Month: May 2023

Sunday, May 28th Readings

Pentecost

Opening Prayer

O Blessed Spirit,

When I feel alone,

          You are there.

When I am surrounded by darkness,

          You bring light.

When I am weak,

          You are my strength.

You are my guide to stay on the path of life,

          which leads to heaven.

Fill my soul, dwell in me, FOREVER!

Journal/Reflection Questions

Acts 2:1-11

  • Where is the Holy Spirit driving you? How do you open yourself up to the mission you are called to in your life?
  • What is changed about the apostles after they are visited in the upper room? What can you take from this experience? Imagine yourself there…how does it change your perspective?
  • What keeps you from experiencing the fullness of the Holy Spirit today?

Corinthians 12:3b-7, 12-13

  • Each person is given a different gift of the Holy Spirit. Can you identify the gift(s) you have been given?
  • Explain the difference of being baptized in the Spirit and being baptized in water.
  • What lesson can you learn about differences from this scripture?

John 20:19-23

  • In the Old Testament, God “breathed” His breath into Adam.  What significance does this word have here in this reading? What is the correlation between the two scriptures?
  • How has the Spirit caused you to act differently? 
  • Where do you share God’s peace?  

General Questions for Journaling

  • Have you ever felt the Holy Spirit? Where was it? Did you feel it inside of you? Did you see it working around you?
  • Jesus said He sent an Advocate, a Comforter. How do you know you are not alone?
  • What can you do to build a closer relationship with the Holy Spirit?
  • What action steps are needed for you to let the Spirit into your life and help you be filled?
  • What excuses do you make to keep the Holy Spirit from entering into your being? What obstacles stand in your way of a meaningful relationship with the Holy Spirit?
  • What qualities of the Holy Spirit do you possess? What qualities of the Holy Spirit would you like to fill you?
  • In Galatians 5, St Paul shares what it means to “live in the Spirit”, what can you do to cultivate these qualities in your life?
  • How do you communicate faith with others? What language do you speak with your words and actions?
  • Do you believe in miracles? Why or why not?
  • Do think at Pentecost, they understood each other literally? Explain.
  • What can you do to understand others better? How can the gifts of the Holy Spirit help?
  • Is there a place where you feel more connected to the Holy Spirit? Jesus? God? Share.
  • Are there people in your life who are different and you appreciate their differences?
  • Are there people in your life who are different and you are frustrated by their differences?
  • What gift(s) do you hold back?
  • What can you do to share your gifts more abundantly?
  • Is peace easily found?  Why or why not?
  • Define a “peacemaker”. What qualities do you have?

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Come Holy Spirit,

ALL:  shine in my life!

Leader:  Come Spirit of Truth,

ALL:  teach me the way!

Leader:  Come Advocate,

ALL:  give me strength!

Leader:  Come Paraclete,

ALL:  bring me comfort!

Leader:  Come Presence of God,

ALL:  renew my faith!

Leader:  Come Holy Spirit,

ALL:  fill me with joy everlasting!

Challenge for the Week:  Spend time this week looking back on when Lent began twelve weeks ago with Ash Wednesday.  Since then, you have walked with Jesus through several experiences.  You have been there when He fought off the devil, raised Lazarus from the dead, washed the Disciples’ feet, was arrested, and crucified.  That was all just before Easter when He escaped death and came back for an encore to share with the Disciples that He will always be there with them until the end of time.  What has been revealed to you through this journey?  How has walking through Jesus’ last days, His suffering, crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension brought you understanding or comfort?  What has been revealed to you through these experiences?

GET CONNECTED DAILY!  Find more reflections and prayers at Making Scripture Relevant on Facebook and Instagram.  Join the WeeklyScripture Journal email list by contacting heather@makingscripturerelevant.com.

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 a copy and start the journey!

Sunday, May 21st Readings

Ascension

Opening Prayer

Heavenly Father,

When I look to the sky,

I am limited to what I see.

I can only imagine what is beyond.

Teach me,

guide me in Your WORD,

so I have the faith to believe

and understand what I cannot see.

AMEN

Journal/Reflection Questions

Acts 1:12-14 

  • What can you learn from the disciples about letting go of someone you love?
  • What is the importance of prayer and community in these times?

1 Peter 4:13-16 

  • Explain how sharing in Jesus’ suffering brings us closer to him.
  • When have you felt the Spirit of God rest upon you? Share the details.

John 17:1-11a

  • What is revealed to you through Jesus’ suffering? 
  • What is revealed to you through Jesus’ crucifixion?  
  • What is revealed to you through Jesus’ resurrection? 
  • What is revealed to you through Jesus’ ascension?

General Questions for Journaling

  • Share a time when you were disappointed. How were you able to overcome?
  • When have you had to let go of something you love? How did you deal with the loss?
  • What can you do to bring comfort to someone who is suffering from a loss of a job, loss of a friend or family member, or a loss of faith/hope?
  • Describe heaven.
  • What changes in you, when you hear that Jesus has a place for you in heaven?
  • How does Jesus’ ascension to heaven affect your faith?
  • How does Jesus’ ascension to heaven affect your understanding of heaven?
  • How does Jesus’ ascension to heaven affect your understanding of death/dying?
  • Is it possible to avoid suffering? Why or why not?
  • Does good or bad come from avoiding difficult situations? Share examples of both.
  • Jesus said he gave us everything. What does this mean to you?
  • Do you tell people you will pray for them? Do you follow through?
  • What assurance do you have that Jesus will follow through with his promise to pray for you?

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Lord, I hear you call me,

ALL:  when I listen with my heart.

Leader:  Lord, I open myself to you,

ALL:  when I feel with my heart.

Leader:  Lord, I gain understanding from your Word,

ALL:  when I study with my heart.

Leader:  Lord, I comfort others and am comforted,

ALL:  when I embrace with my heart.

Leader:  Lord, I spread the Good News,

ALL:  when I love with my heart.

Leader:  Lord, I turn my eyes to heaven,

ALL:  when I believe with my heart.

Challenge for the Week:  Spend time this week looking back on when Lent began twelve weeks ago with Ash Wednesday.  Since then you have walked with Jesus through several experiences.  You have been there when He fought off the devil, raised Lazarus from the dead, washed the Disciples’ feet, was arrested, and crucified.  That was all just before Easter when He escaped death and came back for an encore to share with the Disciples that He will always be there with them until the end of time.  What has been revealed to you through this journey?  How has walking through Jesus’ last days, His suffering, crucifixion, resurrection and ascension brought you understanding or comfort?  What has been revealed to you through these experiences?

GET CONNECTED DAILY!  Find more reflections and prayers at Making Scripture Relevant on Facebook and Instagram.  Join the Weekly Scripture Journal email list by contacting heather@makingscripturerelevant.com.

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 a copy and start the journey!

Sunday, May 14th Readings

Sixth Sunday of Easter

Opening Prayer

Praise and honor to YOU!

You understand what it feels like to be lonely;

          so You promise to never leave!

You bring strength, knowledge and courage;

          so I can fight temptation and self-doubt!

You left the world an advocate and protector;

          who is full of gifts to fulfill the mission!

You made me whole through the Father, Son and Holy Spirit!

AMEN!

Journal/Reflection Questions

Acts 8:5-8,14-17

  • What do you think drew people to come and listen to Phillip?
  • Meditate on a time when you were “filled with great joy”. What were the circumstances? How can you duplicate joyful moments in your life on a daily basis?

1Peter 3:15-18

  • What do these words from Peter stir up within you? What is he pleading with you to do?
  • Jesus suffered death for you so you might not have to suffer. How can you let go of the suffering in your life and live in the joy of Jesus died for?

John 14:15-21

  • Do you believe that following the commandments shows your love for God?  Are there commandments that are easier to keep? Which ones? Which are the ones that are more difficult to keep? Share.
  • How is the example of love shown in the Gospel reading evident in your daily life?
  • Is there an example from your life where you have needed an “advocate”? Have you sought counsel, understanding, knowledge, wisdom, right judgment, wonder & awe and piety of the Holy Spirit? Explain.

General Questions for Journaling

  • How does God catch your attention?
  • What topics of conversation get your full attention? (Watch your body language when something of interest comes up, you sit up and lean in)
  • Share an example of how you live out your baptism and share the joy of Christ with others?
  • Where do you go to learn more about your faith? How do you learn more about God?
  • What does the Holy Trinity mean to you? 
  • What inspires you? Be Specific. What do you hope for? Share. Who inspires you? How?
  • How do you put sin to death? What do you need in order for this to happen?
  • Share an example of a time when it was better for you to “suffer for doing good, that for doing evil”. What was the situation and what was the outcome?
  • Share an example of an “everyday miracle” in your life.
  • Where is there evidence of the presence of God in your life right now?
  • What evidence do you see of the Holy Spirit in your life and in the world?
  • Would you say you seek the Holy Spirit or that the Holy Spirit comes in search of you? Explain.
  • When you see Jesus, you see the Father. When you love Jesus, you love the Father.  How do others see the Father’s love when they see you? What ways of Jesus do you need to work on so others see the Father more clearly when they see you? (What words and/or actions do you think might need to change?)

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Father…

ALL:  I love You for the breath You give me.

Leader:  Jesus…

ALL:  I love You for the example You give me.

Leader:  Spirit…

ALL:  I love You for the guidance You give me.

Leader:  Father…

ALL:  In Your creation, I see Your love for me.

Leader:  Jesus…

ALL:  In Your sacrifice, I see Your love for me.

Leader:  Spirit…

ALL:  In Your presence, I see Your love for me.

Challenge for the Week:  How do you explain the Holy Spirit in relation to your life?  How does the Holy Spirit fit in?  How have you accepted the Holy Spirit into your life?  Take time this week to identify moments, or THE moment when you consciously accepted the Holy Spirit into your life.  Where were you?  Who was there?  Was it influenced by a person or an experience?  How have you continued to carry the Holy Spirit with you?  Share an example of the Holy Spirit at work in your life either in the past or right now.  How do you show gratitude to the Holy Spirit for this work?  Write your own prayer to the Holy Spirit to give thanks and praise for the gifts and presence in your life! 

GET CONNECTED DAILY!  Find more reflections and prayers at Making Scripture Relevant on Facebook and Instagram.  Join the Weekly Scripture Journal email list by contacting heather@makingscripturerelevant.com.

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 a copy and start the journey!

Sunday, May 7th Readings

Fifth Sunday of Easter

Opening Prayer

Jesus

Open the scripture to me

          so I may not neglect to see

                   the good God created.

Bring to life in me

          the spirit of compassion and mercy

                   to continue the work you began.

AMEN!

Journal/Reflection Questions

Acts 6:1-7

  • Who in your community is neglected? What can you do for them to help them?
  • Saint Peter tells the disciples to devote themselves to prayer; what is the purpose of this? What could happen if you devoted yourself to prayer?
  • What do you think the definition of “reputable men” is at the time the scripture was written? How does the definition change to be relevant in today’s society?

1Peter 2:4-9

  • Scripture says a stone will make you stumble and a rock will make you fall.  Share an example of a stone or a rock in the world today or in your own life. What tripped you up? What helped build your faith back up?
  • How does this scripture passage help you feel “chosen and precious”? Be specific.
  • Is your relationship with God the cornerstone of your life?

John 14:1-12

  • What do you think Philip was thinking when Jesus said, “I am in the Father and the Father is in me”? The mystery of the Trinity was not known to the disciples at this time.  How could Philip make sense of what Jesus was telling him?
  • Jesus knew He was going to have to leave but the disciples didn’t understand. Share a time when you had to leave someone in your life. How is it similar to different to Jesus’ leaving?
  • Explain how Jesus is the way the truth and the life. How do you live your life witnessing to this truth?

General Questions for Journaling

  • Brainstorm examples of people in your community who feel neglect. Where can they find help? 
  • Do you belong to a community of faith? How does this community help to build you up?
  • Where do you see the good works of the community in action? What do you do to help the cause?
  • How does it make you feel when you see a need in the community not being met? Are you empathetic? Sympathetic? Do you feel the need is too big or is out of control? Do you feel helpless and unprepared to be able to change the situation? Seek God’s wisdom to help you find out what you should do to help.
  • How is God’s love shown to you through these readings? Are there examples of this type of love in your life today? Where do you see God’s love at work in your community?
  • How do you deal with loss? What is your reaction to death? What helps you to carry on? How can you practice hope in your faith?
  • What do you do to help grow faith in yourself? 
  • What do you do to grow faith in others?
  • What does it mean to you to be obedient in faith? Is it different for everyone? Why or why not?
  • What did you pray for last week? Are you asking God into your prayer or telling God what you want?
  • Where do you get your value? Who or what gives you value?
  • When do you feel the most valued? 
  • What makes you valuable?
  • What sacrifices did you make this week? Did you make them joyfully or complain?

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Go!

ALL:  Spread the Good News of the Gospel!

Leader:  Go!

ALL:  Comfort someone who needs comfort!

Leader:  Go!

ALL:  Teach through your words and your actions!

Leader:  Go!

ALL:  Build bridges, not walls!

Leader:  Go!

ALL:  Serve others through love!

Leader:  Go!

ALL:  You have been chosen!

Challenge for the Week:  When Peter says you are a “chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation”, what is he really saying?  What are these words supposed to inspire you to do or to be?  In the Catholic Church, these words are a part of the ritual prayers prayed at Baptism.  Each person, infant thru adult, are baptized into the faith as priest, prophet and king, making it clear to each individual person, you are one in Christ.  How do you live your baptism today?  Do you live your life knowing you are chosen?  How does living in Christ make you royalty?  Is there something you could do to help make the world, the community, your family, more holy?  These are not just words, they are your mission!

GET CONNECTED DAILY!  Find more reflections and prayers at Making Scripture Relevant on Facebook and Instagram.  Join the Weekly Scripture Journal email list by contacting heather@makingscripturerelevant.com.

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 a copy and start the journey!