33rd Sunday of Ordinary Time

 

Opening Prayer

Merciful Father,

You are the creator and maker

of heaven and earth,

Yet you regard me as one

worthy of your mercy!

You forgive without limits

and your love is infinite,

May I learn from your example

and have patience

not only with others

but with myself as well!

I am forever grateful for you Lord!

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Proverbs 31:10-13, 19-20, 30-31

• What does this scripture say makes a bride worthy? Is it the tasks she completes or her attitude or a combination of both?
• How does the woman described in this scripture stand out? Do you know women like her?

 1 Thessalonians 5:1-6

• How does God’s goodness take you by surprise? Share a time when it overtook you.
• What is there to fear? Death?  Darkness?  What does this scripture passage tell us to fear?  Why should we listen?

 Matthew 25:14-30

• Do you think you have talents which are buried?   What would happen if you dug them up?
• Where have you scattered the seeds of faith? Who gave the seeds to you?
• What does it mean for God to give you great responsibility? Share an example of someone who has embraced the responsibility.  Share an example of someone who fears it.

 

 General Questions for Journaling

• What qualities does a woman look for in a husband?
• What qualities does a man look for in a wife?
• Is there a recipe for a healthy marriage?
• What are some causes for a marriage to fail? Can God’s mercy provide insight?
• How is charm deceptive? Share an example.
• Describe something beautiful. How does beauty make you feel?  Do those feelings last?  Why or why not?
• What does it look like to “fear the Lord”? How is it a Gift of the Holy Spirit?
• Are there things in life which give false hope or false security? Name a few.
• Would you say you’re a risk taker? Why or why not?  Give an example.
• Are there things about your faith which are risky? Are there times when being faithful put you at risk?  Share examples of both.

 

Closing Prayer

Leader:  When the love you have for me is questioned…

 ALL:  Lord, I am listening with all of my heart!

Leader:  When the threat of bad weather is on the horizon…

ALL:  Lord, I am listening with all of my senses!

Leader:  When my faith is being challenged…

 ALL:  Lord, I am listening with my entire mind!

Leader:  When stress and anxiety try to consume me…

ALL:  Lord, I am listening with my entire body!

Leader:  When temptation draws near…

ALL:  Lord, I am listening with all of my will!

Leader:  When you wrap me in grace and mercy…

ALL:   Lord, I am listening with all of my soul!

 

Challenge for the Week:  Do you spend too much time looking towards the end to be able to enjoy the present?  A popular phrase over the past few years is “What is the endgame?”  Too much time can be invested into what a person desires the “end” to look like and forget to make the most of the time given right now.  Occasionally people get wrapped up in how we think things need to happen or what needs to be done; while other times we get so distracted by sin we forget to take the step(s) we need in order to move forward toward a goal.  Focusing on the end means spending too much time in the future and not enough time in the present.  God provides opportunities, experiences and lessons along the path to make the journey more enjoyable, more manageable and sometimes even less stressful.  Spend time considering how much time you spend worrying about the future in comparison to how much time you give to right now.

32nd Sunday of Ordinary Time

 

Opening Prayer

Lord

Why am I surprised

to find you waiting for me?

What keeps me from thinking

I am good enough for your love?

Help me to see that I am worthy

because you love me.

Help me to remember it was your death

that gives me everlasting life.

I have been a part of you

all of your life,

I want to be a part of you,

all of mine!!!

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Wisdom 6:12-16

• What does Wisdom have waiting for you?
• Do you seek Wisdom? Is Wisdom easy or difficult to find?

 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 or 4:13-14

• Does “fallen asleep” mean those who have died? How could one “fall asleep” in faith?
• How does this reading impact your vision of death? Of heaven?

 Matthew 25:1-13

• Would you say you are ready to open the door to God? Why or why not?
• What kinds of things keep you from lighting your lamp? Keep you from being delayed?  Keep you from going out?  Keep you from being ready for the feast?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• Do you look for God in all things?
• Are there places you don’t look for God?
• Are there places where you don’t see God at all?
• When have felt there was something waiting ahead of you?
• How does wisdom differ from knowledge or understanding?
• If you knew when you would die, how would that affect how you live your life?
• How would knowing when others will die change your relationships?
• Are there things of which you are unaware? Is it because you don’t know or because you are disinterested?
• Do you think there is a connection does awareness have with wisdom?
• When have you grown impatient, waiting for God in your life? Share an example.

 

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Lord, let us find you in all things…

 ALL:  you are the stars that shine!

Leader:  Lord, let us find you in all things…

ALL:  you are the baby crying!

Leader:  Lord, let us find you in all things…

ALL:  you are the changing seasons!

Leader:  Lord, let us find you in all things…

ALL:  you are an act of kindness!

Leader:  Lord, let us find you in all things…

ALL:  you are a banquet feast!

Leader:  Lord, let us find you in all things…

ALL:   you are the path of life!

 

Challenge for the Week:  Stay awake, be ready, for we do not know the day, nor the hour of when God comes…we have all heard this, but isn’t God in our midst right now?  This week, spend time contemplating what you can change in your life right now so you live with the awareness that God is present NOW!  Are you allowing God to enter in your life today?  What obstacles have you created to keep God at a distance?  What moments do you allow God into?  Are there more moments in which you keep God waiting at the door than embracing his presence?  As the creator and giver of all good things, why would you try to keep any part of your life from God?

31st Sunday of Ordinary Time

 

Opening Prayer

Father God,

No matter our differences,

No matter our scars,

No matter what divides us…

YOU are what binds us together.

It is you, Lord,

Who made us in your image,

who heals our wounds

and unite us as one.

AMEN!

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Malachi 1:14b-2:2b, 8-10

• Relate how this scripture sounds like a parent giving instruction to a disobedient child to the message God is sending you by hearing these words today.
• Do you think there is a greater responsibility for those who teach the faith to follow it according to the law more than there is for any of us? Why or why not?

 2 Thessalonians 2:7b-9, 13

• What are some obstacles of teaching faith to others? How does St Paul describe his struggles in this scripture?
• To what or whom do you show affection? What prompts you to show affection?
• How do you decipher God’s words vs. human words?

 Matthew 23:1-12

• What example do you follow? Give an example.
• What message is Jesus giving? What does this look like today’s society?  Does the world still live by the standards they did at Jesus’ time?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• Is there someone whom you keep at a distance because of differences? Does this relationship cause you to turn from God?
• Who is the keeper of your faith? Who steals from it?  Who contributes to it?
• Does God punish you if you don’t pray? Why or why not?
• How do you regard your relationship with God? Is it the same or different than you regard your relationship with your spouse, parents, friends?
• Would you say you have ever stood up against God? What was the situation?
• How do you know when someone cares for you?
• How do you show you care for someone?
• Make a list of the people and things you care for
• Make a list of the people who care for you
• Can you see the work of God in people? Give an example.
• Where do you see humility in action?
• How do you show honor to others? What causes you to do so?

 

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Let me find peace…

 ALL:  when I encounter indifference.

Leader:  Let me find peace…

ALL:  when I can’t find a common ground.

Leader:  Let me find peace…

 ALL:  when I’m called to share more than I have.

Leader:  Let me find peace…

ALL:  when I’m ask to do more than I think I am capable.

Leader:  Let me find peace…

ALL:  when I serve others and when I am served.

Leader:  Let me find peace…

ALL:   at the beginning, the end and throughout my day.

 

Challenge for the Week:  In last week’s Gospel, Jesus “simplified” the commandments.  Spend time this week looking at the 10 commandments and really study them.  How specifically do they relate to the shortened two commandments Jesus gave?  Is there a commandment which you really struggle obeying?  Which one(s) come easy?  Does it help you to look at them as 10 individual commandments in order to follow them more clearly? OR does it make more sense to you to follow the two and not mess with the specifics of the 10 individually?  In the end, the commandments have not changed and they will remain as a way for us to give love to God and others.

30th Sunday of Ordinary Time

 

Opening Prayer

Creator God

You put in me a heart of flesh

so I could fill it with love for you!

My mind was created by you

so I could exercise your will!

My soul is the part of me

which is made in your image!

When I call for you,

You already know my desire!

Thank you for the path before me,

may I walk in your light forever!

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Exodus 22:20-26

• Where is compassion found? Is it something taught (you can learn) or something you have naturally?
• What is the message of the scripture verse? HINT: It is not that God is mean.

 1 Thessalonians 1:5c-10

• What does the Holy Spirit offer you?
• Identify how you feel about putting forth your love for God to others. Is it something you are comfortable doing?  Are you hesitant or afraid?

 Matthew 22:34-40

• Identify examples of how you can love God with all your heart.   Soul.  Are there different examples for each or are they all the same?
• Did Jesus answer the question he was being asked? Why or why not?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• Can you identify things God has given you?
• When have you recently felt God’s love for you?
• What do you do with God’s love? What do you think God wants you to do?
• When you do something for another person, do you expect re-payment? Why or why not?
• Who do you feel called by God to help?
• Identify someone in need whom you can reach out to this week.
• Where do you find joy? Is it something you strive to find each day or occasionally?
• When have you encountered something that on the surface seemed simple but after closer examination was very difficult?
• If every good thing comes from God, how come there are people who are not very good?
• What can the Trinity offer you in order to love your neighbor, even when they are difficult?

 

Closing Prayer

Leader:  To you Lord, there is no stranger…

 ALL:  Fill me with your love!

Leader:  With you Lord, I have the power to heal…

ALL:  Fill me with your love!

Leader:  In you Lord, I am anointed…

 ALL:  Fill me with your love!

Leader:  To you Lord, I am your vessel…

ALL:  Fill me with your love!

Leader:  With you Lord, I overcome darkness and become light…

ALL:  Fill me with your love!

Leader:  In you Lord, rest my heart, mind and soul…

ALL:   Fill me with your love!

 

Challenge for the Week:  This week think about how God’s love has made your life better.  What is it about how God loves you that makes this happen?  Describe how God’s love feels and then write a prayer of thanksgiving or draw a picture to show appreciation for what God gives you.  THEN, consider how you may be the only example of God’s love in a person’s life today and make a commitment to show other’s God’s love more freely!

29th Sunday of Ordinary Time

 

Opening Prayer

Father

You know my every thought

and yet you still love me.

I fall short in many ways

but you never leave my side.

Teach me your ways

so I might see you better.

Help me to recognize you

in every person I meet.

Let the Word be my guide

to come to know you better!

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Isaiah 45:1, 4-6

• What title do you give God?
• What has God armed you with to make you stronger?

 1 Thessalonians 1:1-5b

• Describe how it felt/feels or describe how you imagine it would feel like to be chosen by God. How does expectation compare to reality?
• What role does the scripture say the Holy Spirit has in your life? On a scale from 1-10, how do you think the Holy Spirit is doing?

 Matthew 22:15-21

• What lesson is Jesus teaching here? How does His example speak to you?
• What were the Pharisees trying to get Jesus to say? What were they hoping would be the outcome?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• What has authority in your life?
• What rules your time?
• What dominates how your money is spent?
• In what areas of your life do feel free?
• In what areas of your life do you feel oppressed?
• Do you prefer sun rises or sun sets?
• What is the most impressive thing you have ever seen or heard about?
• Have you ever been used in a relationship?
• Have you ever entered a relationship with someone in order to gain something?
• Do you think God uses people?
• Do you think people use God?
• How does faith work for you? Do you work for your faith?
• Describe the power of the truth.
• How do you know when something is true?
• Where is truth learned?
• Is it possible to believe something as truth that is not really true?
• What is your definition of a hypocrite?
• Share an example of a time when you have been a hypocrite.
• Have you ever been in a situation where someone is trying to trap your words or catch you in a lie?
• How can you tell if flattery is true or if someone is buttering you up?

 

Closing Prayer

Leader:  The Lord is worthy

ALL:  of my daily prayer!

Leader:  The Lord is worthy

ALL:  of my trust!

Leader:  The Lord is worthy

 ALL:  of my respect!

Leader:  The Lord is worthy

ALL:  of my time!

Leader:  The Lord is worthy

ALL:  of my friendship!

Leader:  The Lord is worthy

ALL:   of my sacrifice!

 

Challenge for the Week:  Do you think God cares if you pay your taxes?  Do you think He keeps a tally sheet of how many times a day you pray, go to church or serve a meal at the shelter?  There are not different rules for people of different sexes, different races or different financial brackets.  God doesn’t judge what car you drive or the price tag on your clothes.  What God expects of you is exactly what He expects of each person on earth since the beginning of time.  It’s simply to give God love.  We cannot earn a place in heaven, there is not an invisible punch card we need to fill by doing good deeds that will give us priority.  All we can do is love.  Reflect on how you give love to God and to others this week.

28th Sunday of Ordinary Time

 

Opening Prayer

Jesus

You put me first in your thoughts;

and let your actions follow.

You bring love and comfort to me;

and never become depleted.

You wipe away my tears

and make me whole!

Let me step out of the way,

fill me with your strength!

Let your will be done!  I am yours!

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Isaiah 25:6-10

• How has God been a hero in your life? Share a time when God swooped in and saved the day, wiped away tears and all rejoiced.
• What is the veil Isaiah speaks of in this scripture? What is it that veils you from seeing God clearly?
• Does this scripture reassure you or scare you?

 Philippians 4:12-14, 19-20

• What reassurance do you have that God will supply you with all you need?
• What is the secret of living in abundance with nothing? Does St Paul give you any indications how he does it?

 Matthew 22:1-14

• Where do you find the parallels in this scripture and the kingdom of God?
• When have you ignored an invitation? What were your reasons for not accepting?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• What is impressive about a banquet feast?
• What would you wear to a banquet feast? How would act?  Are there different rules for a banquet feast than for a typical meal?
• How does God feed us still today? What is the choice wine and rich food?
• When have you turned to God asking for strength? Did He give it?
• Share examples of times when human strength is not enough; only God’s strength can persevere.
• Can God be found in every circumstance? Why or why not?  Consider some possibilities.
• Define abundance. What does it look like to live in abundance according to God?
• Have you ever been a host of a gathering when attendance was low? How did you feel?  What were some of your obstacles?
• Have you ever been a host of a gathering when attendance was high? How did you feel?  What were some of your obstacles?
• What do clothes have to do with acceptance?
• Who makes the rules about what is appropriate dress for specific tasks? Where do you learn these rules?
• What do you do to invite others to the feast God has prepared? Share a specific example.

 

Closing Prayer

Leader:  You have prepared a feast for me;

 ALL:  I am humbled by your presence!

Leader: You have set the table with fine linen;

ALL:  I am humbled by your presence!

Leader:  You have killed the fatted calf;

 ALL:  I am humbled by your presence!

Leader:  You have the finest wine;

ALL:  I am humbled by your presence!

Leader:  You have invited all to the feast;

ALL:  I am humbled by your presence!

Leader:  You have called me to be your beloved;

ALL:   I am humbled by your presence!

 

Challenge for the Week:  There is the saying, “you are what you eat” and when used in the context of faith, when we eat the body and blood of Christ, we become more like Jesus.  So, what do the clothes we wear, how we dress show others who we are?  If we dressed in a tunic and walked around in sandals would we be showing others that we are like Jesus?  Is this the only way?  Take time this week to think about how you dress speaks to others who you are.  What do you say with the things you wear?  Are you over dressed?  Are you under-dressed?  Do you dress differently for holidays or other special occasions?  How do you dress when you go to church?  What do these different outfits say about you?  Say about the event you are attending?  Is the message you send in line with who you are and what you believe?  Are you comfortable with the message you send out to the world?  How do these questions pertain to God?  What do you think God believes about what we wear?  Something to think about.

27th Sunday of Ordinary Time

 

Opening Prayer

Heavenly Father,

Like the vineyard,

our lives need work.

We need to plant good things.

We need to be nourished.

We need to be tended to

when we are weary.

And there are times when

the weeds try to take over.

You are the ultimate Gardener,

help me produce good fruit!

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Isaiah 5:1-7

• What condition is your vineyard (spiritual life)? What are you doing to care for it?
• Can you prevent weeds? Sour grapes?  Infestations?  What kind of plan do you have to help these things from taking over?

 Philippians 4:6-9

• Does this scripture bring comfort or frustration?
• What does it mean to you when you hear words like, do what is honorable, just, lovely, pure, gracious; is it achievable?

 Matthew 21:33-43

• Where do you see messengers of God’s peace? God’s love?
• What is the message you receive from this scripture?
• Is God the cornerstone of your life? How are you sure?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• Have you ever had a situation in your life that just went wild and out of control? What were you able to do about it?
• Do you recall a time when your friends or family said you were acting wild? What was happening in your life at the time they said this?
• What judgment do you put on others? Do you think they judge you in return?
• Is it hard or easy to find fault in yourself?
• Is it hard or easy to find fault in others?
• Are there things others believe are faults in you but you believe otherwise?
• Would you say you are a peacemaker? Share how you bring peace.
• Describe the peace God gives. When have you experienced God’s peace?
• Have you ever had a time when you felt you had done all you could but things still turned out badly?
• What advice can you give about letting go of anxiety?
• Is there such a thing as worrying too much? What does it look like?
• Can a person not worry enough? How does that look?
• Can you feel God guard your heart and mind?
• Share a time when you felt out-numbered, beaten or rejected. How did you overcome?

 

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Lord, Grant me PEACE…

 ALL:  when walls start to crumble.

Leader: Lord, Grant me PEACE…

ALL:  when confusion outweighs understanding.

Leader:  Lord, Grant me PEACE…

 ALL:  when the world seems untamed.

Leader:  Lord, Grant me PEACE…

ALL:  when we feel alone and un-sheltered.

Leader:  Lord, Grant me PEACE…

ALL:  when contempt and judgment take control.

Leader:  Lord, Grant me PEACE…

ALL:   and surround me with your love!

 

Challenge for the Week:  Draw a picture of either what you imagine anxiety looks like OR a picture of what you imagine your vineyard looks like.  Take out a blank piece of paper and with crayons, colored pencils/pens, or markers, set out to meditate and pray.  Don’t go into the activity anxious or telling yourself that it won’t turn out because you can’t draw.  Allow yourself at least 30 minutes and make it an act of prayer.

26th Sunday of Ordinary Time

 

Opening Prayer

Lord,

Each step we take,

whether we walk towards you

or away,

YOU ARE WITH US!

We are tied to eternally.

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Ezekiel 18:25-28

• Explain how a person who lives without sin does not die.
• What do you believe is not fair about following God?

 Philippians 2:1-11 or 2:1-5

• What encouragement do you hear in this scripture? What specifically is St Paul saying directly to you?
• How do you confess your sin?
• What can you learn from Jesus’ example of humility?
• God’s joy is complete when we are of one mind with him. What can you do to work towards making God’s joy complete?

 Matthew 21:28-32 

• How would you judge the two sons in this parable? How does God judge them?
• How is this a story about turning to God? What is the conversion?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• Is there something wicked in your life? Does it linger?  Does it fester?  Are you comforted by it?
• What helps you turn away from sin?
• Are there things which tempt you that you need to seek help from others/from God to conquer?
• Are there things you know are sins but you do them anyways?
• What is the hardest part about being obedient to God?
• How can you tell the difference between people who are doing good for their own glory and those who are doing good for the glory of God?
• Do you compare your “holiness” or your “faithfulness” to that of another? What conclusion do you come to?
• What signs of reverence do you show to God?
• Are you better at good words or good deeds? Share examples of both.
• Do words and deeds go hand in hand? Why or why not?

 

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Lord, change our hearts

 ALL:  help me reach out with compassion.

Leader: Lord, change our hearts

ALL:  help me to be patient with others.

Leader:  Lord, change our hearts

 ALL:  help me care for my neighbor.

Leader:  Lord, change our hearts

ALL:  help me to share my faith.

Leader:  Lord, change our hearts

ALL:  help me to turn to you.

Leader:  Lord, change our hearts

ALL:   and always follow your Word.

 

Challenge for the Week:  When was the last time you tried to something new?  Was it easy or difficult to learn the new skill?  What about learning a new way to do something?  How did it feel to do the task differently?  We can get stuck in our ways and routines and not really give a new way a chance.  God wants us to turn to him and we must change some of our ways in order to get closer to him.  We can get stubborn or find change too difficult and then give up, turning back to our own ways.  However, the scriptures this week clearly state that there is peace and joy waiting for us when we turn our lives over to God.  What steps are you willing to take to turn to God?

25th Sunday of Ordinary Time

 

Opening Prayer

Father,

When you look at me,

what do you see?

You do not see me

the way the world does.

You do not see me

the way I see myself.

You see me

as I was created to be.

Help me to be

the me you see!

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Isaiah 55:6-9

• When have you felt God’s mercy? Be specific.
• How does God help you let go of wicked thoughts?
• How do you know God is near?

 Philippians 1:20c-24, 27a

• How do you live your life according to the Gospel? What does this mean?
• What specifically can you do to live the according to the Gospel?
• What does St. Paul mean that “death is gain”?

 Matthew 20:1-16a

• Where do you see yourself in the parable? Take time to reflect on each person’s perspective.  Include the workers, the landowner and those who were not chosen to work.
• How does this parable show justice/injustice?
• What insight do you gain about God’s thoughts?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• Where do you find God throughout the day?
• When you find God during the day, do you keep Him to yourself or share Him with others?
• Is it possible to know what God thinks? Why or why not?
• How do you seek forgiveness from God? What does it look like?
• How do you seek forgiveness from others? Make a list of ways.
• How do you give forgiveness? Make a list of ways.
• Jesus lived on earth in the flesh, how does his example teach us to live? What one thing can you work on to be more like Jesus?
• Do you know someone who “magnifies” Christ?
• How do you “magnify” Christ?
• Where do see injustice today?
• How do you respond when you feel something is unfair?
• How do you respond when you feel something is in your favor?
• Who makes the rules of fair and unfair?
• How can you teach a child to understand God’s definition of fair?
• Are you standing idle or working?

 

Closing Prayer

Leader:  I am a laborer in God’s vineyard…

 ALL:  let me show others mercy!

Leader: I am a laborer in God’s vineyard…

ALL:  let me show others generosity!

Leader:  I am a laborer in God’s vineyard…

 ALL:  let me show others forgiveness!

Leader:  I am a laborer in God’s vineyard…

ALL:  let me show others love!

Leader:  I am a laborer in God’s vineyard…

ALL:  let me show others justice!

Leader:  I am a laborer in God’s vineyard…

ALL:   let me show others CHRIST!

 

Challenge for the Week:  How you live your life today matters.  The decisions you make sometimes may seem simple but those are the decisions that form and shape your life.  What is the message that you want to leave when your life if over?  What do you want people to remember?  God created you for a purpose and called you to love Him and love others.  When your decisions each day are made through the focus of loving God and loving others, then that love will shine through and be what people remember when you are gone.  Is this the legacy you are leaving behind?  God is right there, waiting to take the lead, soften your heart and let Him.

24th Sunday of Ordinary Time

 

Opening Prayer

Father

You created us out of love

so we could love others.

How do we love someone

Who hurts us?

Who lies to us?

Who sins against us?

Teach us to forgive

and allow you to heal us!

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Sirach 27:30-28:7

• Do you hold onto anger or does it hold onto you?
• What makes it hard to forgive?

 Romans 14:7-9

• How do you live your life for God?
• How do you live your life for others?

 Matthew 18:21-35

• Jesus shares the parable to show how he forgives, can you relate to the man in the parable who has been forgiven? How do you relate to the man in the parable who has not?
• In this passage, Jesus says there is no limit to how many times you must forgive another person. Does he say how much time?  What do you think Jesus would say to the question of how much time it should take you to forgive someone?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• Who are the people/things that make you angry?
• How often do you feel angry? How do you express it?
• What is something that makes you really angry?
• Do you believe forgiveness is a give and take?
• How were you taught to forgive? Share your earliest memory.
• What makes asking for forgiveness hard or easy?
• What makes forgiving someone hard or easy?
• Describe a time when you witnessed great forgiveness.
• Is there a sin or hurt which is more difficult to forgive?
• What is the first thing you think of in the morning? How does this reflect what and who we live for?
• How have you lived for God today? Be specific.
• Identify some of the sins of the world. Is there anything you can do to help heal the hurt?  Do you contribute to some of the sins of the world?
• When Jesus forgives, he forgives without condition. Do you think this is possible?  Why or why not?  Share an example.
• What gift of the Holy Spirit do you need to help you be able to forgive yourself and forgive others better?

 

Closing Prayer

Leader:  When we are called to forgive…

 ALL:  teach us your ways, Lord!

Leader:  When we are hard on another…

ALL:  soften our hearts, Lord!

Leader:  When our words are ice cold…

 ALL:  melt away judgment, Lord!

Leader:  When we only see hurt…

ALL:  open our minds, Lord!

Leader:  When cannot see a solution…

ALL:  give us understanding, Lord!

Leader:  When we forgive as you do…

ALL:   you make us whole, Lord!

 

Challenge for the Week:  If you were to die today, who would you want see or talk to before you died?  What would you want to say?  Are there people who you would want to avoid?  Why?  Spend time this week thinking of the unspoken things which need to be spoken and make a plan to have those conversations.  Do the ones you love, know how much you really love them?  Are there people you have hurt, who are in need of some kind words from you?  Do you hold a grudge from a past hurt that is keeping you from having a more meaningful relationship with someone?  Live today like there is no tomorrow and seek God’s assistance!