5^th Sunday of Easter

Opening Prayer

Generous Lord,

There is no limit to your love!

You come to me

and lead me to safety when I encounter danger.

You embrace me

and give me comfort when I stumble and fall.

You open the gate

and usher me through even when I turn away.

May I learn from YOUR generosity

and be more generous in my own life!

Journal/Reflection Questions

Acts 14:21-27

• Paul and Barnabas opened doors of faith to others; what doors do you open?
• Who are the gentiles in the world today who need to hear God’s Word from you?

Revelation 21:1-5a

• Describe how God has made things new in your experiences? What specifically was done?
• What does it mean that “God’s dwelling is with the human race”? How is this lived out in the world?

John 13:31-33a, 34-35

• How do you let God work through you? Do you believe you can work a miracle?
• Where have you shared God’s love? Where have you received it?

General Questions for Journaling

• How is faith expressed in your home? Is it the same or different than how you express your faith personally?
• What traditions do you have in your family which flow from your faith?
• Are there traditions you have in your family which you could tweak to add an element of faith?
• How does your faith carry with you when you travel? Is it something you pack with you or do you leave it behind?
• What are some of the things that make loving your neighbor so difficult? What stands in the way? How can you work to break down the obstacle(s)?
• Where do you see examples of God’s selfless love? How has it been modelled for you?
• When was the last time you did something with expectation? Where do you share God’s selfless love?
• Where can you inspire positive change? How much effort would it take? Are there others who can help you?
• How do you define the human race? What is human? Why race? Where is God in the definition?
• Does God need to increase or decrease in your life? How does this happen?
• Faith is like a bumper sticker on your soul. What does your bumper sticker say?

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Lord, may I proclaim Your love

ALL:  to each person I meet!

Leader:  Lord, may I proclaim Your patience

ALL:  to each person I meet!

Leader:  Lord, may I proclaim Your forgiveness

ALL:  to each person I meet!

Leader:  Lord, may I proclaim Your generosity

ALL:  to each person I meet!

Leader:  Lord, may I proclaim Your acceptance

ALL:  to each person I meet!

Leader:  Lord, may I proclaim the Good News

ALL:  to each person I meet!

Challenge for the Week:  The warmer weather opens the door to get outside and enjoy creation. However, schedules often get busier during the springtime too.  There are family gatherings and celebrations (Easter, First Communion, Confirmation, Mother’s Day, Graduation) and a rash of other commitments which keep your mind and body from slowing down and remembering that God is God and you are not.  It is easy to get sucked up into a tornado of bitterness and resentment forgetting what a gift each of these activities bring.  Psalm 145 is the perfect reminder that life has been dormant all winter (and through Lent), now is the time to step up and show God appreciation for all He has given!  Resist the temptation to fill each hour with activity and slow down to allow God to love you, be reminded of God’s goodness.  Imagine how a little bit of time with God to refresh your soul can change your attitude!  This week, spend time with Psalm 145, take it piece by piece, let it soak into you and allow the Words to become one with your flesh.  Then you will be ready to share God’s goodness with everyone you encounter!

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