Sunday, October 31st Readings

31st Sunday of Ordinary Time

Opening Prayer

Teach me what it means to love.

Show me how to serve.

Give me the strength to do both!

Amen

Journal/Reflection Questions

Deuteronomy 6:2-6

What do you hear God saying in this scripture? How is your message different than others? How is it the same?
Share examples of where you see following God’s commandments are good.
Share examples of where you see following God’s commandments are bad.

Hebrews 7:23-28

What does this scripture teach you about the Eucharist? Is this an old or a new insight?
How does this scripture help you understand how sacrifice is good? Does it make you more or less willing to make a sacrifice for God? For others?
What is God calling you to sacrifice right now?

Mark 12:28b-34

How does Jesus determine or measure our nearness to the kingdom of God according to this scripture?
Does loving God come easy? Why or why not?
Describe God’s love. What words do you use?
Do you love God the same way He loves you? Why or why not?

General Questions for Journaling

Does love have a capacity? Explain
How does God love vs how you love? Is it different? Is it the same?
Imagine your heart. Draw a picture of it and then write down the things that you carry in your heart. Is your heart big enough to carry all of those things and be able to love God too?
How does having God in your life make your life better?
Where do you see God’s presence? In your home? Your spouse? Your kids? Neighbors? Co-workers? Fellow parishioners? Be specific.
What does it mean to you when people pray for you? What does it mean for you to pray for others?
Do you believe those who have passed can provide you support, understanding and companionship? Why or why not?
How do you put God above others? Give an example.
What do you do to “work” on your relationship with God?
Shouldn’t love come easy? What makes loving God or others or yourself difficult?
Do you feel you know God? Understand Jesus? Are connected to the Holy Spirit? What kind of things can you do to deepen your relationship with each part of the Holy Trinity?
What significance does scripture, tradition and sacrifice have on your relationship with God? What significance do these things have on your personal relationship with others?
Explain how the Eucharist is an expression of love.

Closing Prayer

Leader: Lord, come live in me…

ALL: so I can understand the sacrifice of love.

Leader: Lord, come live in me…

ALL: so I can teach others through my actions.

Leader: Lord, come live in me…

ALL: so I can give hope by sharing the Gospel.

Leader: Lord, come live in me…

ALL: so I can be a place of refuge.

Leader: Lord, come live in me…

ALL: so I can become more like YOU!

Challenge for the Week: Jesus took the 10 commandments and condensed them into simpler language for people to understand. He didn’t change the message of what the commandments say, the tasks are still the same. Just because the language is simpler, what God wants you and I to do is not simpler.

Take the first piece, “love God with all your heart, mind and soul.” When you think about loving God, it’s easy to think, oh yeah, that is no problem! However, do you give God you ALL? Jesus says to love with ALL your heart, mind and soul but many times in your lifetime, you can find you’ve turned your back on God and not acknowledged God for the blessings in your life, either because you forget or get busy or dismiss the blessings as things you deserve. This request isn’t so easy after all.

Then the second part of the message is to, “love your neighbor as yourself” which comes with a long list of obstacles. First and foremost, can you say you love yourself? If you can, then you’re halfway there but if you can’t say that you love yourself, then you’ve gotta figure out how to do that so then you can begin the work of loving others.

Is it even possible to love God and love others equally AND love ourselves too? This is what God wants from you and even though it is hard the relationship you have with the Holy Trinity can give insight. Spend time this week reflecting on the commandments through the lens of the Holy Trinity, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, then apply what you learn to living them out!

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, October 24th Readings

30th Sunday of Ordinary Time

Opening Prayer

I shout for joy because you

heal me from my hurts,

you protect me from my enemies

and you provide me with peace of mind!

Your Word continues to guide me and lead me,

by teaching me your ways.

Thank you for always being there for me so

I can be Christ to others.

Amen

Journal/Reflection Questions

Jeremiah 31:7-9

Who are the burdened and downtrodden in this scripture? How does God provide them with support?
Where do you find security in this scripture? How is it or how can it be played out in your life?

Hebrews 5:1-6

What can you learn from this scripture about dealing with people who try your patience?
What does this scripture say about weakness? What are your weaknesses?

Mark 10:46-52

What do you say when you cry out to Jesus?
Are you persistent in making your desires known to God? What do you do about making your needs known and then acting on them?

General Questions for Journaling

Where do you seek consolation? Is it from a person or is it a place or something else?
Who comes to you for support when they are weary? What do you offer? Is it too much? Is it not enough? How do you know it is what they need?
Have you ever felt the path you are on has too many curves or bumps? What can be done to level out the road a bit? How can you help yourself with this task? What can you do for others?
When did you recently sacrifice something for another person’s good? When has someone done the same for you? Has this happened with or without regret or expectation?
Make a list of 5-10 good qualities you possess which would draw people to you.
When someone comes to you for counsel, do you look for how you will benefit or how they will benefit? OR do you turn to the Holy Spirit for guidance in the counsel you give? What does this look like?
Jesus stood up for you and died for your sins; who do you stand up for? How do you let them know you stand up for them even in their weakness?
Are there people who refuse to “be quiet” in your life or in the community? Do they stay on one topic or do they harp on many? What do you think their goal is?
Are there times when you should hold your tongue or the opposite, speak out more? Identify those moments.
Where do you see Jesus working today? What is He doing to shout out the message of forgiveness, mercy and healing?
Is there somewhere Jesus needs you to go out to shout the good news?

Closing Prayer

Leader: Jesus, have pity on me and restore my soul

ALL: for I am weak.

Leader: Jesus, have pity on me and restore my soul

ALL: for I am blind.

Leader: Jesus, have pity on me and restore my soul

ALL: for I am crippled.

Leader: Jesus, have pity on me and restore my soul

ALL: for I am ignorant.

Leader: Jesus, have pity on me and restore my soul

ALL: for I am a sinner.

Challenge for the Week: Take time this week to think about what it would be like to be blind. How would you feel? How might you be different? How would you define the word see if you were blind, not having the experience of knowing what it truly was? Then spend time considering what makes you “blind”? What keeps you from seeing the positive in people or situations rather than the negative? What things in your life or within yourself do you refuse to see and change? How much time and effort do you spend trying to keep these things hidden from others, from God? Pray…”Jesus, son of David, have pity on me.”

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, October 17th Readings

29th Sunday of Ordinary Time

Opening Prayer

Jesus

You humbled yourself; You sacrificed.

You carried my sin, my guilt and my shame.

May I remember the pain and suffering you endured for me.

Let me not forget it was for my good and the good of all!

Jesus, you know and understand what I need!

Amen

Journal/Reflection Questions

Isaiah 53:10-11

Share some examples of how a person gives their life as an offering for sin. What does this mean?
Have you ever wanted to take the place of another person who was suffering? Share the experience.

Hebrews 4:14-16

What tests did Jesus have to go through? Share the times in scripture when Jesus was put to the test. What was he tested for/about?
Name the emotion you feel knowing Jesus knows how you feel when you are reluctant to spent time with him or go to confession or to help someone in need.
When do you recall Jesus showing weakness? When did he suffer? What makes you know Jesus understands us when we have done wrong?

Mark 10:35-45

When have you been like the disciples and not understood what you were truly asking?
What do you understand from Jesus’ response to the disciples? What does this tell you about how he will respond to your unknowing?
From the scripture, so the disciples come to understand Jesus? Why or why not?

General Questions for Journaling

Is it better suffer alone or with others? Explain your answer.
Do you feel others suffering? What can you to for those who suffer? Be specific.
Have you seen how God’s message is spread through suffering? Share some examples in your personal experience and in the world.
How does suffering through something cause you to draw closer to God? How does it separate you?
How does it feel to know God understands your joys and your sorrows? Reflect on EXACTLY what that means and how you can bring God to the forefront of those experiences instead of an afterthought.

What is your definition of weakness? How can you redefine it in a positive way?
What is the difference between sympathy and empathy? How can both of these affect suffering?
What good can come from suffering? Share an example.
Do you feel as though you are being tested? Who is testing you?
What is it about power that is so alluring?
Why do you think it is fun to be “king of the mountain”? What do you think about when you are the one in charge?
How can you be a better servant to others? Share a specific example you will work on this week. (family, friend, community)
Conflict in the world and in our lives is unavoidable. What things are worth fighting for? What are you willing to sacrifice for? What is worth suffering?

Closing Prayer

Leader: Moses an abandoned child and Leader of the Israelites.

ALL: Through suffering, YOU are light

Leader: Joseph imprisoned and champion of dreams.

ALL: Through suffering, YOU are light

Leader: Jesus crucified and resurrected.

ALL: Through suffering, YOU are light

Leader: Peter denied and head of the Church.

ALL: Through suffering, YOU are light

Leader: Destruction of the world and a brilliant sunrise.

ALL: Through suffering, YOU are light

Challenge for the Week: The corporate ladder coined the phrase to “one up” someone which means to move up a rung of the ladder ahead of another. This type of competition isn’t anything new to human nature, it happened with the disciples and even the sons of Adam and Eve! There is always someone who thinks they are better or smarter or better looking; they believe they deserve the high praise and recognition, but Jesus is saying the one who deserves to live in the kingdom is the one who suffers. Since it is human nature to compare oneself to another, watch yourself this week. When you think someone did a better job than you, tell them. If someone is having a good hair day, let them know. Recognizing and acknowledging the good of others is a practice of humility and that can be painful. Though this acknowledgement is not the same type of suffering Jesus endured, it is a way of letting go of pride and ego. Jesus isn’t asking you to suffer alone, He knows how you feel because He has been there!

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, October 10th Readings

28th Sunday of Ordinary Time

Opening Prayer

God,

Your WORD is like a warm blanket

It keeps me company when I am lonely

And warms my soul and comforts me.

Blessed am I that I can wrap up in your WORD!

Amen

Journal/Reflection Questions

Wisdom 7:7-11

What do you imagine is priceless to God? What is priceless to you? How do the two differ? How are they the same?
Can you identify with the emotion expressed in this scripture? To what could you compare it?

Hebrews 4:12-13

This scripture explains God sees everything and knows everything, how does knowing God already knows what you have thought and what you have done or not done change your daily prayer?
Human instinct is to, like Adam and Eve, try to cover up sin. What might happen if you didn’t cover up what you did wrong?
How is God naked before you? Does God conceal anything? Explain.

Mark 10:17-30

How do you relate to the Rich Man? When have you felt God ask you to do something you were not ready to do?
Does God REALLY want you to give up everything to follow Him? What is the ultimate message here?
Have you ever been discouraged like the Rich Man in the Gospel reading because you have been faithful but Jesus continues to ask for more from you?
There is a saying that “anything worth doing is worth doing right”, how does this saying relate to the Gospel message? What does this mean for you?

General Questions for Journaling

For what do you pray? How does God respond to your prayers?
Reflect on your prayers; are they the same each day?
Are your prayers specific or general?
Do you plead with God only when you are in trouble?
How are pleading and begging the same or different? Can you bargain with God?
What prayer are you waiting on God to answer for you? Are you waiting because God hasn’t given you the answer you desire?
What causes you to “trip up” before God? Are there specific things God asks of you that you hesitate to accomplish? What holds you back?
How would another person know what you valued? What do you do with your valuables? How do you treat them? How are they displayed?
Do your actions affirm your values or do you say you value something because it makes you feel better to say so? Give an example.
What has God provided to you which is priceless? Have you thanked God for this?
Do you think God gives more to a person who is giving than to a person who isn’t as giving?
Who is the most giving person you know? What qualities about them do you admire the most?
What is your process for making decisions? Where does God fit into your discernment?
Who can be saved? What does it mean to be saved?
Do you think anyone can ever stop being good? Honest? Faithful?
What motivates you to be a better person?
How does clinging to something cause harm?

Closing Prayer

Leader: May I seek out where YOU lead…

ALL: Fill my spirit with WISDOM!

Leader: May I be glad today and everyday…

ALL: Fill my spirit with REJOICING!

Leader: May I reach out to others…

ALL: Fill my spirit with KINDNESS!

Leader: May I sing YOUR praises…

ALL: Fill my spirit with CELEBRATION!

Leader: May I follow YOUR heart…

ALL: Fill my spirit with LOVE!

Challenge for the Week: Identify one thing which is keeping you from giving yourself completely to Jesus? What it is that you just can’t let go of or stands in your way of fully embracing the life God intended for you to live? Jesus says to let go and follow me. Consider how you feel when you don’t have someone’s full attention; perhaps a child when you are disciplining them or a spouse when you are sharing about the ups and downs of your day. This must be how God feels when He is speaking to you and sharing His desires with you, but you don’t listen or pay attention or take action. This week work on shedding ONE obstacle which causes you to not be in full communion with Jesus. Work on breaking the habit and creating a new one which keeps you on the path toward a better relationship with God, the ultimate JOY!

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