31st Sunday of Ordinary Time

Opening Prayer

God of hospitality

You bring me what I need

          often before I know I need it.

Within my soul is a place for You to dwell

          so You can be with me always.

When I awake each day

          You know what lies ahead.

This journey can be long, rocky and I can lose my way

          but You are there with open arms.

You see me when I feel lost and alone

          and You welcome me in!

AMEN

Journal/Reflection Questions

Wisdom 11:22-12:2

• Is God dwelling in you? How do you know? How would you explain God dwelling in you to another person?
• God is described as “all knowing, creator of the universe” but He is also described as “dwelling inside of you”, describe a moment when you felt God in both instances.
• Draw a picture of this reading. What does it look like to you? What images do you include?  hat colors do you use? What is the overall message you would send with your picture?

2Thessalonians 1:11-2:2

• Share a time when God used another person to strengthen your faith. Share a time when God used you to help another person keep hold of their faith when it was shaken.
• How has prayer brought fulfillment to you? How do you know prayer brings forth God’s grace?
• Saint Paul’s pep talk is for all of us! What needs to be “shaken out of your mind” for you to be a better witness of Christ’s love for you?

Luke 19:1-10

• Zacchaeus climbed a tree to see Jesus. What do you do, where do you go to see Jesus?
• Like Zacchaeus, there are moments in your life when you are willing to climb a tree to catch a glimpse. Share a story of this from your own experience.
• Do you climb the tree to see Jesus more clearly or do you do it to be seen by others?
• How would you react if Jesus came to your home for dinner? What would you serve? Who might you invite?

General Questions for Journaling

• If God created the universe and all that is within it, what evidence is there that He loves you?
• If God loves only what He made, does this mean He doesn’t love things He didn’t make? Explain.
• How do you show reverence to creation? To your neighbor?
• When you make a meal, draw a picture, or create something else from scratch, how do you feel? Are you proud of your work or are you critical of the outcome?
• As a parent, can you look at your child with anything other than love? Why or why not?
• What are you doing to live in a way worthy of Christ? What does that mean?
• Are there areas in your life that cause you to grumble? Have you ever let Jesus into those places? What can you do to open that area of conflict or worry up to Jesus and allow Him to change your grumbling into positive change?
• What gives you your identity? Is it things such as titles or what you do for a living? Is it another person such as what role you play in the lives of others? Where does your identity come from? What can you learn from Zacchaeus about your own identity?
• What makes you whole or what fills you up spiritually? Physically? Mentally? 
• How does it feel when someone tells you, they are praying for you? Do you tell those you are praying for that you are praying for them?
• Is there a word, phrase, or story which “shakes” you into action?
• It was a great honor for Zacchaeus to have Jesus as a guest for dinner. How have you been honored or recognized in your life? Where was God in that experience?
• According to God’s standards, what makes you great?
• If Jesus invited himself to your house for dinner, what would you say? Would you be ready?
• Jesus accepts Zacchaeus even though according to the “world’s” standards, he was a “sinner”. Is there someone in your life who you have “shut off” because of difference of opinion or belief? How can you learn from Jesus’ example to love people, no matter where they are at or where they are coming from?

Closing Prayer

Leader:  I welcome YOU Lord…

ALL:  in the still of the night and motion of the day!

Leader:  I welcome YOU Lord…

ALL:  as I head out each day; giving me direction!

Leader:  I welcome YOU Lord…

ALL: when I am alone and when I am with others!

Leader:  I welcome YOU Lord…

ALL:  even when you stretch me beyond my limits!

Leader:  I welcome YOU Lord…

ALL:  in my peaceful moments and in the chaos!

Leader:  I welcome YOU Lord…

ALL:  into my home with all of my heart!

Challenge for the Week:  Who is someone either you have met or have never met who influenced you in a positive way?  Make a list of the people who have helped form you into the person you are today.  Write down each of their names and how their words and/or actions have had a lasting effect on you. 

In turn, remember you are called by Christ to be Christ to others.  Consider your words and actions this week.  Pay close attention to how they compare or contrast with how you see Jesus in the Gospels.  Choose one or two ways you will work on to help your words or actions mirror what Jesus would do or say.  You might be the only experience of Christ someone ever experiences.  You want to be ready.

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