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…