Thirty-Second Sunday of Ordinary Time

Opening Prayer

Generous Lord

Let us learn by your example

to give without counting the cost

to love without condition or boundaries

to trust beyond a shadow of a doubt

to believe with our entire heart and soul… YOU ARE GOD!

Journal/Reflection Questions

1Kings 17:10-16

• What does the widow do to receive the generosity of another?
• Are there only a few people whom you would sacrifice the last of something for or would you sacrifice the same for a stranger/anybody?

Hebrews 9:24-28

• What is the significance of one sacrifice?
• How does one find salvation according to this scripture?

Mark 12:38-44 or 12:41-44

• What is Jesus telling us about giving? Is He only talking about money to the church?
• What are the two types of people Jesus is referring to in this scripture? What characteristics are being highlighted as good and bad?  Where would you rate yourself on the scale?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• What do you have that never runs empty?
• What do you have that limits you?
• Is there anything you wouldn’t give away? What would it be and why?
• Would you say you have a generous spirit? Why or why not?
• What is needed to create a habit of giving? Do you have it?
• Are there always rewards for doing good things?
• What good comes from helping others?

Closing Prayer

Leader:  When I am held up at a red light…

ALL:  Help me make room for YOU!

Leader:  When I give up control of the remote…

ALL:  Help me make room for YOU!

Leader:  When I let someone else choose…

ALL:  Help me make room for YOU!

Leader: When I hold my tongue…

ALL:  Help me make room for YOU!

Leader: When I sacrifice time or money for another…

ALL:  Help me make room for YOU!

 

Challenge for the Week:   Jesus uses the widow woman to show how one gives from the heart, all they have to give.  This week, make a point to not just do the minimum needed or required of whatever task is in front of you.  Give a little more effort in preparing the meal for your family, take a bit more time enjoying the beauty of the colors of fall, and be more attentive when your spouse is telling you about the events of the day…whatever you have in front of you, give yourself completely.

All Saint Day

Opening Prayer

Lord,

You marked us for greatness

and washed us in the waters of baptism.

May we see to do your will

and act in a manner worthy of your love.

Reveal to us your ways

so we can show your love to others.

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Revelation 7:2-4, 9-14

• How are the people of the Old Testament similar and different from people of today?
• What saints are you familiar with whose lives revealed suffering as a pathway to reward? What do you learn from their experience?

1John 3:1-3

• What qualities of God/Jesus/Holy Spirit do you have in common?
• What qualities do you see in the saints that remind you of God? Jesus?  Holy Spirit?
• How well do you know God? Jesus?  Holy Spirit?  How do you describe the relationship you have with Him?

Matthew 5:1-12a

• Jesus goes to the top of the mountain just as Moses did to share a message. What similarities do you see in these two scriptures?  What value is found in comparing the two?
• Jesus tells us to rejoice in the suffering, how can this be achieved?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• Where do you see necessary suffering? Is that even possible?
• Is there suffering which you have grown indifferent to in your life?
• How do you define salvation?
• What does salvation promise?
• How do you wish to be remembered?
• Are you leaving a spiritual legacy behind? What is the message?
• Is there a saint or are there saints you wish to be more like? Whom would you want to be friends with and what keeps you from forming a relationship with them now?
• Which “blessed” do you most relate to at this time in your life? Why?
• How do you reward yourself on earth? What is the reward promised to you in heaven?

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Promises revealed…

ALL:  Blessed are we; your children!

Leader:  Prayers answered…

ALL:  Blessed are we; your children!

Leader:  Ransom paid…

ALL:  Blessed are we; your children!

Leader: Peace for all…

ALL:  Blessed are we; your children!

Leader: Sealed in love…

ALL:  Blessed are we; your children!

 

Challenge for the Week:   The beatitudes remind us that even in the bad times there is beauty; remember every rose has thorns.  Take time this week to write your own personal set of beatitudes about your life.  For example, “Blessed are the homemakers for they sacrifice themselves for the sake of their families” or “Blessed are Parents who give of themselves for the sake of their children; contentment will be yours.”  Write 5 or 6 of them to help gain a clear perspective of how your Christian perspective lives out though the things you value and what you are grateful for in your life.

The Thirtieth Sunday of Ordinary Time

Opening Prayer

Lord,

We shout for joy because you

heal us,

you protect us

and you provide for us!

Continue to lead us in your Word,

so we may learn your ways

and be Christ to others.  AMEN.

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Isaiah 31:7-9

• Who are the burdened and downtrodden in this scripture? How does God provide them with support?
• Where do you find security in this scripture? How is it or how can it be played out in your life?

Hebrews 5:1-6

• What can you learn from this scripture about dealing with people who try your patience?
• What does this scripture say about weakness? What are your weaknesses?

Mark 10:46-52

• What do you say when you cry out to Jesus?
• Are you persistent in making your desires known to God? What do you do about making your needs known and then acting on them?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• Where do you seek consolation?
• Who comes to you for support when they are weary? What do you offer?  Is it too much?  Is it not enough?  How do you know it is what they need?
• Have you ever felt the path you are on has too many curves or bumps? What can be done to level out the road a bit?  How can you help yourself with this task?  What can you do for others?
• When did you recently sacrifice something for another person’s good? When has someone done the same for you?  Has this happened with or without regret or expectation?
• Make a list of 5-10 good qualities you possess which would draw people to you.
• When someone comes to your for counsel, do you look for how you will benefit or how they will benefit? OR do you turn to the Holy Spirit for guidance in the counsel you give?  What does this look like?
• Jesus stood up for you and died for your sins; who do you stand up for? How do you let them know you stand up for them even in their weakness?
• Are there people who refuse to “be quiet” in your life or in the community? Do they stay on one topic or do they harp on many?  What do you think their goal is?
• Where do you see Jesus working today? What is He doing to shout out the message of forgiveness, mercy and healing?

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Jesus, have pity on me and restore my soul

ALL:  for I am weak.

Leader:  Jesus, have pity on me and restore my soul

ALL:  for I am blind.

Leader:  Jesus, have pity on me and restore my soul

ALL:  for I am crippled.

Leader: Jesus, have pity on me and restore my soul

ALL:  for I am ignorant.

Leader: Jesus, have pity on me and restore my soul

ALL:  for I am a sinner.

 

Challenge for the Week:   Take time this week to think about what it would be like to be blind.  How would you feel?  How might you be different?  How would you define the word see if you were blind, not having the experience of knowing what it truly was?  Then spend time considering what makes you “blind”?  What keeps you from seeing the positive in people or situations rather than the negative?  What things in your life or within yourself do you refuse to see and change?  How much time and effort do you spend trying to keep these things hidden from others, from God?  Pray…”Jesus, son of David, have pity on me.”

The Twenty-Ninth Sunday of Ordinary Time

Opening Prayer

Infinite God

You know us because you created us

You understand us because you became one of us

You have felt our pain,

You know what it feels like to weep,

You hold us dear to your heart despite our failings

YOU ARE LOVE!

Journal/Reflection Questions

Isaiah 53:10-11

• What good can come from suffering?
• Have you ever wanted to take the place of another person who was suffering? Why?  What was the situation?

 

Hebrews 4:14-16

• How does this scripture make you feel?
• When do you recall Jesus showing weakness? When did he suffer?  What makes you know Jesus understands us when we have done wrong?

 

Mark 10:35-45

• When have you been like the disciples and not understood what you were truly asking?
• How does Jesus try to explain? Do they come to understand?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• Consider a time when suffering with someone caused healing?
• How does suffering through something cause you to draw closer to God? How does it separate you?
• What miracles does God allow through suffering?
• When was the last time you felt you were being tested? Who was testing you?
• What does it mean to sympathize with someone?
• Do you know anyone who is good at showing sympathy? What does it look like?
• Why do you think it is fun to be “king of the mountain”? What do you think about when you are the one in charge?
• Who do you know is a good example of being a servant to others? Anyone in the community?  Your family?
• Are there things worth fighting for? Worth suffering for?

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Moses an abandoned child and Leader of the Israelites.

ALL:  Through suffering, YOU are light

Leader:  Joseph imprisoned and champion of dreams.

ALL:  Through suffering, YOU are light

Leader:  Jesus crucified and resurrected.

ALL:  Through suffering, YOU are light

Leader:  Peter denied and head of the Church.

ALL:  Through suffering, YOU are light

Leader: Destruction of the world and a brilliant sunrise.

ALL:  Through suffering, YOU are light

 

Challenge for the Week:   The corporate ladder coined the phrase to “one up” someone which meant to move up a rung of the ladder ahead of another.  This type of competition isn’t anything new to human nature, it happened with the disciples and even the sons of Adam and Eve!  There is always someone who thinks they are better or smarter or better looking; they believe they deserve the high praise and recognition but Jesus is saying the one who deserves to live in the kingdom is the one who suffers.  Since it is human nature for us to compare ourselves to one another, watch yourself this week.  When you think someone did a better job than you, tell them.  If there is someone who is having a good hair day, let them know.  Recognizing and acknowledging the good of others is a practice of humility and that can be pretty painful.  And remember, Jesus isn’t asking us to suffer alone…He knows how we feel, He has been there!

The Twenty-Eighth Sunday of Ordinary Time

Opening Prayer

Lord,

Break the chains which bind us

Defeat the giants which block our path

Overcome our fears and judgments

Wipe away our selfish thoughts

Soften our hard hearts

So we may better follow YOU

And share YOUR love with others!

Journal/Reflection Questions

Wisdom 7:7-11

• For what do you pray? How does God respond to your prayers?
• Can you identify with the emotion expressed in this scripture? To what could you compare it?

 

Hebrews 4:12-13

• This scripture reminds us God sees everything we do and knows everything we think…how does this change your daily prayer?
• Our instinct like Adam and Eve is to try to cover up our wrong doing. What might happen if you didn’t cover up what you did wrong?

 

Mark 10:17-30

• How do you relate to the Rich Man? When have you felt God ask you to do something you were not ready to do?
• Does this scripture tell us God wants us to REALLY give up everything to follow Him? What is the ultimate message here?
• Have you ever been discouraged like the Rich Man in the Gospel reading because you have been faithful but Jesus continues to ask for more from you?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• Reflect on your prayers; are they the same each day?
• Are your prayers specific or general?
• Do you plead with God only when you are in trouble?
• How are pleading and begging the same or different? Can you bargain with God?
• When did you last rejoice in God? How was your joy spread to others?
• What is your process for making decisions? Where does God fit into your discernment?
• Who can be saved? What does it mean to be saved?
• Do you think anyone can ever stop being good? Honest?  Faithful?
• How do you pass on your faith to others?

Closing Prayer

Leader:  May I seek out where YOU lead…

ALL:  Fill my spirit with WISDOM!

Leader:  May I be glad today and everyday…

ALL:  Fill my spirit with REJOICING!

Leader:  May I reach out to others…

ALL:  Fill my spirit with KINDNESS!

Leader:  May I sing YOUR praises…

ALL:  Fill my spirit with CELEBRATION!

Leader: May I follow YOUR heart…

ALL:  Fill my spirit with LOVE!

 

Challenge for the Week:   Identify one thing which is keeping you from giving yourself completely to Jesus?  What it is that you just can’t let go of or stands in your way of fully embracing the life God intended for you to live?  Jesus says to let go and follow me.  Consider how you feel when you don’t have someone’s full attention; perhaps a child when you are disciplining them or a spouse when you are sharing about the ups and downs of your day.  This must be how God feels when he is speaking to us and sharing His desires with us.  This week work on shedding ONE obstacle which causes you to not be in full communion with Jesus.  Work on breaking the habit and creating a new one which keeps you on the path toward a better relationship with God, the ultimate JOY!

The Twenty-Seventh Sunday of Ordinary Time

Opening Prayer

God

You created us man and woman

so we can share in the fullness of your love.

We are called to be in community

with one another and in communion with you.

May we not remove ourselves

from the blessing others can be to us

even though conflict may arise.

Let us seek you in others

and build up the kingdom together in love!

Journal/Reflection Questions

Genesis 2:18-24

• What does this scripture remind you about in terms of your role as a human being?
• Does this scripture cause you to think of a woman as an afterthought? Why or Why not?
• How do you rate in terms of being an environmentalist? Do you recycle? Care for animals? Tend to the earth?  What does this reading tell us about our responsibility?

Hebrews 2:9-11

• What does this scripture tell you about Jesus’ love?
• What is the one origin which this scripture refers to?

Mark 10:2-16

• If you read this scripture through the eyes of a child, what different thoughts or insights might you gather?
• This scripture tells us divorce is a man written law, what do you believe God thinks about divorce?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• God created man and woman to be partners. What obstacles does the world create to keep this from being true?
• Eve is created from Adam’s rib. Reflect on the beauty of marriage when the rib becomes reunited.
• Jesus came to be with us…identify how you feel the presence of God when you are alone.
• What can you do to find the Jesus in each person you meet? Is it possible to see Jesus in someone whom you don’t like or who doesn’t know Jesus?
• Would there be need for divorce if marriage was entered into with the understanding of the bond created at creation?

Closing Prayer

Leader:  As we awake and begin each morning…

ALL:  May we rejoice in your love!

Leader:  As we settle into the routine of our day…

ALL:  May we rejoice in your love!

Leader:  As we encounter struggles and stress…

ALL:  May we rejoice in your love!

Leader:  As we celebrate blessings and joys…

ALL:  May we rejoice in your love!

Leader: As we lay down to rest in your embrace…

ALL:  May we rejoice in your love!

 

Challenge for the Week:   Think of a married couple you know and reflect on their relationship through the lens of these readings.  How do they complement one another?  Can you see the partnership between the two of them?

The Twenty-Sixth Sunday of Ordinary Time

Opening Prayer

Jesus

You come to us, when we call on you.

You are at our side, each time we turn around.

Never do we have to seek to find you;

You are there.

You don’t turn your back on us;

even when we turn our back on you.

Teach us through your Word

to be a constant presence to others!

Journal/Reflection Questions

Numbers 11:25-29

• Have you ever experienced the Holy Spirit speaking through you?
• Can you identify the message God is sending to the people in this scripture? What do you think Moses is thinking or feeling?

James 5:1-6

• What does this scripture say about what the world says is “fair” and what God says is “fair”?
• What does this scripture say about earning a good wage?

Mark 9:38-43, 45, 47-48

• How do you speak out in the name of Jesus? What is the response when you do?
• Where do you see God revealed in a typical day, week, month, year?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• Where do you see the Holy Spirit working?
• Can you determine where it is truly the Holy Spirit and where it is someone “acting” as though the Spirit is speaking through them? How can you tell the difference?
• Identify the gifts you find in other faiths, including the one which you practice. What good things are happening?
• Have you ever tried to make something fair? What was the situation?  Did it work?
• Is it okay to take from the rich to help the poor or is it just as wrong as the rich withholding from those who need help?
• Is there a specific injustice you see in the world and feel called to do something about? What is stopping you?
• Have you ever been in an “exclusive” club or organization? A sorority or fraternity?  Hold a membership card where you receive benefits for being a member?  How does it make you feel when you receive the special benefits from being a member?  What would you do or feel if someone who didn’t do what you did still received the benefits without paying their “dues”?

Closing Prayer

Leader:  We come into this world with the blemish of original sin

ALL:  May you come and wash it away, Jesus!

Leader:  We grow to learn the power of money and fame

ALL:  May you come and wash it away, Jesus!

Leader:  We determine right from wrong based on what we read and see through the media

ALL:  May you come and wash it away, Jesus!

Leader:  We listen to the lies of those who say we are not enough

ALL:  May you come and wash it away, Jesus!

Leader: You give us all we need, let us surrender to your truth

ALL:  May we turn to you refreshed and clean!

 

Challenge for the Week:   How often do we pass judgment on another person simply because they worship or pray in the same way as we do?  What right do we have to judge if a person is good and holy based on the church they attend?  We do not have any right to judge another.  We need to ignore those human instincts to compare and look with the eyes of Jesus to the focus or the truth of what others do.  If they are working toward peace and justice, who cares if they are Jewish or Islam or another Christian denomination?  Just because someone doesn’t worship at the same location in the same way, doesn’t mean they are not serving the same God.  Sure we might have a few or even a lot of differences but when we are working toward the same goal of salvation, does it really matter?  Take time this week and start to break down any walls that have been built between you and another person or a group of people.  Let God’s truth come and tear those walls down so only love remains.

The Twenty-Fifth Sunday of Ordinary Time

Opening Prayer

Tend to my heart…

Scatter mercy and joy like weeds

Sow peace where there is turmoil

Sprinkle truth where there is confusion

Spread seeds which take root in YOU

Cultivate in me a pure heart!

Journal/Reflection Questions

Wisdom 2:12, 17-20

• How does this scripture paint the wicked? What do they lack?
• Where does Jesus say someone should prove themselves worthy? How does this scripture contradict what Jesus teaches?

James 3:16-4:3

• How do people become people of power and influence?
• What qualities does one need to be successful? What qualities should they have to make the greatest impact?

Mark 9:30-37

• Explain Jesus’ actions in this scripture. Actions speak louder than words so what is He saying here when He takes the child into His arms?
• Share examples of how Jesus modelled for the world how to be “servant of all”.

 

General Questions for Journaling

• Does wickedness exist in the world today? Where?  What feeds it?
• Where do you see evil in the world? What is being done to keep it from growing?
• Think of a time when you acted out of anger or frustration…what were you angry or frustrated about? How did your anger or frustration help or hurt the situation?
• How do conflicts arise between people?
• What causes conflict?
• Do you treat children differently than you do adults? Why or why not?
• What do you do when you don’t understand something? How does it change your attitude?

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Do to others as God calls us to…

ALL:  Cradle and console a crying baby.

Leader:  Do to others as God calls us to…

ALL:  Hold the hand of a toddler as he takes his first steps.

Leader:  Do to others as God calls us to…

ALL:  Kiss the scraped elbow of a child.

Leader:  Do to others as God calls us to…

ALL:  Lend an ear for a confused teenager.

Leader: Do to others as God calls us to…

ALL:  Celebrate with a college graduate or newly engaged couple.

Leader: Do to others as God calls us to…

ALL:  Reach out to others and share our gifts and talents.

Leader: Do to others as God calls us to… 

ALL:  Care for an elderly woman as she takes her last breath.

Leader: Do to others as God does to you!

 

Challenge for the Week:   There are things in life which are hard for us to let go or give up such as a family heirloom or cherished gift.  There may also be words or actions which we feel are so hurtful it seems we can never forgive them.  There are many families who end up in feuds over such things and don’t talk to each other for days, weeks, months or even years.  You may or may not have an item with such sentimental value nor have you experienced unforgiveable words or actions thrown in your direction but there could still be something which causes you hurt or frustration in the world, your community or possibly within your own family.  Jesus is teaching us in the scriptures this weekend how to approach conflict and how to deal with misunderstanding.  Take time…make time…this week to reflect on one or more of these things.  Take inventory of what you are holding onto which is causing hurt in your life because of the actions of another BUT ALSO consider how your words or actions have cast out pain onto another.  After you have given it ample thought and prayer, allow God to wrap you into His arms like a child…let that hurt and pain be washed away with mercy and forgiveness.  Allow God to work in you to create a pure heart!

The Twenty-Fourth Sunday of Ordinary Time

Opening Prayer

Lord

Teach us to know

when to walk away

and when to stand up.

Let us have the strength

to do what you call us to do.

Give us the conviction

to know your will for us!

Journal/Reflection Questions

Isaiah 50:5-9a

• This scripture gives birth to the phrase, if God is for me, who can be against me? Which line of scripture gives you the most strength and understanding of this fact?
• How does this scripture tell us to face turmoil or trouble? What attitude must we have when facing opposition?
• Is this attitude strictly for when people oppose your faith or believes or can it be true when facing any conflict?

James 2:14-18

• What does this scripture say about how we should treat others? Is it easy to follow?  Why or why not?
• Look closely at yourself. Draw a diagram or chart to map out how your faith and works compare over the past week, month or year.  Are there trends?  Are there obstacles which deterred them from coming together?  Or on the positive side, are there situations which cultivated them to overlap?

Mark 8:27-35

• The cross Jesus bore was made of wood, full of the sins of those He loved. What is your cross made of?  What do you carry?
• Have you, like Jesus in this scripture, ever been misunderstood by faithful companion(s)? What happened?  How was the misunderstanding resolved?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• Consider a time when you lived out the first scripture. What was the situation?  How do you know God was on your side?
• Imagine the first scripture playing out in a movie or play. What emotions would you feel to witness someone turning the other cheek?  How are those feelings different if you were the one who turned your face for another blow?
• What in the first scripture lets you know you are not supposed to simply let people abuse you or trample you under foot? Is it a fine line or a wide divide between what the scripture teaches and physical, mental or emotional abuse?
• Can you identify the “satan” in your life? What is it that consistently causes you to step backwards instead of leaping forward?
• What does it truly mean to “deny one’s self”? Is it like saying no to a fourth piece of pizza or skipping dessert?  Why or why not?

Closing Prayer

Leader:  May we not turn our backs on a person in need.

ALL:  Open our hearts to YOUR love!

Leader:  May we not be quick to judge a person or situation.

ALL:  Open our hearts to YOUR love!

Leader:  May we not rely on what the world says is truth.

ALL:  Open our hearts to YOUR love!

Leader:  May we not use words to strike out and cause harm.

ALL:  Open our hearts to YOUR love!

Leader: Empty us Lord so we may be made new…

ALL:  Open our hearts to YOUR love!

 

Challenge for the Week:   Make of list of well-meaning phrases which mean nothing without love.  If you are paying attention, it is easy to see through body language or hear through tone of voice if someone truly wishes you to have a “good” morning or if they are just saying the words to fill the quiet.  It means much more to you that someone says Happy Birthday to you, even if it is a day late, than a “oh, it’s your birthday? Happy Birthday…”  This is not to say you can’t tell someone Happy Birthday without giving them a gift, but you should give them Christ’s joy.  You are God’s messenger, how are you getting the message of love across to your neighbor?  This goes for “have a nice day” or actually stopping to listen when you ask someone “how are you doing”.  Being Christ’s love in the world is a tough job…are you willing to work to put this into practice at least once a day each day this week?  Who knows it might catch on!

The Twenty-Third Sunday of Ordinary Time

Opening Prayer

Lord,

Help us to recognize

the hunger within is for YOU alone;

May we know

the thirst which only YOU can quench;

Let us listen

to YOUR Word with our hearts and act on it!

Journal/Reflection Questions

Isaiah 35:4-7a

• What phrase from this scripture gives you hope?
• Draw a picture of what this scripture looks like to you.

James 2:1-5

• What does this scripture say about how we should treat others? Is it easy to follow?  Why or why not?
• Are there people or groups of people whom you have trouble treating with respect? What keeps you from doing so?

Mark 7:31-37

• What is the reaction of the people in this scripture? How do you think you would react if you had been there?
• For what reason do you believe Jesus told the people to be quiet? Why do you think they disobeyed this order?
• Why do you think Jesus “groaned” before he healed the deaf man?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• How do you celebrate the coming of Christ? What does it look like in your life?
• What do you need to Jesus to heal? Are you in need of healing?  In what way?
• How do you prepare for Jesus to come into your life?
• Is there something you need to be rescued from right now? How do you speak to God about it?
• Has God rescued you from something in the past? How do you show gratitude?
• Does God show favoritism? Why or why not?  If so, to whom?
• Do you think you treat everyone equally? Why or why not?  How?
• Why does having money automatically demand respect in our society?
• Identify the poverty in your life…what has God already done in response to it?

Closing Prayer

Leader:  May we recognize the TRUTH when we hear it…

ALL:  Let our ears be opened!

Leader:  May we see the NEED around us and act on it…

ALL:  Let our eyes be opened!

Leader:  May we act out of LOVE toward our neighbor…

ALL:  Let our hearts be opened!

Leader:  May we speak of ACCEPTANCE and FORGIVENESS…

ALL:  Let our arms be opened!

Leader: May our actions speak of PEACE and JUSTICE…

ALL:  Let our lives be open to YOUR Word!

 

Challenge for the Week:   The Gospel reading says, “He has done all things well.”  What do you do well?  Are these things done in God’s name?  What would others say you do well?  Ask…you might be surprised!!!