Sunday, November 7th Readings

32nd Sunday of Ordinary Time

Opening Prayer

Father in heaven,

Each day I work hard to please you

but this is not what you ask of me.

You ask for me to love you with all my heart.

You ask me to find you in others.

and want me to share your love.

Love you and share your love…this is what you ask;

Help me to stay focused on the goals you have for me.

Amen

Journal/Reflection Questions

1 Kings 17:10-16

What does the widow do to receive the generosity of another?
Are there only a few people whom you would sacrifice the last of something for or would you sacrifice the same for a stranger/anybody?
What is God saying to you in this scripture about being ready to accept Him into your life?

Hebrews 9:24-28

What is the significance of one sacrifice?
How does one find salvation according to this scripture?
What is the core message you hear in this scripture? Each person will hear something differently according to their experience…share!

Mark 12:38-44

What is Jesus telling you about giving? Is He only talking about money to the church? Be specific.
What are the two types of people Jesus is referring to in this scripture? What characteristics are being highlighted as good and bad? Where would you rate yourself on the scale?
How are you like the widow? In what ways do you want to be more like the widow?

General Questions for Journaling

What do you have that never runs empty?
What do you have that limits you?
Is there anything you wouldn’t give away? What would it be and why?
Define generous spirit. Would you say you have a generous spirit? Why or why not?
Share a time when you recently did something for another person. Did they ask you to do it or did you do it because you saw a need.
What is the difference between doing something you are asked to do and doing something because you saw a need?
What is needed to create a habit of giving? Do you have these qualities? Who do you know has them?
What good comes from helping others?
Are there always rewards for doing good things?
When you think of what God brings to your relationship and what you bring, do you think God is measuring like you do? Why or why not?
What do you think God is saying about what you bring to your relationship?
Is generosity about how much you give or how you give? What is the difference?
Make a list of the things God love most about you.
How do you define a “leap of faith”, share some examples.

Closing Prayer

Leader: When I am held up at a red light…