13^th Sunday of Ordinary Time

 

Opening Prayer

Father

Before me I have many choices,

Each day I awake, there are more,

You have given me all that I need

to make the right choices.

I have the counsel of the Holy Spirit

and the example of Jesus.

Let me not lose sight of these gifts.

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

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

• What does this scripture inspire you to do? What specifically calls you into action?
• Was there expectation from Elisha or the woman for something in return?
• Where is God in the scripture? Make a list of where you see God.

 Romans 6:3-4, 8-11

• What does it mean to you that you were born in Christ through baptism but also baptized into Christ’s death?
• Share an example of how you have been able to die to a sinful behavior. What helped you shed the sin from your life?
• How does this scripture form you understanding of life and death?

 Matthew 10:37-42

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

 

General Questions for Journaling

• Who are the people in your life who pray for you?
• What good has come from your prayers for others?
• When was the last time you wished another person well…was it sincere or out of obligation?
• Is there some way you can make one little thing better for another today?
• Is there an act of kindness you can give to another without expectation of a returned kindness?
• Are there relationships that draw you into sinful behavior?
• What steps can be taken to shed relationships which are harmful to you?
• When was the last time you felt blessed? What were the circumstances?
• How are you a blessing to another?
• Describe how blessing someone and being blessed are similar and/or different.
• How is being a righteous person different than being conceded?
• Share an example of a righteous person you know. What makes them righteous?

 

Closing Prayer

Leader:  You are in my heart,

 ALL:  may my heart be holy.

Leader:  You are in my thoughts,

ALL:  may my thoughts be holy.

Leader:  You are in my prayers,

 ALL:  may my prayers be holy.

Leader:  You are in my deeds,

ALL:  may my deeds be holy.

Leader:  You are in my home,

ALL:  may my home be holy.

Leader: You are in my soul,

ALL:  may my soul be holy.

 

Challenge for the Week:  The first reading shares the importance of hospitality.  Take time this week to ponder how God values hospitality.  Consider how God might define hospitality and if God’s definition the same as your own.  Where do you see hospitality exercised to the fullest extent, such as in the scripture?  Spend time seeking other scripture verses which show examples of how God calls us to be hospitable and make a commitment to try to show the hospitality of God to others.

12^th Sunday of Ordinary Time

 

Opening Prayer

My Lord and My God

Your love washes over me;

it fills my entire being.

My heart overflows with your mercy.

There is nothing to fear;

for you are with me always.

The intimacy of your love remains.

I surrender to your grace;

you make me whole.

A new life lies ahead of me.

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Jeremiah 20:10-13

• Where do you see God prevail as “mighty champion”?
• What role do you play in this scripture? How does this scripture make you feel?

 Romans 5:12-15

• How have you trespassed against God this week? How is it/can it be resolved?
• How have you trespassed against your neighbor this week? How is it/can it be resolved?
• How have you trespassed against yourself this week? How is it/can it be resolved?

 Matthew 10:26-33

• What has God whispered to you? Did you proclaim what you heard?  Why or why not?
• Do you believe what this scripture tells you about the love of God? What is easy and/or hard for you to believe is true?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• Have you ever felt trapped by “evil” or “sin”?
• When have you stumbled in the face of adversity?
• Describe suffering. What does it look like, sound like, smell like, feel like?
• Is there a recipe to get rid of negative thoughts?
• Can good come from resentment?
• What are you afraid of and how do you deal with/calm the fear?
• Make a list of ten people in your life whom you trust. Is this list easy or difficult to make?
• How do you cultivate trust in a relationship? What actions are required for trust to exist?
• Have you ever suffered for being a Christian?
• Do you receive ridicule because you go to Church? How do you respond?
• How do you share the Gospel (Good News) with others? Be specific.
• In what ways is your faith still in the darkness? How can you bring light to it?

 

Closing Prayer

Leader:  When I have obstacles in my path

 ALL:  I praise the Lord!

Leader:  When I am the target of slander

ALL:  I praise the Lord!

Leader:  When I feel buried in doubt

 ALL:  I praise the Lord!

Leader:  When I am drowning in sorrow

ALL:  I praise the Lord!

Leader:  When I have a mountain to climb

ALL:  I praise the Lord!

Leader: When I feel walls caving in

ALL:  I praise the Lord!

Leader:  When I call out to my Lord,

ALL:  I am ready for anything!

 

Challenge for the Week:  Why do we allow others to give us worth and to hurt us so badly?  We allow hurtful words in the form of put downs and criticisms to penetrate us.  We give worth to the opinions of others, even when the words are untrue.  The challenge is to follow Jesus’ example, to know who we are and what we stand for when faced with adversity.  This can only be done when we really know who we are in Christ.  Spend time this week identifying times when Jesus was put down and criticized, how did he respond?  Jesus models for us how to deal with opposition, rely on HIM!

Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ

 

Opening Prayer

Father,

You give us bread from heaven,

GENEROUSLY!

Let us have our fill and never go hungry.

Thank you for our daily bread!

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

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

• God sent manna from heaven, how is this still true.
• How has God delivered you from slavery? What are you still a slave to which you need God to help you be free?

 1 Corinthians 10:16-17

• What cup of blessing do you hold today?
• How can you let your faith overflow and be a blessing to another?

 John 6:51-58

• Describe how partaking in God’s body and blood sustains you.
• What gives you strength in faith?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• What commandments do you find easy to follow?
• What commandments do find hard to follow?
• What can you do to be more aware of the food God supplies in your life?
• How can you help others see how God is feeding them?
• Identify one way God has fed you today.
• Identify a time when you were parched. How does this experience affect your faith?
• What can you do to welcome another today?
• How do you see yourself as part of the body of Christ?
• When have you experienced hunger? Compare this feeling to your faith.
• Define Communion.

 

Closing Prayer

Leader: Christ before me

ALL:  I praise you!

Leader:  Christ around me

ALL:  I give you thanks!

Leader:  Christ beside me

 ALL:  I am filled with joy!

Leader:  Christ within me

ALL:  I feel at peace!

Leader:  I am Christ to others

ALL:  Let the feast begin!

 

Challenge for the Week:  In the next week, go the extra mile to share Christ with another person.  Perhaps you see someone who looks sad or lonely, is there something you can give or say to help them see that Christ is within you?  Remember YOU are Christ, when you let God into your heart you can’t just keep His love and mercy inside; you must share it with others.

Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity

 

Opening Prayer

Blessed Trinity

You created us out of love

You came to be one with us

And You remain still.

You are the beginning and the end.

May we stay mindful

of all you are and all you give!

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Exodus 34:4b-6, 8-9

• How do you humble yourself before God like Moses did in this scripture?
• What examples in your life confirm that God is slow to anger, rich in kindness and faithful?

 2 Corinthians 13:11-13

• How have you shown encouragement to another today? In the past week?
• How can you show encouragement to others with more purpose this week?

 John 3:16-18

• God sacrificed His Son, Jesus to show His love for you, what do you sacrifice to show your love in return?
• God so loved the world…how do you show your love for the world?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• How do you describe God’s love?
• What names do you use to call out to God? Do you use different names for different purposes?  Why or why not?
• How do you think God finds favor in you? Identify at least 5 things about you which God would find favor.
• Describe a time when you were “stiff-necked and stubborn”.
• How do you treat others who are “stiff-necked and stubborn”. Would God find favor in the way you treat others who are “stuck in their ways”?
• What sin does God look past today in order to give you love? How has God shown his love already today?
• How do you know the Holy Spirit is with you?
• How can you tell when the Holy Spirit is with another person?
• How does God show you grace?
• How can you show grace to another person?
• Describe peace. It is the same for everyone or different?
• Where do you see people being condemned today? Is there something you could do to bring peace?
• When have you felt condemned, what did you learn from the experience?

 

Closing Prayer

Leader: O Holy is YOUR name…

 ALL:  Creator

Leader:  I AM

ALL:  God

Leader:  Emmanuel

 ALL:  Jesus

Leader:  Savior

ALL:  Living God

Leader:  Mighty wind

ALL:  Eternal breath

Leader: Counselor

ALL:  God with us

Leader:  Holy Trinity

ALL:  Father, Son and Holy Spirit!

 

Challenge for the Week:  There are “early birds” and “night owls”, regardless of which category you fall into, spend time thinking in detail about the way God/Jesus/Holy Spirit is revealed to you in the morning during the time before and after sunrise AND in the evening before and after sunset.  When you do so, be sure to give credit to each person in the Trinity for revealing themselves to you by giving honor and thanks!

Eighth Sunday of Easter – Pentecost

 

Opening Prayer

O Blessed Spirit,

When we feel alone,

you are there.

When we are surrounded by darkness,

you bring light.

When we are weak,

you are our strength.

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

which leads to heaven.

Fill our soul, dwell among us, FOREVER!

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Acts 2:1-11

• Imagine you are there at Pentecost…what do you see, feel, smell, hear and say?
• What keeps you from experiencing the fullness of the Holy Spirit today?

 1 Corinthians 12:3b-7, 12-13

• Explain the difference of being baptized in the Spirit and being baptized in water.
• What lesson can you learn about differences from this scripture?

 John 20:19-23

• How has the Spirit caused you to act differently?
• Where do you share God’s peace?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• Do you believe in miracles? Why or why not?
• Do think at Pentecost, they understood each other literally?
• What can you do to understand others better? How can the gifts of the Holy Spirit help?
• Is there a place where you feel more connected to the Holy Spirit? Jesus?  God?
• Are there people in your life whom are different and you appreciate their differences?
• Are there people in your life whom are different and you are frustrated by their differences?
• What gift(s) do you hold back?
• What can you do to share your gifts more abundantly?
• Is peace easily found? Why or why not?
• Define a “peacemaker”. What qualities do you have?

 

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Come Holy Spirit,

 ALL:  shine in our lives!

Leader:  Come Spirit of Truth,

ALL:  teach us the way!

Leader:  Come Advocate,

 ALL:  give us strength!

Leader:  Come Paraclete,

ALL:  bring us comfort!

Leader:  Come Presence of God,

ALL:  renew our faith!

Leader:  Come Holy Spirit,

ALL:  fill us joy everlasting!

 

Challenge for the Week:  Spend time this week in search of the work of the Holy Spirit.  Where do you see the Spirit in creation?  Where do you see the Spirit at work in the everyday, mundane tasks?  Where do you see the Spirit giving comfort or healing?  How is the Holy Spirit renewing the face of the earth today?

Seventh Sunday of Easter – Ascension

 

Opening Prayer

Heavenly Father,

When we look to the sky,

we are limited to what we see.

We can only imagine what is beyond.

Teach us, guide us in your WORD,

so we have the faith to believe

and understand what we cannot see.

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Acts 1:12-14 

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

 1 Peter 4:13-16 

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

 John 17:1-11a

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

 

General Questions for Journaling

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

 

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Lord, I hear you call to me,

 ALL:  when I listen with my heart.

Leader:  Lord, I open myself to you,

ALL:  when I feel with my heart.

Leader:  Lord, I gain understanding from your Word,

 ALL:  when I study with my heart.

Leader:  Lord, I comfort others and am comforted,

ALL:  when I embrace with my heart.

Leader:  Lord, I spread the Good News,

ALL:  when I love with my heart.

Leader:  Lord, I turn my eyes to heaven,

ALL:  when I believe with my heart.

 

Challenge for the Week:  When you think about the “Glory of God”, what do you imagine?  When you hear the words, “Glory of God”, how do you feel?  What words do you use to describe the “Glory of God”?  These words invoke emotion; they hold power to those who believe.  Identify the people in your life (and in the world) whom these words “Glory of God” have no significant meaning.  Spend time this week considering what you can do or say to bring God’s Glory into their lives.

Sixth Sunday of Easter

 

Opening Prayer

Praise and honor to YOU!

My Lord, king and savior,

You understand what it feels like to be lonely;

and you promise to never leave us alone.

You bring us strength, knowledge and courage;

so we can fight temptation and self-doubt.

You leave with us an advocate and protector;

full of understanding and right judgment.

We are made whole through the Holy Trinity;

Father, Son and Holy Spirit!

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Acts 8:5-8, 14-17

• When have you experienced “great joy”?
• What do you think drew people to come and listen to Phillip?

 1 Peter 3:15-18

• What do these words from Peter stir up within you? What is he pleading with you to do?
• How do you put sin to death?

 John 14:15-21

• How do you keep the relevant the commandments God gave?
• Do you believe that following the commandments shows God love? What does this look like?  Make a list.

 

General Questions for Journaling

• What topics of conversation get your full attention?
• Where do you go to learn more about your faith?
• How do you learn more about God?
• What does the Holy Trinity mean to you?
• Share a time when you felt the Holy Spirit at work in your life.
• How do you explain the Holy Spirit in relation to your life? Your faith?  Where does the Spirit fit?
• What inspires you? How?
• Who inspires you? How?
• What is difficult about following the commandments?
• Are there ways you have found it easier to keep commandments?
• Which of the 10 Commandments do you find most difficult to follow?
• Would you say that you seek the Holy Spirit or that the Holy Spirit comes in search of you?

 

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Father…

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

Leader:  Jesus…

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

Leader:  Spirit…

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

Leader:  Father…

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

Leader:  Jesus…

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

Leader:  Spirit…

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

 

Challenge for the Week:  How have you accepted the Holy Spirit into your life?  Take time this week to identify moments, or THE moment when you consciously accepted the Holy Spirit into your life.  Where were you?  Who was there?  Was it influenced by a person or an experience?  How have you continued to carry the Holy Spirit with you?  Then write your own prayer to the Holy Spirit to give thanks and praise.

Fifth Sunday of Easter

 

Opening Prayer

Holy Spirit

Fill me with the wisdom I need

So I can walk the path Jesus walked

And love others the way God loves

Abide in me,

So I may be where you are

Always!

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Acts 6:1-7

• Do you or have you neglected the Word of God? Share a time when you neglected God.
• Peter tells the disciples to devote themselves to prayer. What is the purpose of this?  What happens?  What could happen if you devoted yourself to prayer?

 1 Peter 2:4-9

• How does you being rejected, make you more precious to God?
• Is your relationship with God the cornerstone of your life?

 John 14:1-12

• Explain how Jesus is the way the truth and the life. How do you live your life witnessing to these?
• How does God, Jesus, Holy Spirit, dwell in you?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• What do you do to help grow faith in yourself?
• What do you do to grow faith in others?
• What does it mean to you to be obedient in faith? Is it different for everyone?  Why or why not?
• What did you pray for last week? Are you asking God into your prayer or telling God what you want?
• Where do you get your value? Who or what gives you value?
• When do you feel the most valued?
• What makes you valuable?
• What sacrifices did you make this week? Did you make them joyfully or complain?

 

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Go!

 ALL:  Spread the Good News of the Gospel!

Leader:  Go!

ALL:  Comfort someone who needs comfort!

Leader:  Go!

 ALL:  Teach through your words and your actions!

Leader:  Go!

ALL:  Build bridges, not walls!

Leader:  Go!

ALL:  Serve others through love!

Leader:  Go!

ALL:  You have been chosen!

 

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

Fourth Sunday of Easter

 

Opening Prayer

Jesus

Lead me

Guide me

Protect me

I surrender

I hear your voice!

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Acts 2:14a, 36-41

• Peter’s advice is to repent. Knowing Peter’s story, how do these words impact you coming from him?
• Peter is calling everyone to action. What do you feel called to do after hearing his words?

 1 Peter 2:20b-45

• Jesus had no sin but suffered death to take sin away; write a prayer of thanksgiving to Jesus that your sin is wiped away through his death.
• Jesus already suffered for your sin, what sin(s) do you hold onto because you think you still need to suffer guilt and shame?

 John 10:1-10

• When you see Jesus face to face, do you think you’d have the patience to wait for the gate to be opened or would you want to jump the fence?
• If Jesus is the gate which you must enter, how does a person pass through? Give examples.

 

General Questions for Journaling

• Where do you see corruption in the world? In your community?  Within yourself?
• Share a time when you felt convicted of a wrong doing.
• Have you ever been 100% convinced of something? What was it?
• What changes in the language when one says they “were” baptized and they “are” baptized? Which are you?
• How do you repent of your sins? What are some things which help you repent?
• When did you last testify to your faith? How did you?  Explain how you felt and how others reacted.
• Describe a suffering Christian. Do you know anyone who fits the description?
• Could you hold your tongue if you were falsely accused of something? Why or why not?  Are there circumstances which you could or shouldn’t?
• How does scripture restore you? How does it heal?
• What qualities does a shepherd have which you want? How will you develop these qualities?

 

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Lord, you refresh my soul

ALL:  and give me all that I need.

Leader:  Lord, you guide my path

ALL:  and give me all that I need.

Leader:  Lord, you walk beside me

 ALL:  and give me all that I need.

Leader:  Lord, you protect me from harm

ALL:  and give me all that I need.

Leader:  Lord, you wrap me in mercy

ALL:  and give me all that I need.

Leader:  Lord, you are my Shepherd

ALL:  and you give me all that I need.

 

Challenge for the Week:  How well do you know God?  What does Jesus’ voice sound like?  Can you feel the Holy Spirit guide you?  Take time this week to think about the people whom you spend the most time.  How well do they know you?  How well do you know them?  Would you recognize their voice?  What if they tried to disguise it, do you know them well enough to know it is someone you trust?  This kind of trust only comes from knowing the person intimately, deeply.  Jesus already knows you better than anyone else; it’s your turn.

OR

Imagine you take your child to Disney on Ice.  There are hundreds, thousands of people, parents and their kids as far as you can see.  You can hear the families talking, the kids crying and calling out to their mom and dad.  How are you able to tell when your child calls out to you?  What is your response when you hear their voice?  You don’t turn around each time you hear a child call “MOM” or “DAD”, rather, you turn around only when you hear your own child’s voice.  It is a voice which you are familiar with, you know it no matter what because of the intimate relationship you have.  This is the same with your relationship with Jesus.  When you know Jesus, really know Him and spend time with Him, you know His voice above any other.  What can you do to hear Jesus more clearly?

Third Sunday of Easter

 

Opening Prayer

God

Your love is strong and steady

The promises you make…you keep

Sun shining, birds singing and rainbows

are gifts of remembrance.

Let us run to your open arms

to be welcomed into your love!

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Acts 2:14, 22-33

• How does the resurrection of Jesus change your life, your faith, your attitude, your actions?
• What is the path of life? Is it the same or different for everyone?

 1 Peter 1:17-21

• What does this scripture say about how God sees you? How does that make you feel?
• What does this scripture tell us would happen to humankind if Jesus didn’t come?

 Luke 24:13-35

• What questions might you have asked if you were on the road with Jesus? What questions do you want to ask Jesus now?
• When is Jesus revealed to you? What opportunities do you have to break bread with Jesus?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• Do you have scars from “battle” (physical or emotional)?  What became of the scars?  What emotions do they carry for you still?
• Have you ever condemned someone and later learned you were the one in the wrong?  Was it rectified?
• Have you ever been condemned for something you did right?  What happened?
• What do you fear?
• Are you afraid of death or dying?  Which?  Explain.
• Where do you see faith in the world?  What makes it so?  What can be done to increase it?
• What obstacles of faith do you see in the world?  What obstacles do you encounter?  What do/can you do?
• Where do you hope in the world?  What makes it so?  What can be done to increase it?
• What obstacles of hope do you see in the world?  What obstacles do you encounter?  What do/can you do?
• When have you not recognized Jesus’ presence in your life?  In a specific situation?
• Share an “ah-ha” moment when you went from not seeing Jesus in a situation and then suddenly saw him.  This could also be a moment when you saw a truth revealed about Jesus that you didn’t know or your perspective changed.

 

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Draw us near

 ALL:  to listen for your voice.

Leader:  Draw us near

ALL:  to follow your call.

Leader:  Draw us near

 ALL:  to the acceptance of your embrace.

Leader:  Draw us near

ALL:  to the promises of your love.

Leader:  Draw us near

ALL:  to your joyful presence.

Leader:  Draw us near

ALL:  to an intimate relationship with YOU!

 

Challenge for the Week:  In the first reading, Peter is giving a speech to the people.  Take time to re- read the scripture this week …does this sound like the Peter we have heard about in the scripture before Jesus was crucified?  What is different here?  What has changed?  Meditate on how Peter has changed.  How does Peter inspire you to make a change?  Make a decision to change and seek your path with the same vigor!