2^nd Sunday of Ordinary Time

Opening Prayer

Lord, Lamb of God!

May Your light shine

          from the heavens!

May Your Spirit dwell

          throughout the land!

Let all those who gather

          in your name

                   feel Your presence!

AMEN

Journal/Reflection Questions

Isaiah 49:3, 5-6

• What is glorious about being a servant? 
• How are you allowing God to make you strong?

1 Corinthians 1:1-3

• Where do you see evidence of holiness?
• What do you call God? What names do you use? 
• What does God call you in return?

John 1:29-34

• Who in your life demands the respect John the Baptist gives Jesus? What have they done to deserve your respect?
• Do you believe in anything with as much conviction as John the Baptist does that Jesus is the Savior?

General Questions for Journaling

• Where do you turn for help?
• Do you see more light than darkness in your life right now? Or do you see more darkness in your life right now? Is there something you can do this week to let more light in?
• What can you do to step toward God this year, this month, today?
• How has your relationship with God restored you?
• Are there stages of holiness like a 1-10 scale or it is a yes or no, either you are, or you aren’t?
• What is the opposite of holiness?
• What are characteristics of holiness? Do any of the characteristics alone point to holiness or do you need all of them?
• Do you believe the Holy Spirit is here on earth? Where? How do you know?
• When was the last time you looked to the Spirit of God? What were you looking for? Did the Spirit of God deliver?
• Is your faith strong enough you would testify on behalf of your beliefs? 

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Through the waters of Baptism…

ALL:  I am CLEANED!

Leader:  Through the waters of Baptism…

ALL:  I am made PURE!

Leader:  Through the waters of Baptism…

ALL:  I am SATISFIED!

Leader:  Through the waters of Baptism…

ALL:  I become WHOLE!

Leader:  Through the waters of Baptism…

ALL:  I am BELOVED!

Challenge for the Week:  There is a motivational speaker named Andy Andrews who wrote a book called the Butterfly Effect.  It is a fictional story about a man’s life, based on a scientific theory.  The theory refers to how something as small as a butterfly flapping its wings can cause a tsunami.  The story from Andy Andrews uses this theory to remind us that one small act can do the same thing.  This is some amazing power!  Whether you use your power for good or bad is the challenge this week.  Think about the significant difference one life can make in the world; think Jesus. Your life can make a BIG difference too. Imagine what could happen if you simply flap your wings!

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Discipleship 5K: A Physical and Spiritual Journey to the Cross by Heather Neds, author of the Weekly Scripture Journal is more than a book, it is a guide to becoming a stronger disciple.  Grab and copy and start the journey!