hope…you fill me;

Leader:  Praise you Lord,

ALL:  all my days!!!

Challenge for the Week:  Imagine a day without clean water.  It is such a commodity in the world and many waste it.  It is difficult to understand this when you consider a human body is made up of 70% of it and 71% of the earth’s surface is covered in water.  However, the oceans hold 96.5% of all the earths’ water which means there is only 3.5% left to be considered fresh water and only a fraction of that is immediately drinkable.  These are not statistics, rather facts about how important water is in the existence of life.  Consider all the things you use water for on a daily basis and spend time in prayer with words of gratitude that you have the privilege to have access to clean, drinkable water AND for the 35% of the world’s population who do not have access to a clean water source or improved sanitation.  One more thing to add to the list of “gratefuls” each day!

GET CONNECTED DAILY!  Find more reflections and prayers at Making Scripture Relevant on Facebook and Instagram.  Join the Weekly Scripture Journal email list by contacting heather@makingscripturerelevant.com