17^th Sunday of Ordinary Time

Opening Prayer

Heavenly Father,

You give me more than I deserve.

You see me as a treasure

while I see my mistakes and flaws.

Your Word tells me I am precious,

with a heart of gold and infinite wealth.

Thank you, for teaching me to see as you see!

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

1Kings 3:5,7-12

• King Solomon is noted as being a very wise person, how does his wisdom show through in this scripture?
• How does this scripture passage model prayer for you? Does Solomon do all of the talking? How does God respond? How is this similar or different to how you pray?

 Romans 8:28-30

• Have you seen evidence of the phrase “all things work together for good” and did you also see God’s presence in the experience? Share specifics.
• Does this scripture mean God is not there when bad things happen? Explain what you think the scripture is saying to those who have experienced darkness, abandonment or loss.

 Matthew 13:24-43

• Imagine yourself as the person who finds treasure, the merchant who seeks pearls and the fisherman casting the net. How do you relate to each scenario? What lesson is to be learned from each example?
• What treasures do you possess? Do you use these treasures to point to God? Do you think you have treasures which are still buried?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• How do you allow God to show you right and wrong?
• What do your prayers say about your relationship with God?
• The word understanding in Hebrew means obedient. How do you define the words understanding and obedient? How are the definitions similar and how are they different?
• Have you ever felt called by God? How old were you when you first recall hearing God call you and what did he call you to do?
• How do you hear God speaking to you? Is it a whisper? A shout? How do you respond?
• What have you given up or what do you need to sacrifice in order to conform to the will of God in your life? It is a one-time sacrifice or do you need to continue to give things up in order to follow God?
• Have you experienced a time when your instincts have conflicted with what you believe God wanted? Share.
• Do you think wisdom is something you learn or something you have? What does age have to do with wisdom, anything?
• Is youth an age group or a frame of mind? Explain.
• Identify some obstacles which help you be your true self.
• What do you treasure? Be specific.
• What does God treasure? Where can you find evidence of your answer?
• Do you sometimes feel like you are playing hide and seek with
  God? Who is hiding? Where do you hide?
• What confirmation do you have that you are living the life calls you to live?

 

Closing Prayer

Leader:  I want to walk in the way of the Lord,

ALL:  teach me to seek your heart!

Leader:  I want to walk in the way of the Lord,

 ALL:  teach me to know your precepts!

Leader:  I want to walk in the way of the Lord,

ALL:  teach me to observe your commandments!

Leader:  I want to walk in the way of the Lord,

ALL:  teach me to walk with justice!

Leader:  I want to walk in the way of the Lord,

ALL:  teach me to listen to and live out your Word!

Leader:  I want to walk in the way of the Lord,

ALL:  teach me to spread kindness and mercy!

Leader:  I want to walk in the way of the Lord,

ALL:  teach me to treasure your promise!

 

Challenge for the Week:  Discern what it means to have an understanding heart.  Do you know anyone who has one?  What qualities do they have which cause you to believe this?  What would change in the world if more people had an understanding heart?  Spend time this week to work to have a more understanding heart and determine ways you can help others do the same.

Solomon’s Prayer: Therefore give to your servant and understanding heart to judge your people, that I may discern between good and evil.

16^th Sunday of Ordinary Time

 

Opening Prayer

God of great patience!

May we learn from Your Word

how to be more tolerant of our failings

and the faults of others!

Your Word tells us that when we seek You,

the Holy Spirit fills us with what we lack

so we can be better examples of You!

Lord, make us whole in YOU!

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Wisdom 12:13, 16-19

• Where do you see your sin in this scripture? Do you condemn others?  Are you unjust?  Do you seek power?  Do you “lord” over others?  Do you hold others prisoner with rules and regulations?
• Is there someone you know who is need of justice or mercy? How does this scripture encourage you to act out to help them find it?

 Romans 8:26-27

• What does this scripture tell you about the nature of the Spirit?
• Can you recall a time when the Holy Spirit came to your aid? What was the situation?  How did you know it was the Holy Spirit who helped you?

 Matthew 13:24-43

• How does this scripture challenge or affirm your understanding of love?
• Share an example of how removing weeds from a person’s life, it could cause more harm to them than good?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• Share an example of God’s humility.
• What do you have hope for right now?
• Do you believe the world is basically good or basically bad? Why?
• Do you identify yourself by your actions or by your emotions? What words would you use to identify yourself (not by your role or job but as a person)?
• Where can you see kindness right now? Is it difficult or easy to find?
• What does it mean to repent? How can you repent?  Is there a limit?
• Is there someone whom you need to seek forgiveness because you have been unkind or unjust to them?
• When did you first learn how to pray?
• How has your prayer life developed over time? What has changed over the years?  Create a timeline to show the progress of your prayer life.
• When have you stood up for someone who couldn’t stand up for themselves? What was the situation and what inspired you to step in?
• Are there people in your life or in the community whom need you to stand up for / with them? What is a specific action step you can take to do so?
• How are the mustard seed and yeast similar? How are they different?
• A mustard seed and yeast are described as a metaphor for heaven. What other relatable image(s) would you use to describe heaven?

 

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Father, search my heart…

ALL:  for goodness and kindness.

Leader:  Father, search my heart…

 ALL:  for a sense of longing.

Leader:  Father, search my heart…

ALL:  for acceptance and mercy.

Leader:  Father, search my heart…

ALL:  for compassion for others.

Leader:  Father, search my heart…

ALL:  for love and forgiveness.

Leader:  Father, search my heart…

ALL:  for the strength to endure.

Leader:  Father, search my heart…

ALL:  and find it full of you!

 

Challenge for the Week:  This scripture suggests we “try and try again.”  When we fail, we turn to God to repent and then continue to press on.  This is difficult to do when we are faced with adversity.  Good athletes practice for hours to perfect their skills to become better.  Take a lesson from them and choose a new practice to help you get rid of the weeds in your life and be diligent about it.  Make a decision to create a new/good habit.  Don’t focus on trying to get of a bad one, simply plant a good one and cultivate it.  Put all of your focus on the new habit.  Don’t feel guilty if you mess up or skip a day, repent and try again!  Keep putting forth the effort to grow and in time the consistent attention will form the new habit so much that it will weed out the bad one!

15^th Sunday of Ordinary Time

 

Opening Prayer

God of all creation;

Make us good rich soil for planting

so your Word may settle in and grow!

May we find You in each experience

even when we must face rocky ground or thorny bushes!

Help us reach and stretch each new day

to put forth great fruit, worthy of the kingdom!

AMEN!

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Isaiah 55:10-11

• What is the purpose of fertile ground? What elements are needed in order to make the ground fertile?
• Explain how this scripture can be a metaphor for God’s purpose for you.

 Romans 8:18-23

• Share an example of how good can come from suffering.
• How do you live in expectation of God? What can you do to be more open to the present instead of the past or the future?

 Matthew 13:1-23

• Who are you in the parable? The flower?  The sun?  The rain?  The one who tramples?  The one who chokes?  The one who scorches?  The birds?  The thorn?  The rocks?  The one who blocks the roots?  The one who plants the seed?  The fruit?  (Consider reflecting on when you’ve been all of them)
• Are there things in your life right now which choke or prick at you, causing you to not grow? Are there rocks on the path, which you are unable to navigate around?  Where do you see weeds pop up in your life?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• Have you ever contemplated the changing of the seasons? What never ceases to astonish you each time a new season passes into another?
• Compare the cycle of rain to the cycle of life. How do they differ?  How are they similar?
• Share a time when you experienced the feeling of freedom in the beauty of nature.
• Is it possible to avoid suffering and pain? What are the benefits of avoiding it? What are the benefits of living through it?
• Where do you see growing pains in the world?
• Is it possible to prepare for pain? Why or why not?
• How do you cultivate the goals in your life? How do you fertilize them?
• What is the significance of rain, sun, soil for the success of a seed? How does this compare to the success of your own life?
• If you heart was a garden, what would it look like? What would be growing there?  Consider the types of flowers, bushes, trees, fruit, vegetables that your heart would grow and why.
• When was the last time you listened to your heart? What does it sound like?  How do you know what your heart desires?
• Do you think God is concerned about quality or quantity? Give a reason for your answer.

 

Closing Prayer

Leader:  God of heaven…

ALL:  conquer my fears.

Leader:  God of earth…

 ALL:  make straight the path.

Leader:  Jesus, human…

ALL:  teach me to love.

Leader:  Jesus, divine…

ALL:  wash away my sins.

Leader:  Spirit of life…

ALL:  bring comfort and strength.

Leader:  Almighty Spirit…

ALL:  tend to my weary soul.

Leader:  Holy Trinity…

ALL:  be mine forevermore!

 

Challenge for the Week:  God put so much thought into the changing of the season and perfected the dying and rising of each element of nature.  Spend time this week meditating on Summer, Fall, Winter and Spring; they are very different but also very similar.  How do you relate to each of the seasons and why?  What emotions does each season evoke in you and why?  What significance do the seasons have in your life?  Do you identify with one season more than another?  Which one and why?  What do you think God intended for us to learn from the seasons?  What can they teach you about God?

14^th Sunday of Ordinary Time

Opening Prayer

Christ within me,

How I struggle!

I move forward, but leave you behind.

I trip and fall, then cry out to you.

My heart knows you are with me.

My will says I can do it alone.

It is a constant battle!

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Zechariah 9:9-10

• The scripture describes a king riding in on a donkey…how do these things go together (King and Donkey)? Where do you see these together in the New Testament?  Share how the two passages are similar and different?
• Share a time when God won a victory for you. What was the battle?  What did you struggle with and how did God help you overcome the obstacle?

 Romans 8:9,11-13

• What burdens/benefits come from being human vs. divine?
• If the Holy Spirit dwells in you, how does this change your perspective of yourself? What about if it dwells in others?  Does it affect your perception of them?  How and why?

 Matthew 11:25-30

• What does it mean that God’s yoke is easy?
• Describe what it feels like to ‘rest’ in God. What does it look like, smell like, taste like, sound like?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• How did Jesus show humility? Share specific examples for us to follow.
• Is humility a leadership quality? Why or why not?
• Do your actions towards others show your love for God? Share a recent example.
• How can you tell if the Holy Spirit dwells in you? In others?
• When might it be necessary to ‘banish’ someone from your life? What actions could be taken to do this?
• Have your actions ever caused division between you and another person? How did your relationship with God help or hinder the situation?
• What actions can be taken to overcome the temptations of the flesh? Have you experienced the rewards described in scriptures for doing so?
• When have you felt the most burdened? How do you overcome it?  What helps to lighten the load?
• What characteristics of the ‘flesh’ do you wish to shed?
• What characteristics of the ‘spirit’ do you wish to take on?
• Imagine a time when you were exhausted and didn’t have any strength to continue. Describe this feeling.  Where did you find strength to carry on?
• What burdens do you carry? Are there burdens you allow others to carry for you?  Are there burdens you carry which are the responsibility of others?
• Explain how the Father, Son and Spirit work together.

 

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Come, dwell in me…

ALL:  let me know meekness.

Leader:  Come, dwell in me…

 ALL:  let me know humility.

Leader:  Come, dwell in me…

ALL:  let me know weakness.

Leader:  Come, dwell in me…

ALL:  let me know burdens.

Leader:  Come, dwell in me…

ALL:  let me know hunger and thirst.

Leader:  Come, dwell in me…

ALL:  let me know hurt.

Leader:  Come, dwell in me…

ALL:  so I may find rest!

Challenge for the Week:  Come to me all who are burdened and worried, I will give them rest.  Imagine a parent saying this to a child whose bedtime is quickly approaching and is showing signs of restlessness and weariness.  These words call out to the child just like they call out to us in order to soothe our spirit.  The restlessness melts away when the child is swept up into the secure arms of their parent; they know they are safe, taken care of and loved.  This is what Jesus wants for us too.  God wants us to let go and relinquish the stress and strain of the day so we can fall into his arms and let him minister to us.  Identify the things in your life which keep you from experiencing this peace of resting in God.  What can you do to move the obstacles which stand in the way of this kind of rest?

“O Jesus!  Yoke us to yourself.  When we too hunger, give us food.  When we too thirst, or tire, or falsely witness, just let us learn to find you and to find ourselves in you!” – from a sermon by St. Augustine

13^th Sunday of Ordinary Time

 

Opening Prayer

Jesus

Through your death, you gave me life;

I am blessed in each new day.

You are steadfast in love and grace;

at times I feel unworthy.

I am in awe of all the gifts before me;

teach me, guide me, use me.

I am indebted to you and rejoice in it!

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

2Kings 4:8-11,14-16a

• Does this example of hospitality inspire you? In what way?
• Is there expectation from Elisha or the woman for something in return? Should there be?  Why or why not?
• This scripture shows an example of someone seeing a need and fulfilling it. Is there a need you see which you can fill to bring comfort or offer aid to another person?

 Romans 6:3-4,8-11

• How does this scripture impact your understanding/belief of life and death?
• What does it mean to be born in Christ through Baptism?
• What does it mean to be born in to Christ’s death?

 Matthew 10:37-42

• What specifically about this scripture is troublesome for you to achieve? What makes it difficult?  Be specific.
• Do you know what cross you bear? How can knowing and accepting the struggles and obstacles you face help you to overcome them?
• How does this scripture tie back into the first reading?
• What message is God giving you through the scripture?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• God shows up for you; how have you shown up for God?
• Are there people whom pray for you? How does it make you feel?  Do you acknowledge their prayers?
• Whom do you pray for and have you seen evidence of your prayers for them? Share an example of the good that has come from your prayers for others.
• Identify an act of kindness. Have you ever expressed one?
• Have you ever received an act of kindness?
• Share an example of how you died to a sinful behavior.
• Are there people, places or things that draw you into sinful behavior?
• Do you monitor these relationships? Are they relationships which could harm you?
• What helps you shed sin from your life? Is there a specific practice or person?
• How are you a blessing?
• What does it mean to be a righteous person? Do you know any?
• How is being righteous different than being conceded?

 

Closing Prayer

Leader:  You are in my heart,

ALL:  may my heart be holy.

Leader:  You are in my thoughts,

 ALL:  may my thoughts be holy.

Leader:  You are in my prayers,

ALL:  may my prayers be holy.

Leader:  You are in my deeds,

ALL:  may my deeds be holy.

Leader:  You are in my home,

ALL:  may my home be holy.

Leader:  You are in my soul,

ALL:  may my soul be holy.

 

Challenge for the Week:  The first reading shares the importance of hospitality.  These recent days of shelter in place restrictions have certainly put limitations upon how we show hospitality to others but we still can.  The meaning of hospitality is to welcome someone generously.  This doesn’t have to be done within close proximity.  To welcome someone generously can be done in a conversation over the phone.  The scripture shows how someone paid attention to a routine and sought to find a solution to make Elisha’s routine more comfortable and accommodating.  The Woman wanted to let Elisha know he was welcome.  God’s intention is for us to reach out to others to help make them feel loved, cared for and welcomed.  Through this example in scripture, and others, God is giving us examples of how we should live.  I think God loves it so much when we reach out and show hospitality to others which is why when we do, we feel so good!  Who in your life or community needs to feel loved, cared for and welcomed?  What do you think God wants you to do about it?  Perhaps, you are the one in need of hospitality; what do you think God would say to you about making you feel loved, cared for and welcomed?

12^th Sunday of Ordinary Time

 

Opening Prayer

Lord

Like a mighty champion,

you come to my rescue!

I hide in darkness but

you bring me into the light!

Great is your mercy and

bounteous is your kindness!

My heart is revived by

your gracious gift of grace!

I am so full of love

that it overflows to others!

Praise your Holy Name, Jesus!

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Jeremiah 20:10-13

• Where do you see God prevail as “mighty champion”?
• Where do you see evidence of God rescuing the “life of the poor”?
• What is your definition of “life of the poor”?

 Romans 5:12-15

• Where do you see evidence of sin in your life? In the world?  How do you find forgiveness for this sin?
• What can you do to multiply God’s gift of grace in your life, family, community? Share examples.

 Matthew 10:26-33

• Do you find comfort or discomfort in the scripture, “nothing is concealed that will not be revealed nor secret that will not be known.”
• What has God whispered to you? Did you proclaim what you heard?  Why or why not?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• Have you ever felt trapped by “evil” or “sin”?
• When have you stumbled in the face of adversity?
• Describe suffering. What does it look like, sound like, smell like, feel like?
• How have you trespassed against God this week? How is it/can it be resolved?
• How have you trespassed against your neighbor this week? How is it/can it be resolved?
• How have you trespassed against yourself this week? How is it/can it be resolved?
• Can good come from resentment? Why or why not?
• What are you afraid of and how do you deal with/calm the fear?
• Is there sin you keep from God and are afraid to let go?
• Are there secrets you keep from others, how does keeping these secrets affect the relationship?
• How do you acknowledge yourself as a child of God?
• Have you ever suffered for being a Christian? Have you been ridiculed because you go to Church? Share.
• In what ways is your faith still in the darkness? How can you bring light to it?

 

Closing Prayer

Leader:  When I have obstacles in my path

 ALL:  I praise the Lord!

Leader:  When I am the target of slander

ALL:  I praise the Lord!

Leader:  When I feel buried in doubt

 ALL:  I praise the Lord!

Leader:  When I am drowning in sorrow

ALL:  I praise the Lord!

Leader:  When I have a mountain to climb

ALL:  I praise the Lord!

Leader: When I feel walls caving in

ALL:  I praise the Lord!

Leader:  When I call out to my Lord,

ALL:  I am ready for anything!

 

 Challenge for the Week:  John 15:26b says, “The Spirit of Truth will testify.”  It’s like if you have to testify in court, they ask you to swear on a Bible to tell the truth.  Truth is valuable but not always very easy to come by.  At an early age, “the truth” becomes subjective based on our experience, perspective, and whether telling it is going to get us into trouble.  As adults, avoiding the truth is done sometimes to avoid causing others pain and other times to protect ourselves from pain.  At the beginning of time, Adam and Eve had to speak up and tell the truth about their sinful act. God already knew what they had done…this is still true today with your sin because the “Spirit of Truth” will testify to identify it!  Consider this week the number of people whom you trust enough to tell the truth.  Can you identify ten?  Would that be easy or difficult?  What would you say are the criteria of the relationship which make you trust them with the truth?  Take time to let them know how you feel about them and that they can count on you to be truthful and trustworthy.

Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ

 

Opening Prayer

Jesus

You are the bread of life!

You are the manna sent from heaven!

Without you, we are empty!

Fill us, nourish us, and sustain us!

We will have our fill and never go hungry!

You are our daily bread!

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Deuteronomy 8:2-3, 14b-16a

• God sent manna from heaven, how is this still true?
• One cannot live on bread alone, how does this apply to your life? What is the “bread” you live on?
• What does this scripture teach you about faith in God?

 1Corinthians 10:16-17

• One cannot live on bread alone, when you receive communion, how do you feel changed? Do you feel the same when you read God’s word?
• What cup of blessing do you hold today? How can you let this blessing overflow and be a blessing to others?

 John 6:51-58

• The sacrifice made by Jesus on the cross is the foundation of the Eucharist. What do you sacrifice when you come to the altar to receive Jesus’ Body and Blood?
• Describe how partaking in Jesus’ Body and Blood sustains you? What does it mean to you?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• What is the symbolism of the “hunger” we have in our lives in relation to God?
• How has God delivered you from slavery? What are you still a slave to in your life?  How can God help you become free?
• When you receive communion, you become a living tabernacle. How do others see Christ in you?
• What does God provide you in order to continue on the path of discipleship? What more do you need on your journey of faith?
• Which commandments are easy to follow? Which are difficult?  Why?
• Have you had desert experiences in your life? Can you look back and see God “feeding” you in those times?
• Identify a time when you were “parched”. How did this experience affect your faith?
• How do you see yourself as a part of the Body of Christ?
• What is your definition of Communion?
• What feelings or emotions are associated with hunger? How are they different than the emotions and feelings of being satisfied?
• How do the scriptures help you see how God feeds you? What can you do to be more aware of the food God supplies for your life?
• The Word Eucharist means Thanksgiving, how is the celebration of Mass like the Thanksgiving holiday?
• It is said, you are what you eat. What are some bad food choices you make?  How can God help you to make better choices?
• What are some good food choices you make? How do they improve your spirit?

 

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Christ before me…

 ALL:  I praise YOU!

Leader:  Christ around me…

ALL:  I give you thanks!

Leader:  Christ beside me…

 ALL:  I am at peace!

Leader:  Christ within me…

ALL:  I am filled with joy!

Leader:  I am Christ to others…

ALL:  Let the feast begin!

 

 Challenge for the Week:  In the Catholic Church, the Mass is separated into two parts, the Liturgy of the WORD, reading the scripture and the Liturgy of the EUCHARIST, celebrating the Body and Blood of Jesus.  In both cases, we are consuming Christ.  During this time of COVID restrictions while churches were closed, we’ve had restricted access to the Body and Blood of Christ.  Though we can participate in the celebration of Mass virtually, we’ve not consumed the actual Body and Blood of Christ.  This is a time when we need to dive deeper into the WORD of God, the scriptures, the WORD made flesh in Jesus.  There are several ways to connect more deeply to the Scriptures on a daily basis to be filled.  You can read and meditate on a daily prayer book, get scripture verses sent to via text or email and you can journal or pray the rosary or a dozen other practices to help you connect and feel the abundance of Christ within you.  When you spend time reading, praying and allowing the WORD to marinate your soul, then you will know what it means to be filled with God’s WORD and be satisfied!

Trinity Sunday

 

Opening Prayer

Creator God,

you fill the world with all things good.

Savior God,

you came to earth to live among us and die for our salvation.

Spirit God,

You dwell in us so we are forever with you.

Blessed Trinity, help us be more aware of your presence in our lives!

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Exodus 34:4b-6,8-9

• How do you humble yourself before God like Moses did in this scripture?
• What does God reveal about His character in this scripture?
• Moses asked God to pardon our sins…what do you have a hard time pardoning? Are there things of this world which are hard for you to forgive?

 2Corinthians 13:11-13

• What do you learn about God in this scripture? About Jesus?  About the Holy Spirit?
• How does this reading suggest we live our everyday lives? Is it impossible to live in this way?  Why or why not?

 John 3:16-18

• “For God so loved the world”, speaks of sacrifice. Do you sacrifice things for your faith?  For a relationship with God?
• Do you sacrifice for love? Whom in your life do you love enough to sacrifice things for?  Do you sacrifice freely or with expectation?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• What examples in your life confirm that God is slow to anger, rich in kindness and faithful?
• Describe God’s love. What does it look like? Feel like? Sound like?
• How do you think God finds favor in you? Identify at least 5 things about you which God would find favor.
• Describe a time when you were “stiff-necked and stubborn”.
• Would God find favor in the way you treat others who are “stuck in their ways”? How do you think God would treat them?
• What do you hold a grudge against? How can you begin to let love into that situation?
• What sin does God look past today in order to give you love? How has God shown his love already today?
• How do you know the Holy Spirit is with you? How can you tell when the Holy Spirit is with another person?
• How does God show you grace? How can you show grace to another person?
• Where do you see people being condemned today? Is there something you could do to bring peace?
• When have you felt condemned, what did you learn from the experience?
• Do you know a peaceful person? What qualities do they have that you would like to cultivate? Are we called to agree and get along with everyone, all of the time? What would you say are the “core” things we all should agree upon to make this world a better place?

 

Closing Prayer

Leader: O Holy is YOUR name…

 ALL:  Creator

Leader:  I AM

ALL:  God

Leader:  Emmanuel

 ALL:  Jesus

Leader:  Savior

ALL:  Living God

Leader:  Mighty wind

ALL:  Eternal breath

Leader: Counselor

ALL:  God with us

Leader:  Holy Trinity

ALL:  Father, Son and Holy Spirit!

 

Challenge for the Week:  Do you know someone you would describe as an encourager?  What makes them so?  Do they encourage you or others too?  Make a point this week to encourage someone new each day.  It may be helpful to take time to reflect on some of the people you see weekly and consider what you might do or say to encourage them.  Consider people you don’t see on a regular basis who might need some encouragement and write them a note, email or make a phone call.  Also, spend time thinking about those people in your life who have been and still are encouragers to you.  Do they know how much their support means to you and how it has affected your life?  Take time to let them know how you feel and who they are a gift to your life.

Pentecost Sunday

 

Opening Prayer

O Blessed Spirit,

When I feel alone, you are my comfort.

When I am surrounded by darkness, you bring light.

When I feel weak, you are my strength.

You are my guide on the path, which leads to heaven.

Breathe in me, fill my heart, and dwell in my soul, FOREVER!

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Acts 2:1-11

• Imagine you are there at Pentecost…what do you see, feel, smell, hear and say?
• What is changed about the apostles after they are visited in the upper room? What can we take from this experience? Imagine yourself there…how does it change your perspective?

1Corinthians 12:3b-7, 12-13

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

 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?
• When Jesus returned to the disciples, his first words were “peace be with you”. One cannot find peace within without the help of the Holy Spirit. Seek the Spirit and you will find peace. What do the disciples do to begin their journey of finding peace? How are they an example to us on how to live with the Holy Spirit?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• 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 tells us what it means to “live in the Spirit”, what can you do to cultivate these qualities in your life?
• 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?
• Are there people in your life whom are different and you appreciate their differences? How has the Spirit caused you to act differently?
• Are there people in your life whom are different and you are frustrated by their differences? How can the Spirit encourage you to act differently?
• 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? Where do you share God’s peace?

 

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Come Holy Spirit,

 ALL:  shine in our lives!

Leader:  Come Spirit of Truth,

ALL:  teach us the way!

Leader:  Come Advocate,

 ALL:  give us strength!

Leader:  Come Paraclete,

ALL:  bring us comfort!

Leader:  Come Presence of God,

ALL:  renew our faith!

Leader:  Come Holy Spirit,

ALL:  fill us joy everlasting!

 

Challenge for the Week:  The second reading from Saint Paul to the Corinthians is a call for us to see past the differences we too often use to divide us.  Saint Paul is reminding us that though may look different or have different abilities we are all baptized by the same God.  It would be an uninteresting life if everyone had the same abilities; it would be like a world of Storm-Troopers or Minions. Now sometimes, you might be jealous of one person’s gifts and wish you could do things the way they do but consider this…God will judge upon how you use the gift(s) you were given, not on the gift(s) you wish you had.  All gifts are equal in the eyes of God.  Let go of any jealousy you might cling to because someone else has a gift you would like to possess and give thanks for their gifts too!

Ascension Sunday

 

Opening Prayer

Heavenly Father,

When we look to the sky,

we are limited to what we see.

We can only imagine what is beyond.

Guide us in your Word,

so we have the faith to believe

and in what we cannot see.

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Acts 1:1-11

• What lesson has Jesus taught you that you would identify as the most important lesson?
• The disciples are looking intently to the sky, then are asked why they are standing there looking to the sky. What should they be doing instead?  Identify one way you can do this also.

 Ephesians 1:17-23

• Jesus leaves the Holy Spirit, HIS SPIRIT with us when he ascends into heaven. How does this fact affect your faith, your understanding of heaven and/or your understanding of death/dying?
• Where does hope come from? What is your definition of hope?

 Matthew 28:16-20

• Do you see, feel or hear this reading calling to you? What is God calling you to do?  Is it the same or different than what he calls the disciples to?
• How do you identify your call? Is it something you hear in the scripture or something you feel in your heart?  How do you know it is God’s call and not your own desire driving your towards your goal or passion?
• What can you “GO” and do for Christ this week?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• Have you ever received something back which you thought was lost? What did it feel like?  How would it feel to have it taken away again?  What can you learn from the disciples about this experience?
• How can you bring comfort to someone who has lost a job, has recently experienced the death of a loved one or has lost their sense of hope?
• What makes saying good-bye so difficult? What are some rituals you have or that you know of that could make saying good-bye a little easier?
• What are some ways you can honor the memory of a loved one?
• What is the importance of prayer and community in these times?
• Identify how you feel the Holy Spirit in your life right now.
• Are those you turn to for guidance and understanding filled with the Holy Spirit? Is it important for them to be?  Why or why not?
• Is it possible to avoid suffering? Why or why not?  What might be some consequences of avoiding suffering?
• Where do you go to get “full” spiritually? What are some ways you accomplish this?
• Do you believe it possible to live in the “fullness of Christ” all of the time?
• What does it mean to you that Jesus says he is with you always?

 

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:  Throughout the Easter Season, we have the privilege of seeing Jesus open up to us the mission of every baptized person.  We consistently hear about how the Holy Spirit will remain.  The Holy Spirit is also often referred to as our Advocate, which means the Holy Spirit is on our team, ready to support us with whatever it is we need.  Spend time this week reflecting on the gifts of the Holy Spirit (Knowledge, Understanding, Right Judgment, Reverence, Courage, Wisdom, Wonder and Awe) and identify ways these gifts have shown up for you in your life over the past 6-12 months.  These examples from your life of when the Holy Spirit was present are the stories you are to share with others to give them the hope of the resurrection!

OR

Spend time this week looking back on when Lent began twelve weeks ago with Ash Wednesday.  Since then we have walked with Jesus through several experiences.  We 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?