4th Sunday of Ordinary Time

 

Opening Prayer

My Lord

How do I let go of anxiety

so I might speak with authority?

Let me shed my insecurity

so I might walk with confidence!

Teach me ways to stand strong

so I show conviction in my beliefs!

Allow me to hold fast to YOU,

as I find your words in my voice!

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Deuteronomy 18:15-20

• Read the scripture as though you are Moses. Does it change the meaning or message?  What thoughts or feelings well up in you when you do this?
• Does this scripture encourage you to speak God’s Word or cause you to be afraid to speak God’s Word?

 1 Corinthians 7:32-35

• How does being married or single distract you from God?
• How does being married or single bring you closer to God?

Mark 1:21-28

• Do you have something “unclean” within you which you need to ask Jesus to call out?
• Who in your life do you trust explicitly? Is anyone who is in authority whom you trust?  How do you know when someone is being authentic?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• Do believe God anxiously waits for you to wake up each day to watch you unfold what is laid out on your path?
• What makes you know (convicted), God has chosen you? Be specific.
• Describe the perfect setting for you to share God’s Word with others. Where are you, who is with you and what do you want to say?
• What does it mean to you to be a prophet? Do you consider yourself a prophet?  Why or why not?
• As a baptized person, you are a prophet…how can you live more like the prophet you are?
• How do you express anxiety or worry? What does it look like for you?  Does everyone express their anxiety or worry in the same way?
• What relationships (or absence of relationships) cause you anxiety?
• What worries you about the world today? Write down at least 5 things and pray each day for the things that worry you.
• Have you ever experienced so much worry that it became a dark cloud over you? How were you able to overcome?
• Where do you see “unclean” situations? Consider globally, nationally, locally and individually and listen to God respond to your concern.

 

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Lord you are the light…

 ALL:  the light beckoning me to safety.

Leader:  Lord you are the light…

ALL:  the light cautioning me to slow down.

Leader:  Lord you are the light…

 ALL:  the light signaling me warning ahead.

Leader:  Lord you are the light…

ALL:  the light illuminating my direction.

Leader:  Lord you are the light…

ALL:  the light highlighting what is good.

Leader:  Lord you are the light…

ALL:  the light I seek, heart and soul!

 

Challenge for the Week:  What do you call God?  Make a list of all of the names that can be used to describe all three persons of the Trinity, write them down.  Then take the list you made and cut the names out individually and place in a bowl, dish or cup.  Draw from this list a different name each day and use that name in your prayers that entire day.  Spend time throughout the day reflecting on the name and what it means to you, how it describes God and what it reveals about God’s nature.  Start now, or make plans for this to be included in your Lenten prayer practice.

3rd Sunday of Ordinary Time

 

Opening Prayer

God of all,

There is no where we can go

that will take us away from You.

No mountain is too high,

No ocean is too deep;

You are always there!

Let my heart and mind know

I cannot run away from You.

Your will, Lord, is always done!

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Jonah 3:1-5, 10

• What truths about God are revealed through this scripture?
• What message did Jonah bring to Nineveh? How does this same message ring true in your life right now?
• What significance does the three days have to this story? Where else in scripture does God promise change in three days?

1 Corinthians 7:29-31

• What does God want from you right now? Is it the same or different from what he wanted from you a year ago?  5?  10?
• What does the scripture tell you about what God values?

 Mark 1:14-20

• What do you need to repent in order to follow Jesus?
• Jesus find them “mending their nets”, what requires mending in your life right now? Does God find you doing the mending or are you waiting for someone else to fix it?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• Have you set out on a new journey this year? What is your mission?
• Are there specific things you will take on your journey? Where do you turn for help?  Who is your guide?
• How do you act when given a deadline? Does it increase productivity?  Does it cause stress?  What about your attention/focus changes?
• How have you been called to change? Where does the call come from?
• What benefit comes from a threat? Are there times when they are effective?  Why or why not?
• Where do you find solace? Is it easy or difficult to find?
• What current fads do you wish would “pass away”? Are there trends you wish would come back?  Why?
• Are there things you hold onto? What value do they have to you?  What value does the world give them?  What value does God give them?
• Share a time when you were up against a deadline and time ran out before you were able to complete the task. What was the situation?  What was the outcome?  How did you feel as time began to run out?  How did you feel after time was passed?
• Is there anything you must repent in order to have a stronger relationship with God?
• Are there things you should repent to heal or strengthen a relationship with a friend or family member?
• The Good News is that God has chosen you, despite your faults; how can you share this Good News with others? Be specific.

 

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Lord, when you call…

 ALL:  your words engulf me!

Leader:  Lord, when you call…

ALL:  my heart is awakened!

Leader:  Lord, when you call…

 ALL:  I turn to listen!

Leader:  Lord, when you call…

ALL:  my soul rejoices!

Leader:  Lord, when you call…

ALL:  I hear nothing else!

Leader:  Lord, when you call…

ALL:  your servant is ready!

 

Challenge for the Week:  The word present has a couple of very different meanings.  One present means “right now” and another is “a gift” but what if to God they really mean the same thing???  Consider the present moment in time as a gift from God.  How do we use it?  What value do we give it?  Unfortunately, many of us spend much of our time thinking about the past and planning for the future.  We don’t always give the present, the value of time which it deserves.  This doesn’t only apply to the time we spend alone, with our own thoughts but it also affects the time we spend with friends, family and others whom deserve our uninterrupted attention.  Are we present with them?  What can we do to become more present, in the moment?  What changes can we make to allow us to be more present minded…what a true present that would be! 

---

2^nd Sunday of Ordinary Time

 

Opening Prayer

Oh Lord,

Day after day I awake,

but what do I see?

Let me see your presence

so I can follow you.

Each day I set forth,

but what do I do?

May I bring your presence

to others in the ordinary.

Keep me near;

I want to stay!!!

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

1 Samuel 3:3b-10, 19

• If God called you, would you recognize the voice? Who might you think it is besides God?
• Samuel responds to God by saying, “Your servant is listening”, what does it mean to you to answer God in this way?

 1 Corinthians 6:13c-15a, 17-20

• What do you come to understand about your body from this scripture? How does it affect your beliefs and/or actions?
• Put into words how you belong to God. How does it feel to write or say these words?

 John 1:35-42

• If you knew Jesus’ answer would be “come and see”, what question(s) do you want to ask Him?
• What draws you to want to follow Jesus?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• Does God call once or several times? Do you think God ever stops calling?
• Do you believe you are created for a purpose? Why or why not?
• Consider what your life might be like if you didn’t know God. How would it be different?  How would it be the same?
• Are there people in your life who still help you recognize God’s voice?
• What tells you that God is with you?
• Where does your obedience to God come from? Fear?  Guilt?  Love?  Desire?  Find your own word.
• Do you need to have a desire to find God and listen for His voice before He starts to call? Why or why not?
• If the Holy Spirit resides within you? How can you show reverence to it?
• How can you show reverence to the Holy Spirit within another person?
• If you can’t see or feel the Holy Spirit within you or another person, does that mean it is not there?
• What is the purpose of the Holy Spirit taking up residence with us?
• Who are people you follow? Why do you follow them?
• Are there people in the news, politics, Hollywood or other celebrities whom you are connected to on social media? What does it mean to you to follow them?
• Is there something you are still waiting for God to reveal to you? What do you want him to tell you to come and see?

 

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Lord let me sit a while

 ALL:  listening to your voice.

Leader:  Lord let me spend time

ALL:  seeking your will for me.

Leader:  Lord let me travel a stretch

 ALL:  on the path you’ve chosen.

Leader:  Lord let me find an occasion

ALL:  to share you with others.

Leader:  Lord let me enjoy a moment

ALL:  resting in your presence.

Leader:  Let me be with you for a lifetime

ALL:  embraced in your love!

 

Challenge for the Week:  Imagine you are a scratchers ticket with a prize waiting to be revealed.  Unlike a scratchers ticket you can purchase at the gas station, you have been created by God which means behind each silver covering there is a gift that you have won.  Do you think you have scratched away all of your treasures or are there still more to be revealed?  Are you hesitant to scratch for fear of what you will find or do you have the urge to uncover all of the gifts?  God gave you all of these gifts and whether they are revealed one at a time or all at once, we meant to do something with them.  Don’t let your gifts go to waste…you have already won the prize!

Epiphany

 

Opening Prayer

Jesus,

Like the sun,

Let me rise to bring light!

Like a baby,

Let me be born to a new life!

Awaken me from my slumber,

so I can shine like a star

and lead others to YOU!

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Isaiah 60:1-6

• What do you see when you look out into the future?
• Where is radiance found on earth today?

Ephesians 3:2-3a, 5-6

• How would you tell someone about the grace of God? What makes it such an amazing gift?
• What has God revealed to you in the past year? Month?  24 hours?

 Matthew 2:1-12

• Define the word, diligent. How do you/can you search diligently for God this year?
• Describe the joy Jesus brings to you, what makes this so?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• What gifts do you see in the world today?
• How do you determine what riches are? In your definition, what countries in the world are the richest?
• Are there places on earth which you are drawn to go? What is there which you want to experience?
• Do you ever see dark clouds linger in groups of people?
• Is darkness always bad and light always good? Why or why not?
• What happens when darkness lingers in your life? How do you deal with it?
• How much value do you put on promises? How have your experiences formed this opinion?
• What or how do you give back to God? Do you feel obligated to give?  Why or why not?
• Are the promises God has made good enough to share? Make a list of ways you can do this.
• What role does God play in your life? Jesus?  The Holy Spirit?
• Is there someone in your life who needs you to embrace them?
• What can you do to find common ground with someone with whom you are struggling?
• What are you willing to give up in order to develop a relationship with God? Are sacrifices necessary?  Why or why not?
• Are there people or situations which you hid from? What message do you think Jesus would like to reveal to you about what you should do?

 

Closing Prayer (music lyrics to song “Rise Up” by Andra Day)

Leader:  When the silence isn’t quiet

 ALL:  And it feels like it’s getting hard to breathe

Leader:  And I know you feel like dying

ALL:  But I promise we’ll take the world to its feet

Leader:  And move mountains

 ALL:  I’ll rise like the day

Leader:  I’ll rise unafraid

ALL:  I’ll rise up

Leader:  And I’ll do it a thousand times again

ALL:  And I’ll rise up

Leader:  High like the waves

ALL:  I’ll rise up…for YOU!

 

Challenge for the Week:  Reflect on the past couple of months since the beginning of the new liturgical year (or since around Thanksgiving) and make a list of the gifts which you have received…NOT the tangible ones.  The holiday season can open up new insights, new relationships and shine light on situations in relationships.  Spend time thinking about the gifts opened to you, these can range from very personal to global depending on how much time you want to spend and how deep you want to go.  However, giving time to these special moments can bring new insight and reflect the true value of the gifts which you might have been too busy to accept!

 

The Holy Family

 

Opening Prayer

Lord,

How do I know you are near?

Is it in a kind word of a stranger?

A random act of kindness?

You are everywhere I turn!!!

What can I do to draw you closer?

Let me find you in my daily routine;

teach me Lord,

so I might find you in the simplicity of my day!!!

You are there…may I always reach out to find YOU!!!

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Sirach 3:2-6, 12-14 or Genesis 15:1-6, 21:1-3

• What do you do to honor your mother and your father on earth and/or in heaven? (Sirach 3:2-6, 12-14)
• How does honoring your parents look differently from when you are a child? (Sirach 3:2-6, 12-14)
• Share how a child is a gift from God and list at least 10 ways you can honor this gift. (Genesis 15:1-6, 21:1-3)
• What does this scripture teach you about God’s nature? (Genesis 15:1-6, 21:1-3)

 Colossians 3:12-21 or Hebrews 11:8, 11-12, 17-19

• How is one subordinate? God says it is good but the world says it is not?  How do you discern which is best for which situation?  How does this scripture help you find an answer? (Colossians 3:12-21)
• How has God taught you wisdom and compassion? How have your parents taught you these things?  Is it different?  Why or why not? (Colossians 3:12-21)
• What inheritance has God left for you? Have you accepted it?(Hebrews 11:8,11-12,17-19)
• How do you explain how Abraham’s descendants are as vast as the stars? (Hebrews 11:8, 11-12, 17-19)

 Luke 2:22-40

• Can you see salvation in the eyes of newborn child? What is it that you see?  Describe what you see in the eyes of a baby?
• What do you believe Simeon saw in Jesus? How did Simeon know Jesus was born to do great things?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• Describe your relationship with your parents. How is it similar or different from your relationship with your children?
• Have you ever prayed for your parents specifically? Do you believe they have prayed for you specifically?
• What traits did you get from your Father? Are they good?  How do you use them?
• What traits did you get from your Mother? Are they good?  How do you use them?
• Describe your parents in 10 words or less. Describe your Mother. Describe your Father.
• How would you describe your parent’s relationship? Did they have a relationship with God?  How would you describe their relationship with God?
• What do you believe your parents said when they heard you were joining their family?
• What did you say when you learned you would be a parent?
• Do you turn to God for parenting advice? Share a time when you did and what you heard in response.
• Are you open to the promises of Christ? Why or why not?  What is the promise Christ has given?
• Is there someone in your family whom you wish you could speak to? Who is it and why?
• What traditions do you still keep Holy in your life which have been passed on from previous generations?
• How do you honor life given and live taken away? Do these things mean something or are they simply things which happen?

 

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Jesus, I recognize you…

 ALL:  in my sins, forgiven and healed!

Leader:  Jesus, I recognize you…

ALL:  in the miracles that happen each day!

Leader:  Jesus, I recognize you…

ALL:  when people come together to pray!

Leader:  Jesus, I recognize you…

ALL:  in the beauty which surrounds me!

Leader:  Jesus, I recognize you…

ALL:  in the eyes of strangers and in my family!

 

Challenge for the Week:  Have you seen the “I am Second” signs and bumper stickers?  This message is out there for us to remember that we are asked to put God above all things in the 2^nd Commandment.  This means even our own needs or the needs of our spouse/significant other and/or our children/family.  This is contradictory to the messages we hear in media.  Reflect on how you can put God first in your life from the moment you wake up until the moment you lay your head to rest.  Is this a difficult request?  Why or why not?  If God is not first in your life, where do you place God’s needs on your list of priorities and responsibilities?  How can you shift your thoughts into place God’s needs above our own?  Find a friend or family member to talk to about this change so you can help each other put God’s needs, wants and desires above those of others.

Fourth Sunday of Advent

 

Opening Prayer

Jesus,

You come to make us whole!

You give us strength and hope!

You love us without boundaries!

With you,

We shall live forever!

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

2Samuel 7:1-5, 8b-12, 14a, 16

• What do you imagine the “dwelling place of God” looks like? Smells like?  Sounds like?  Feels like?
• How does God reveal to you a better way? Be specific.

 Romans 16:25-27

• Name three ways you have proclaimed the Gospel this past week.
• How is glory known?

Luke 1:26-38

• Just as John was sent to testify to Jesus’ coming, you are called to testify to Jesus too. Share how you have or how you can testify to the light of Christ.
• Why do the people send for priests, Levites and Pharisees? Who do you call on to help you “find truth” in a situation?  How do you discern what is true and what is not?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• Have you ever felt like you have more than Jesus? Share an example.
• Can you ever have too much of something good? Too much of something bad?  How do you determine?
• Are there people in your life which you regard as “higher” than yourself? What makes them so?  How would God respond?
• Does generosity have a limit? Why or why not?
• What do you have to offer God? Make a list.  (What we are is God’s gift to us; what we become is our gift to God)
• Do you believe what you give to God is enough? Do you believe God is satisfied?  Why or why not?
• What happens when you give to God? Be specific.
• How does Jesus give you rest? Share an example.
• What are the mysteries of faith? Are these mysteries a secret?
• What does scripture reveal to you about faith? What does it reveal to you about God?  What does scripture reveal to you about eternal life?
• Where is God present in your life right now?
• Are you happy with the amount of time you spend in God’s presence? Why or why not?
• Is there anything about your faith which you fear?
• Have you ever encountered an angel? What was the situation and how did you know it was an angel?

 

Closing Prayer

Leader:  The Lord proclaims that I am good;

 ALL:  through kindnesses shown to my neighbor.

Leader:  The Lord proclaims that I am good;

ALL:  through my faithfulness even in small things.

Leader:  The Lord proclaims that I am good;

 ALL:  through the compassionate work of my hands.

Leader:  The Lord proclaims that I am good;

ALL:  through the promises I keep to myself and others.

Leader:  The Lord proclaims that I am good;

ALL:  through the love I give and receive.

ALL:  The Lord proclaims that I am good!

 

Challenge for the Week:  Reflect on the difference between a yes and an unconditional yes this week during your quiet prayer time.  In a 24 hour period you probably say yes a couple of dozen times but are any of them without condition?  Think about the last yes you gave…was it in response to a simple or complex request?  Did you have to consider consequences or did you heartily respond with joy?  Perhaps you negotiated terms of your yes response to better fit your schedule or comfort level.  There are even some yes’ given with hesitation or because of obligation.  The Gospel tells the story about a YES; this yes is an example to us because Mary said yes to God, no matter the obstacles she might have to face.  Over the next week or so, spend time thinking about response you gave the last time God asked you to do something…were you able to respond as Mary did or do you have a long list of reasons and excuses which you are using to avoid God’s request?  As you reflect, also remember to give time to how you feel when someone doesn’t respond yes at a request you make; do you think God feels the same way?  Once you have come to a conclusion about the difference between a yes and an unconditional yes, make a proclamation to God!  This can be done through a written prayer or through action; either way make the decision to work towards being more like Mary and saying YES to God’s requests.

Third Sunday of Advent

 

Opening Prayer

Almighty God

I come before you to seek

what I need to be complete.

Free me of the lies I have told

so I may have a fresh start.

Heal what has been hurt or broken

and teach me to do the safe for others.

Your presence within and beyond me

brings peace to all!

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Isaiah 61:1-2a, 10-11

• Draw an image of yourself as described by this scripture.
• Determine specifically how you can bring glad tidings to the poor, heal the brokenhearted, proclaim liberty to the captives and release to prisoners.

 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24

• How would you explain “prayer without ceasing” and “perfectly holy” to a child or someone who is just developing their faith?
• Saint Paul couldn’t possibly know how hard it is to “give thanks” in all circumstances could he? Even if you are familiar with Saint Paul’s story, take time to revisit it with an open heart to be reminded of all you have to give thanks for in your life.

 John 1:6-8, 19-28

• Just as John was sent to testify to Jesus’ coming, you are called to testify to Jesus too. Share how you have or how you can testify to the light of Christ.
• Why do the people send for priests, Levites and Pharisees? Who do you call on to help you “find truth” in a situation?  How do you discern what is true and what is not?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• What does it mean to you to have God’s favor? Do you have God’s favor?  Do you know others who have God’s favor?
• How might one act differently knowing they had God’s favor upon them?
• Do you believe in spite? When have you been spiteful?  Can you share a time when you have experienced God’s spite?  Does it exist?
• Are there people in your life who give witness to God? How do they do this?
• Reflect on how you give witness to God. Could you be giving witness without your knowledge?
• Create a calendar and write down one conversation or experience where you saw, felt, heard God each month in the past year.
• Can you bring “good tidings” when you harbor hurt and resentment towards others?
• Do you believe God loves everyone equally? Why or why not?  Do you have scripture or doctrine to support your belief?
• How does God (Father, Son and Holy Spirit) dwell in your body, mind and spirit? Share specific ways.
• How do you recognize God (Father, Son and Holy Spirit) in your life and in the life of others you encounter each day? Is God easy or difficult to find?  Why or why not?  Are the specific conditions which make it easier or more difficult?

 

Closing Prayer

Leader:  In the darkness before the morning…

 ALL:  Lord, let me be your light!

Leader:  As I encounter those around me…

ALL:  Lord, let me be your light!

Leader:  Through my words and actions…

 ALL:  Lord, let me be your light!

Leader:  In my preparations for Christmas…

ALL:  Lord, let me be your light!

Leader:  As I make plans with friends and family…

ALL:  Lord, let me be your light!

Leader:  Through your presence within me…

ALL:   Lord, let me be your light!

 

Challenge for the Week:  Take time to define joy.  What is joy to you?  Is it something you can only experience one time or is it something you can carry with you for a while?  Are there things which snatch away your joy?  This week make a list of at least 25 things which bring you joy.  They don’t have to be grandiose things as long as it brings you joy…it could be as simple as finding some change on the floorboard of your car!  Once your list is complete, sit with it for a little while; let the feeling of joy overwhelm you.  Then make a promise to yourself and to God not to keep this joy to yourself; go out and share the joy you have with others and encourage them to find the joy which lies within them too!  Happy Advent!

Second Sunday of Advent

 

Opening Prayer

Lord

What is it I am waiting for?

What do I seek?

Why do I feel so parched?

Why can’t I see what is in front of me?

I do not need to wait;

YOU have already provided!

I can come to the water;

and quench my thirst!

You, Lord, are all I need!

Let me wait no more…

to be full of life!

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Isaiah 40:1-5, 9-11

• Is there someone whom you know that needs to hear the Good News of Jesus’ birth? What would you say to them?
• Where do you see Jesus’ glory revealed this holiday season? Be specific.

 2 Peter 3:8-14

• What are some obstacles which delays you from expressing your love and devotion to God?
• Who in your life has shown you how to love and express your love towards God?

 Mark 1:1-8

• Make a list of potential lessons you could share about God with this scripture. Can you come up with 10?
• Is the message of repentance and non-judgment the type of message you would choose to share during the holiday season? Why or why not?  What message do you think needs to be heard?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• What do you look forward to seeing during the holiday season?
• What do you look forward to hearing during the holiday season?
• What do you look forward to doing during the holiday season?
• What do you look forward to smelling during the holiday season?
• What is your favorite memory of advent?
• How do you celebrate advent? Do you change anything to represent this is a special time?  Do you do it alone or with others?
• When did you last cry out to God? Was it in pain or praise?
• Where do you see God’s love/mercy smoothing out rough spots in your life? In the world?
• Are there things which you take for granted or have neglected to give the importance due in this past year? What keeps you from giving them attention?
• If you rated your patience on a scale from 1-10, where would you land? Are you honest with your assessment?  Is this where you want to be?
• Are you more patient with yourself or with others? Why?
• Is there something you have lost this year which you have trouble letting go?
• Is there something you have gained this year which you could not let go?
• Are there things which you do not feel worthy of doing? What are they?
• Are there things about you which you judge? Do others judge?  Is it fairly?  How would God judge?
• Would you say you are on a straight path? Draw a picture of the path you have been on this past year.

 

Closing Prayer

Leader:  You hold us and call us your beloved…

 ALL:  through a shining star in the night sky!

Leader:  You hold us and call us your beloved…

ALL:  as a shepherd wraps a lamb in his arms!

Leader:  You hold us and call us your beloved…

ALL:  with each day you give us a new beginning!

Leader:  You hold us and call us your beloved…

ALL:  like light rain in the hot desert!

Leader:  You hold us and call us your beloved…

ALL:  while the path is paved before us!

Leader:  You hold us and call us your beloved…

ALL:   in the waters of our baptism;

ALL:  WE ARE CALLED BELOVED!!!

 

Challenge for the Week:  How can you give “glad tidings” this holiday season?  Is there one person you need to reach out to and spend some time, perhaps to smooth out your relationship?  Are there people in the community who need some assistance or a friendly smile?  Spend time this week determining how you define “glad tidings” and make a plan to share “glad tidings” with others.  This could even be something which becomes a new tradition or something you will continue to do even after the holiday season has passed.  Take the example of John the Baptist and let your words and actions point to Jesus!!!

First Sunday of Advent

 

Opening Prayer

Lord

Shape us

Mold us

Make us your own!

May we not wander,

Let us remain close.

For you are with us

for all of time!

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Isaiah 63:16b-17; 64:1, 3b-8

• When have you hid your face from God? How did God respond?
• What had God molded you into? What special gifts, qualities do you have?  Make a list of 100 things that are special about you!

 1 Corinthians 1:3-9

• Saint Paul says God is what makes us whole. How do you stay close to God?  Describe the feeling of wholeness.
• What do you believe about life on earth and life in heaven? What remains the same?

 Mark 13:33-37

• If Jesus came to your home today, what would he be happy to see? What would you want to hide from him?
• How alert are you on a daily basis about Jesus’ presence in your life?
• Who would you say you relate to the most in the Gospel? The man traveling?  The servants?  The gatekeeper?  None of these, because you relate more to the house, time of day or the cockcrowing it’s warning?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• What is your name story? How were you named?
• What does your name say about you?
• What names do you give God? Jesus? Holy Spirit?  What do the names mean to you?
• When do you see God? When do you hear God?  Is it true sight and sound?
• Share a time when you had a problem as big as a mountain which you saw crumble because of God’s grace, mercy and love!
• Have you ever experienced guilt floating away like the wind? Describe how you have felt guilt taken away.
• How were you called into relationship with God? Jesus?  Holy Spirit?
• What do you do to call others into relationship with God, Jesus, Holy Spirit?
• What kind of riches does God give? Be specific.
• What are some of the things you prepare for when you have guests?
• When have you been spoiled as a guest?
• Share a time when you did not feel welcome when you arrived at a destination.
• What do you need to prepare for Jesus’ coming? Are you ready?
• What tells you of God’s presence in your life right now?

 

Closing Prayer (Inspired by Psalm 80)

Leader:  Shine forth…

ALL:  the power to save!

Leader:  Shine forth…

ALL:  and protect what is good!

Leader:  Shine forth…

ALL:  upon the right and just!

Leader:  Shine forth…

ALL:  bring comfort and warmth!

Leader:  Shine forth…

ALL:  with strength!

Leader:  Shine forth…

ALL:   the light of all life!

 

Challenge for the Week:  This week make time to sit down and create your own personal motto or symbol.  You might already have one or you might have a favorite scripture verse or quote which you find value but this personal motto should be something original.  It should be something you want people to see when they first see you or hear you speak.  It is something you would put on your welcome mat outside of your door for all to see before entering into your home.  This motto or symbol for you is what guides people to learn about you, to see your gifts and to find out what is truly important.  Jesus’ symbol would be the star which lead the way for the shepherds to find him and how the star’s light is full of power, full of wonder and though we cannot always see the star, we know it is there.  Happy Advent!

Solemnity of Christ the King

 

Opening Prayer

Lord

Let me not forget

You are in my midst.

You bring comfort

when I am weary,

and seek me out

when I am lost.

Though I may not see you

YOU ARE THERE!

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Ezekiel 34:11-12, 15-17

• Where are you in proximity of the Shepherd? Have you scattered?  Do you need to be healed?
• Is there a safe distance to stray from God? If yes, what is the distance?  Is it the same for everyone?  If no?  Why?

 1 Corinthians 15:20-26, 28

• Do your words and actions reflect your faith in God to protect you and take care of you in this life and the next?
• Reflect on how this scripture reflects the changing of the seasons. Make a list of parallels you see.

 Matthew 25:31-46

• If you love God and love your neighbor, how are you like the sheep? Be specific.
• Do you believe God looks at people as the “least” or the “greatest”? How does this scripture give you evidence to confirm AND deny this statement.

 

General Questions for Journaling

• What does it mean to tend to something? What was the last thing you tended to?
• When it is dark and cloudy, how do you find your way? How does this metaphor apply to your faith?
• Can you be lost and not know it?
• Is there someone in your life whom is like a shepherd?
• How are you or can you be like a shepherd to others? What does this look like?
• What are some of the evils of the world which you fear?
• Where do you see God in tragic events? Is it difficult or easy?  Why?
• What things do you see in the world which tears people apart? Can you make a list of at least 10 things?
• Are you responsible for bringing strife into a relationship? If so, what can give you a change of heart?
• What is your view of death? Be specific.
• How do you separate people? What groups do you put them in?  What labels do you use?
• Can you relate better to a smart and rich leader or a poor and suffering one? Which one do you believe Jesus is?  In which category do you place people in authority today?
• Is there a difference between giving for reward and giving freely? Can you tell the difference in yourself?  In others?  Do you think God cares?

 

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Lord, you care for me

 ALL:  so I may care for others.

Leader:  Lord, you shelter me in a storm

ALL:  so I may provide shelter for others.

Leader:  Lord, you protect me from harm

 ALL:  so I can be a stronghold for others.

Leader:  Lord, you show me mercy

ALL:  so I will be merciful to others.

Leader:  Lord, you teach me compassion

ALL:  so I can offer comfort to others.

Leader:  Lord, you love me without limits

ALL:   so I will give love unconditionally to others.

 

Challenge for the Week:  When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?  Was it a similar profession as one of your parents?  Did you learn about it from TV or from a book?  What were the characteristics of the job which you were drawn to?  In Jesus’ time, and for many years before and after, you were born in to a family where your future job was already chosen for you. It didn’t really matter if you had the right demeanor or characteristics to do the job well, you just did it.  However, specific jobs require specific skills in order for the person to be good at their job.  A shepherd for example needs to be strong and have stamina to be able to keep the sheep from straying; they must be observant and be able to be both stern and tender depending on the need of the sheep.  This week, spend time reflecting on what qualities you bring to the profession you chose and how you benefit others because of what you give.  Each day, you are given the opportunity to be a shepherd to someone, go and use your gifts to serve others and to serve God!