11^th Sunday of Ordinary Time

Opening Prayer

God,

You created us from the dirt

with the Holy Spirit.

We become a new creation

through the Sacraments.

You give us eternal life

by the death and resurrection of Jesus.

Let us stay rooted in these truths,

bearing good fruit for others.

Help us to grow in you,

following the path you set out for us.

Be our guide, our comfort and our peace.

Amen

Journal/Reflection Questions

Ezekiel 17:22-24

• How are you able to provide “shade” or “shelter” to others through your connection to God?
• If God is able to make a tree bigger or smaller or make one bloom or wither; what does this say about what He can do for you?

 2Corinthians 5:6-10

• What does it mean to “walk by faith and not by sight”? What does it look like?
• Share an example of someone you know or of a personal experience of living by faith and not by sight.

 Mark 4:26-34

• How is God like the farmer in the parable? Where do you see yourself?
• Do you give the same attention to detail as the farmer did to his crop as you do to your own spiritual life?
• Do you tend to the work of your job the way the farmer tends to the crop? If so how does it feel?  If not, what does it mean?

General Questions for Journaling

• Share an example when you were able to live out the “least become great and the great become the least”.
• When did Jesus model the “least to great and great to least” attitude?
• Who other than Jesus in the bible practice the “least to great and great to least” attitude?
• Where do you go for “shade”? What are some examples of when you need it?  How does it feel when you find it?
• Are there people whom you “shade” or offer protection? Do you do it naturally or did they ask for your help?
• When would you say you “lose” your courage? Where does it go?
• What helps you gain or re-gain courage when you need it?
• Share an example or two of people whom you look up to who show or have shown great courage and how they inspire you.
• When do you feel the most courageous? When do you feel the least?
• What pleases God? How do you know?

Closing Prayer

Leader:  We begin as a seed,

 ALL:  in the darkness.

Leader:  We are nourished and fed,

ALL:  and begin to sprout growth.

Leader: We soak up the rain and the sun,

 ALL:  which is given freely.

Leader:  Our branches bend and sway,

ALL:  but we stay rooted.

Leader:  We become a new creation,

ALL:  offering shade, shelter and support.

Leader:  Feed us Lord,

ALL:  plant and sow seeds of love, mercy, grace and forgiveness in our lives.

Challenge for the Week:  Jesus used a lot of parables to help us understand faith, love and the Kingdom of God.  In each parable, there is deep symbolism for us to explore.  This week, try to find a symbol which richly describes your faith and spirituality.  It might be something that has been passed on for generations in your family, it might be a gift you recently received, it might be something you or someone you know made especially for you.  Whatever it might be, there is deeper meaning to it than others can see.  As you search, remember our celebration of the Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ…the bread and wine are simply food and drink to some but our faith helps us understand and believe them to be the body and blood of our Savior and Lord.  Also, like the mustard seed, so small and meek but within it there is the predisposition to become a giant tree.  After seeking out your symbol, try to write out a parable/story/reflection about it.

10^th Sunday of Ordinary Time

Opening Prayer

Father

From the beginning of time,

YOU have been there for me.

You breathed into me

so I might have life,

and you sent your son

to die so life can be eternal.

You are the beginning and the end!

Amen

Journal/Reflection Questions

Genesis 3:9-15  

• What is holy about the garden before the sin was committed? What is holy about the garden after the sin took place?
• Reflect on a time when you have tried to hide from God. Does the conversation in the scripture sound familiar?

 2Corinthians 4:13-5:1 

• Describe what you think of when you hear the phrase, “dwelling place”?
• What is the difference between the seen and the unseen?

 Mark 3:20-35

• Share a time when you felt God take away something negative in your life.
• How do you know what is the will of God? Is it easy or difficult to do the will of God? What helps you know you are doing the will of God?
• Share an example of how satan still divides and plunders in the world today.

General Questions for Journaling

• Have you ever done something that was forbidden? What was it and were there consequences for being caught?
• Are you afraid of snakes or not? Does your fear have anything to do with the scripture of the forbidden fruit?
• Have you ever been tricked into doing something you didn’t want to do? What was the situation?
• How does it feel to be tricked? How does it feel to be the one doing the tricking?
• Does it scare you or comfort you to know God will find you no matter where you hide?
• How much is forgiveness worth to you?
• Is forgiveness a burden to carry or a grace to be given? Share an example of a time you felt it was both.
• Is faith something you feel? How do you know you are full of faith?  Can you ever have too much?
• Share a time when you were surrounded by people who love God and were praising Him. Describe how you felt and the atmosphere in the crowd.
• How would you explain life to death and death to life to another person?
• Is there something you need to come clean about to God? God already knows the wrong you have done, tell God out loud so you can receive forgiveness.

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Give me a clean Spirit Lord,

 ALL:  that I may sin no more!

Leader:  Give me a clean Spirit Lord,

ALL:  that I may walk with you in the garden!

Leader: Give me a clean Spirit Lord,

 ALL:  that I may emulate your love and grace!

Leader:  Give me a clean Spirit Lord,

ALL:  that I may see the unseen!

Leader:  Give me a clean Spirit Lord,

ALL:  that I may live beyond this life!

Leader:  Give me a clean Spirit Lord,

ALL:  that I may desire your will!

Challenge for the Week:  The second reading says, “Therefore, we are not discouraged; rather, although our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day.”  Spend time this week considering this sentence.  How does your outer self waste away?  How is your inner self renewed?  What does this look like?  What does it really mean?  Are you an active participant in making this happen or does it happen without your knowledge?  Do you think it happens even if a person uses their free will to NOT believe in God?  There is much to consider, especially since one cannot hide from God, He knows where you are, always!

Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ

Opening Prayer

Jesus

Let your grace fill me

from head to toe.

Let your love course through my veins

as though it is my blood.

May I live my life knowing

the sacrifice you made

is forever and for all!

Amen

Journal/Reflection Questions

Exodus 24:3-8

• How is this gathering like people gathering in church on Sunday? What are the similarities?  Can you list at least three?
• Can you answer in union with the Israelites, “We will do everything that the LORD has told us” in word and deed?

 Hebrews 9:11-15

• What good things does Jesus say are to come to us in communion?
• Do you believe you become more like Jesus when you receive Him in the Eucharist? How does this scripture support your belief?

 Mark 14:12-16, 22-26

• How is this gathering like when your family gathers to celebrate a meal? Is Christ there when you gather?
• What do you know of Passover? What preparations are needed?

General Questions for Journaling

• Why does blood make a sacrifice more meaningful? Is there significance to it?
• What happens if there is no blood in a covenant? Is it considered void?
• Can a person survive without blood? Blood gives life.  How is like a relationship with God?
• What do you sacrifice for God? What can you offer?
• Do you believe it is Jesus’ body and blood you receive when you go to communion?
• How do you show reverence to Jesus in the Eucharist? (Eucharist is the body and blood of Christ and means thanksgiving)
• Define tabernacle.
• What is a sanctuary? Is it a specific place or a state of mind?
• How does Jesus’ body and blood tie us together? Is He truly the common union among believers?  Why or why not?
• How do you know Jesus loves you?
• What in creation makes you feel loved by God?
• Where or when do you feel the closest to God/Jesus/Holy Spirit? Are they all the same?
• Does the consumption of Jesus’ body and blood have conditions or expectations?
• Do you feel differently when you receive communion?
• Who are the friends you gather with to celebrate life?

Closing Prayer

Leader:  A covenant made in blood.

 ALL:  This is my Body.

Leader:  A promise of everlasting life.

ALL:  This is my Body.

Leader: A sacrifice for all.

 ALL:  This is my Body.

Leader:  A love freely given.

ALL:  This is my Body.

Leader:  This is my Body…

ALL:  I give it to you!

Challenge for the Week:  Imagine Christ within you right now.  Is it hard or easy to do?  What thoughts help you feel Christ in you?  This week spend time throughout the day recapturing the feeling of Christ in you.  Set an alarm if you need to so you can stop to remind yourself of how present Christ is in your life.  The more aware you are of Christ in you, the easier it will be to recognize the Christ inside of others.  The latin, Christ in me is…In me Christus! Christ is not just in you, Christ is in US!

Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity

Opening Prayer

Father Almighty

All creation speaks of you!

Every ant that crawls.

Each raindrop that falls.

Tells your story.

Create a story for all time

with my life!

Amen

Journal/Reflection Questions

Deuteronomy 4:32-34, 39-40

• What makes you know God wants you to prosper? Share an example of how God shows you signs of His love.
• How do you show those you love that you love them? What does God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit have to do with how you show love to others?

 Romans 8: 14-17

• God asks us to suffer with him in order to be glorified. What does the word suffer mean to you in this instance?
• What does this scripture teach you about the Holy Spirit?

 Matthew 28:16-20

• Does this command apply to you today? How do you live out this commandment from Jesus?
• Does this scripture inspire you?

General Questions for Journaling

• What amazes you about creation?
• What is your favorite part of the story of creation?
• Have you ever been present for the birth of a child?
• Are there people in your life whom you know are connected to God? Do you listen to them more closely because of this?  Why or why not?
• Who in your life are you willing to stand up for? What makes this so?
• What is the most important part of prayer? Is it your intention?  Your tone?  The words you say?  Explain your answer.
• Where do you find treasure in your life? Be specific.
• Do you believe in God in order to receive blessings or are you blessed because you believe in God?
• Share a time when you have doubted God.
• Share a time when you have doubted yourself. Where was God in the situation?
• What is the purpose of God? Jesus?  Holy Spirit?  Describe the difference/similarities of what they mean to you and how each works within the world today.
• Define disciple.

Closing Prayer

Leader:  When it seems we are alone…

 ALL:  you are there in the beyond.

Leader:  When we think we can’t…

ALL:  you are there in the beyond.

Leader: When the walls begin to close in…

 ALL:  you are there in the beyond.

Leader:  When we are paralyzed with doubt…

ALL:  you are there in the beyond.

Leader:  When a ray of light shines in the dark…

ALL:  you are there in the beyond.

Leader:  When you feel calm in the chaos…

ALL:  you are there…with me!

Challenge for the Week:  Have you ever been in a situation where you felt you were in “dire need for prayer”?  What was the situation?  Did the prayer come?  Where did it come from?  How did you know when the need for prayer passed?  What was the conclusion?  The second reading reminds us that prayer is a powerful thing and when we pray, with all of our hearts and call for others to pray, the Holy Spirit’s power can be seen in a very profound way.  This week, share your example of the power of prayer with someone who hasn’t heard the story.  It is a reminder for all of us that God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit is still here among us!

Pentecost

Opening Prayer

Come Holy Spirit!

Shine your divine light upon me!

Wash away the stains of guilt

and wrap me with your mercy!

Start a fire within me for you!

Ignite the flames in me

so I can bring light to all I meet!

Spirit, dwell in me forever!

Amen

Journal/Reflection Questions

Acts 2:1-11

• Imagine being there; what would you be feeling? Describe what it might have been like to experience the strong winds and house shaking?  How did those gathered know it was okay?
• Why was it so important for everyone to understand? What is the significance of this?

 1 Corinthians 12:3b-7, 12-13

• Are gifts of the Holy Spirit limited to one per person or can you have all of them? Are they always there or can you summon them like a super-power of a super hero?
• Do you believe we are one, though many faiths? Why or why not?  What do you think keeps us separated?

 John 20:19-23

• What does it mean that Jesus “breathed” on them? What does this signify?  What does it remind you of or relate to in the Old Testament?
• What do sins have to do with Pentecost? Can we experience Pentecost if we are unable to forgive?  Why or why not?

General Questions for Journaling

• Have you ever gone to an event, dinner or party and was surprised you had a good time? Share the experience.
• Have you ever met someone, who at first glance you thought would be boring or uninteresting and you were wrong?
• How does the power of the Holy Spirit work? Have you been a witness to what it can do?
• What happens when you cannot understand another person? How do you act?  How do they act?  Does this have to keep you from communicating?
• What is the significance of the Holy Spirit in your life right now?
• Is what you have enough? Is there more you want/need?  Do you blame God or is it something you withhold?
• Do you think you are aware of all of the gifts you have been given by God? Why or why not?
• If you act out of faith, what characteristics do you show? How do you know a person of faith by their actions?  Share examples.
• When has God surprised you?
• Where do you see the strength of the Holy Spirit at work?
• Do you call upon the Holy Spirit for anything? If so, when?  If no, why not?  What would be the purpose of doing so?

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Let me call out to you…

 ALL:  Veni, Sancte Spiritus!

Leader:  Come, fill me!

ALL:  Veni, Sancte Spiritus

Leader: Reach the depths of my being!

 ALL:  Veni, Sancte Spiritus

Leader:  Create in me a new spirit!

ALL:  Veni, Sancte Spiritus

Leader:  Bring comfort, bring healing!

ALL:  Veni, Sancte Spiritus

Leader:  In you, joy never ends!

ALL:  Veni, Sancte Spiritus

Challenge for the Week:  How do you hear God’s voice?  How do you Jesus is calling out to you?  What role does the Holy Spirit have in you following faith?  This week, determine if you are really hearing God’s voice and following God’s call.  Perhaps, you need to reach out to the Holy Spirit for affirmation you are on the right path.  Listen for the Holy Spirit in the wind, in a whisper or in a strangers smile.  Consider writing down each day where you heard, saw or felt the Holy Spirit communicate with you.  Come Holy Spirit!

The Ascension of the Lord

Opening Prayer

Lord,

May you find us looking for you

In the sky

At work or school

Within a stranger

Wherever we go, may we find you!

Journal/Reflection Questions

Acts 1:1-11

• Share a time when you had Jesus in your midst.
• What proof do you have that Jesus was alive and walked on the earth?
• Does the message the men in white had for the disciples ring true for you today?

 Ephesians 1:17-23

• How do you know if the Spirit is near? Is with you?
• What name do you give God? Jesus?  Holy Spirit?  Do they respond when you call them by name?  Share an example.

 Mark 16:15-20

• What does the Gospel say about baptism that continues to live on in you today? Anything?  Nothing?
• How do you think it felt for the disciples to lose Jesus a second time? How was this time different?  How was this time the same?

General Questions for Journaling

• Describe the Holy Spirit.
• What does your baptism have to do with the Holy Spirit? How does the Holy Spirit affect your baptism?
• How does knowing the Holy Spirit change your perspective on life? Situations?  Struggles?  Blessings?
• How do you know the Spirit is near? Is with you?
• Where do you look for God? In the sky?  In the blessings?  How does this limit God’s power?
• Do you believe in heaven? Why or why not?  Do you believe this is where God/Jesus can be found?
• Explain why God is exalted? What does this mean?
• Give an example of someone who has grown in faith? What are the symptoms/signs that your faith has grown?
• What characteristics does a person who is “full of faith” have? By your definition, how do you compare?
• How does God call you to share the Good News?
• What message are you here to share? All of the Gospel or just a piece of it?
• What signs or miracles do you see today?
• Have you been a witness of a modern day miracle?
• Where do you believe God is most present?
• Where do you believe God in needed most?

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Father, we are

 ALL:  connected in faith!

Leader:  Father, we are

ALL:  bound by love!

Leader: Father, we are

 ALL:  consumed with grace!

Leader:  Father, we are

ALL:  surrounded by mercy!

Leader:  Father, we are

ALL:  unified in blood!

Leader:  Father, we are

ALL:  joined with the Spirit!

Challenge for the Week:  Consider the qualifications of a person who follows God.  What would be the job description of a Disciple?  Would the description be different from the time the Apostles walked with Jesus vs today?  Why or why not?  Do you need to work for the church, be a priest or pastor in order to be closer to God or to be a Disciple?  Do you need to spend hours in prayer and reading scripture?  Must you do good works and deeds and help those who are marginalized in order to be considered as a Disciple?  Spend time this week really considering what a person in society today has that makes them a Disciple of God.

Sixth Sunday of Easter

Opening Prayer

Holy Spirit!

Come! Fill me!

Reveal life within me!

Stretch me to my limits!

AMEN!

Journal/Reflection Questions

Acts 10:25-26, 34-35, 44-48

• Have you ever been in the presence of someone whom you thought deserved honor and respect? How did you act?  How did you show honor?
• Do you remember your baptism? What have you been told about the day/event?
• How does it make you feel that God’s love and the Holy Spirit is there for everyone?

 1 John 4:7-10

• Does knowing God already died for your sin cause you to try to avoid sin or make you feel it is okay to sin?
• When you think of God’s love, how does it feel? How do you describe it?
• How do you know God loves you? It is something internal or external?

 John 15:9-17

• Do you have incentive to stay in God’s love? If so, what is it?  If not, what causes you to continue to seek God’s love?
• What is the greatest thing you have learned from God???

General Questions for Journaling

• Do you acknowledge the work of the Holy Spirit in your life?
• How do you know the Holy Spirit is working in your life?
• Do you remember the first time you accepted Jesus into your life?
• Do you remember the first time you acknowledged the Holy Spirit?
• Explain the difference of being baptized in water and being baptized in the Holy Spirit.
• Are there people whom you know that you are surprised they are Christian? What makes this so?
• Are there people whom you know that you are surprised they are NOT Christian? What makes this so?
• What parts of your live do you try to keep God from? Is this even possible?
• What do you learn about God through Jesus?
• What do you learn about God through the Holy Spirit?
• How do you reveal God’s love for others? Is it on purpose?
• Do you believe the gifts you have been given by God help you fulfill the purpose God has called you to? Why or why not?
• How do the commandments affect your relationship with God?
• How have you come to know God? How do you maintain your relationship?

Closing Prayer

Leader:  In me

 ALL:  reveal your wondrous deeds!

Leader:  In me

ALL:  reveal your kindness!

Leader: In me

 ALL:  reveal your goodness!

Leader:  In me

ALL:  reveal your justice!

Leader:  In me

ALL:  reveal your infinite love!

Leader:  In me

ALL:  reveal your salvation…for all!

Challenge for the Week:  When you chose someone to spend time with, what qualities do you look for in that person?  Are there people in the world which you admire and believe you would be great friends?  Are there people whom you’d prefer not to spend time?  In the Gospel, Jesus says he is your friend and that he chose you.  There must be some great things about you if Jesus is willing to die in order to keep a relationship with you!  Even further, those people whom you avoid spending time with have also been chosen by Jesus.  What can you do to be more welcoming and open to others?

Fifth Sunday of Easter

Opening Prayer

Lord

When I look at my life

I can see you.

In memories of the past

and hopes for the future.

Everywhere I turn

You are there even I don’t see.

Thank you Lord

For your presence in my life!

AMEN!

Journal/Reflection Questions

Acts 9:26-31

• What made the disciples hesitant to accept Saul as Paul? Have you ever had a hard time accepting someone into your life?
• What does it mean to walk in the fear of the Lord? How would you explain this to a non-believer?
• Have you ever experienced a change like Saul/Paul?

 1 John 3:18-24

• How does God communicate to you so you know you are following his commandments and you are beloved?
• Explain why a person’s actions speak louder than their words. How can you teach this lesson to another person?
• Does it bring comfort or fear to know God knows your heart?

 John 15:1-8

• Give an example of what it means to “bear fruit” and explain how pruning can produce more fruit as it pertains to human relationships.
• Draw a branch with leaves or a vine with grapes, imagine you are the branch or vine and the people whom you influence are the leaves or grapes.
• In what condition are the leaves or the grapes? Are those relationships thriving or simply surviving?

General Questions for Journaling

• Name three things in your life which you feel strongly enough about that you will stand up and defend?
• Have you ever made a change in your life which was not accepted by those in your life?
• On a scale from 1-10, how much do you trust the 5 most important people in your life?
• On a scale from 1-10, how much do you trust the 5 most unimportant people in your life?
• What are random acts of kindness? Have you ever been a witness of one?
• Have you ever told someone not to do something and then you do it? Is there harm in doing this?  Why or why not?
• Are there relationships you have which you should get separation from for good? What makes these relationships harmful?
• Are there relationships you should nurture more? What makes these relationships you want to keep?
• Share an example of how you know God/Jesus/Holy Spirit lives within you.
• Share an example of a time when you saw God/Jesus/Holy Spirit within another person.

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Grant me with new sight

 ALL:  that I might see the path in front of me!

Leader:  Grant me with new sight

ALL:  that I might see the compassion flooding in!

Leader: Grant me with new sight

 ALL:  that I might see the grace in each moment!

Leader:  Grant me with new sight

ALL:  that I might see opportunities to praise you!

Leader:  Grant me with new sight

ALL:  that I might see beyond the storm!

Leader:  Grant me with new sight

ALL:  that I might see the coming of a new day!

Challenge for the Week:  The story in the first reading is a situation many of us have encountered.  We have either been like Paul, someone who has made some change and are not accepted by those around us, either because they don’t believe we have changed or they are not comfortable with the change we have made.  Or we are the ones not welcoming someone or believing someone who has made a change.  This week reflect back on the situation and determine how it might have had a different outcome, what are some of the things that could have happened differently?  We cannot go back and change the past but we can learn from it; learn from our mistakes and our successes so we know how to handle a similar situation in the future.  Take time to open your eyes to seeing in new ways!

Fourth Sunday of Easter

Opening Prayer

Abba Father

I hear your voice

and I follow.

I am comforted by

the sound.

It is clear.

Lord, YOU are with me!

AMEN!

Journal/Reflection Questions

Acts 4:8-12

• Peter explains the significance of Jesus in this scripture. In your own words, explain the significance of Jesus in your life or in the world.
• Is Jesus the cornerstone of your life? Give examples.

 1 John 3:1-2

• Compare and contrast your relationship with God as a father and a child. Is this easy or difficult to do?
• Has Jesus revealed anything to you? How will you/do you know when Jesus reveals a message to you?

 John 10:11-18

• What makes Jesus the “good” shepherd? Can you list 5 things?  10?
• For what are you willing to lay down your life? A person?  A cause?
• In what way do you relate to the good shepherd? Be specific.
• Why is there only one shepherd? What consequences or difficulties could arise if there were more than one?

General Questions for Journaling

• When did you go out of your way to do a good thing for another person? What was the occasion?
• Does doing good for others come naturally for you or do you find yourself needing to work at it?
• What do you think causes kindness to others to come naturally or not?
• Name some of the obstacles in your life right now. What are you doing to overcome them or are you waiting for God or someone else to remove the obstacles or make it easier for you to overcome?
• Do you know someone who doesn’t believe in Jesus? What is their reason for not believing?  It is because they don’t know Him or is it something else?
• What might be some reasons someone would not believe if Jesus? If the elders of his time tried to discredit him, what are some things people today could say to try to discredit Jesus?
• Have you ever been given responsibility for someone else’s possessions? Did you care for them as though they were your own?  Why or why not?
• How do you define love? Is there one type of love or several?  If there is more than one, what are they types of love?
• Describe the feeling of knowing you are loved. What adjectives do you use to describe love?  Is your description the same as others?
• Share a story of a time when you felt safe. Describe the surroundings, the smells, what you saw and what you heard.

Closing Prayer

Leader:  The Lord calls my name…

ALL:  and I listen.

Leader:  The Lord calls my name…

ALL:  and I wait.

Leader: The Lord calls my name…

 ALL:  and I surrender.

Leader:  The Lord calls my name…

ALL:  and I respond.

Leader:  The Lord calls my name…

ALL:  and I rejoice.

Leader:  The Lord calls my name…

ALL:  and I am complete!

Challenge for the Week:  Have you ever considered what kind of parent God is?  While there are only four specific parenting styles, there are several articles which highlight a variety of different types of parenting.  To name a few, there is a “drill sergeant parent” who commands and directs the lives of children.  There is the “oblivious parent” whom is not aware of or concerned about what is happening with their children.  Another nickname for a type of parent is the “MIA parent” which is as you’d assume correctly is a parent whom is not present at all.  One of the more popular types is the “helicopter parent” whom is overprotective and discourages a child’s independence by being too involved in the child’s life and swoops in at any sign of challenge or discomfort.  Does one of these types fit God?  Do you believe God parents each one of us in the same way?  What type of parent would you say God is?  What type of parent do you want God to be?  Spend time this week in reflection on the Father, God and give thanks and praise for all God’s grace!