Sunday, July 31st Readings

18^th Sunday of Ordinary Time

Opening Prayer

Lord

Why do you love me?

What causes you to stay with me?

You love me and never leave

even though I neglect you

and persecute you.

May I acknowledge your persistence in love

and come to know you enough

to love others as you love me!

Journal/Reflection Questions

Ecclesiastes 1:2; 2:21-23

How does one labor over wisdom and knowledge?
What do you allow to rule your life? Does work have control? The quest for acceptance or acknowledgement? A desire for wealth or status? What worries keep you awake at night?

Colossians 3:1-5, 9-11

Share an example of how you seek what is above on a regular basis? What does it look like?
How did you learn to seek life in Christ? How do you share what you have learned?

Luke 12:13-21

Are there things which you guard and do not share? What are they and why do you keep them for yourself?
What does this scripture tell you of what God values?

General Questions for Journaling

What causes you anxiety? How do you know it is anxiety? What happens to you physically, emotionally? How do you control it? Can you control it?
Have you ever allowed grief to consume you? What do you risk when you allow grief and sorrow to take over?
When was the last time your mind was at rest? Describe the feeling?
Do the things you invest our time in tell an accurate story about what you value? Are there things you need to change?
What is your image of Christ? What are the qualities of God which you emulate? Which ones do you need to work on more?
Are there times when you hide your belief in God? Why or why not?
What is your definition of treasure or riches?
Where do you go to seek treasure or riches?
Do you consider yourself to be rich? Why or why not?