The Twelfth Sunday of Ordinary Time

 

Opening Prayer

Lord

You are the maker of all things; You do not make junk.

Change our minds; rid us of all worry and stress.

Allow us to let go; and let you direct our lives.

Guide us through your Word; so we live more for others than ourselves.

Journal/Reflection Questions

Job 38:1, 8-11

• What is God trying to teach Job in this scripture? What lesson does God want you to learn?
• Are you going through a storm in your life right now? Identify the source of the storm; was it self-made, man-made or created by God?

 

2Corinthians 5:14-17

• How has the love of God called you into action?
• Define what it means to you to be a “new creation”?

 

Mark 4:35-41

• What in your life causes you to be paralyzed with fear? How do you overcome fear?
• The disciples were there together; who do you turn to when you see a storm coming?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• What do you do when you see a storm coming? How do you feel?
• When you see a storm coming how do you react? Push on?  Pull back?  Simply hold on?
• Do you believe God sets limits? What do you believe God limits?
• Have you experienced a storm where you know God was with you?
• Have you experienced a storm where you questioned God’s presence?
• Reflect on who or what you live for; is it in honor of someone or something, it is for your own good, is it for Christ’s glory, or something else?
• Are there things in your life which you missed out on experiencing because of fear? Do you have any regrets?
• Where do fears come from? How do they start?  Do you believe fears are something each person is born with or are they something a person develops?

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Be the calm in the storm when I am going down…

ALL:  Come to me!

Leader:  Be the gentle water washing away my selfish thoughts…

ALL:  Wash over me!

Leader:  Be the filter which keeps my thoughts and actions pure…

ALL:  Cleanse me!

Leader:  Be my floodgate to hold me back from temptation…

ALL:  Surround me!

Leader: Be the waves which drive my actions…

ALL:  Consume me!

Leader:  When I pursue you…

ALL:  I am overwhelmed by your loving presence!

 

Challenge for the Week:   Make the decision to let go of control of ONE THING in your life and allow God to take over.  Focus on that ONE THING in prayer, not asking God to do what you want Him to do in the situation but to truly hand it over to him.  Imagine that ONE THING as an onion; as you start let go of your control over the situation, allowing God to take charge, think about each layer of the onion being peeled away.  As you pray to allow yourself to let God take over, you might also imagine yourself as that onion; allowing God to shed the weight of the worry, anxiety, stress you carry because of that situation.  This process takes time; it takes attention and lots of practice!  If we aren’t patient we will end up with a smelly onion which only makes the situation worse; however if we allow God to take over our situation the onion will become nothing and the situation won’t seem as daunting.

The Eleventh Sunday of Ordinary Time

 

Opening Prayer

Heavenly Father,

You created us from the dirt with the Holy Spirit.

We become a new creation through the Sacraments.

You give us eternal life by the death and resurrection of Jesus.

Let us stay rooted in these truths, bearing good fruit for others.

Help us to grow in you, following the path you set out for us.

May we stay connected to You through the Word;

May it be our guide, our comfort and our peace.

Journal/Reflection Questions

Ezekiel 17:22-24

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

 

2Corinthians 5:6-10

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

 

Mark 4:26-34

• How is God like the farmer in the parable? Where do you see yourself?
• Do you give the same attention to detail as the farmer did to his crop as you do to your own spiritual life?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• Share an example when you were able to live out the “least become great and the great become the least”.
• When did Jesus model the “least to great and great to least” attitude?
• Who other than Jesus in the bible practice the “least to great and great to least” attitude?
• When would you say you “lose” your courage? Where does it go?
• What helps you gain or re-gain courage when you need it?
• What pleases God? How do you know?
• Does the body cause you to sin? In what way(s)?

Closing Prayer

Leader:  We begin as a seed,

ALL:  in the darkness.

Leader:  We are nourished and fed,

ALL:  and begin to sprout growth.

Leader:  We soak up the rain and the sun,

ALL:  which is given freely.

Leader: Our branches bend and sway,

ALL:  but we stay rooted.

Leader:  We become a new creation,

ALL:  offering shade, shelter and support.

Leader:  Feed us Lord;

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

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

The Solemnity of The Body and Blood of Christ

 

Opening Prayer

Jesus,

You are the promise of our salvation.

You are the blood shed for our sin.

There is no one who loves us more;

who would sacrifice for our sake.

No one else can give of themselves

and make us one like you.

We are your tabernacle, Lord!

Journal/Reflection Questions

Exodus 24:3-8

• What is the significance of signing in blood/sealing the covenant in blood? What meaning does it have to you today?
• What covenant do you have with God? Is it the same as the one the Israelites?  How well do you keep your side of the promise?

 

Hebrews 9:11-15

• Imagine yourself in this scripture? Where are you?
• What are the dead works in your life? How can you begin to cleanse yourself of these obstacles?

 

Mark 14:12-16, 22-26

• What significance is there that the man the disciples found was carrying a jar of water? Is there any at all?
• When Jesus took the bread, He said the blessing AND when He took the cup, He gave thanks. What should you do to follow in Jesus’ footsteps?  What was the last thing you thanked God for?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• What does the blood signify in these scriptures?
• What does blood have to do with life? With death?  How is this also true in your spiritual life?
• How do you celebrate the “new covenant” Jesus gave to us; eternal salvation? How do live it out at home?  At work?  In church?
• What if your dead works were as visible as the dead heads on a rose bush? Are you sure they aren’t?
• Jesus shed His blood for you; have you shed anything for Him?
• How does receiving Jesus in the Eucharist change you? Share a specific example.
• What is the definition of a sacrifice? Is it a true sacrifice when there is not blood?  What about when you sacrifice your time for the sake of another or sacrifice your “at bat” for the good of the team?

Closing Prayer

Leader:  When one life begins and another one ends…

ALL:  Lord, may I always be open to all you have to give.

Leader:  When a door is closed and another is cracked open…

ALL:  Lord, may I always be open to all you have to give.

Leader:  When each season ends to welcome the next one in…

ALL:  Lord, may I always be open to all you have to give.

Leader: When the darkness of night is overcome by the light of a new day…

ALL:  Lord, may I always be open to all you have to give.

Leader:  When you give yourself as an offering…

ALL:  Lord, may I always be open to all you have to give.

Challenge for the Week:   When you receive Jesus in Holy Communion, how do you live your life knowing Jesus is a part of you?  Do you acknowledge that as a fact and set your mind to live with the understanding that Jesus is within you?  Or do you nonchalantly consume Jesus without paying any mind to the great gift you have just been given.  Even starting from before you receive communion, what is your mindset about what you are about to do?  Are you in the moment or simply going through the motions?  Father Ron Rolheiser says that to receive the Eucharist is to receive a kiss from God.  Take some time this week to read through the second reading again and reflect on it.  Then pray a prayer of thanks for all God has given to you.

Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity

 

Opening Prayer

Creator God,

You give us the heavens and the earth

You surround us with beauty

May we always recognize the goodness you give.

Savior God,

You came into this world as a child

You worked and healed and bled

May we always give thanks for the sacrifice you made.

Spirit God,

You bear witness to the truth

You give us confidence and security

May we always call on you to be with us, a constant companion.

Amen.

Journal/Reflection Questions

Deuteronomy 4:32-34, 39-40

• God speaks to Moses through a burning bush, where do you hear God’s voice?
• Can you identify in this reading God, Jesus and Spirit?  Is the trinity present?  Why or why not?
• Romans 8:14-17 

• When have you seen the Spirit bear witness to something?  Does it happen in society today or only in the Bible?
• As a joint heir with Christ, what you given?  What do you have to do to receive this treasure?
• Matthew 28:16-20

• How do you teach others what Jesus has taught you?  What more can you do?
• Jesus said, I am with you until the end of the age.  What assurance do you have that this is true?
• General Questions for Journaling
• How confident are you that God has a plan for your life?  What makes it so?
• When do you feel the most secure in your walk with God?  What draws you away from this feeling of security?
• How would you compare love of God vs love of self vs love for spouse vs love of children, etc….
• How is God’s love expressed?  Share examples.
• Are you able to recognize God’s love in the present or only in past tense?
• Do you cry out to God?  Jesus?  Spirit?  What causes you to do so?
• How do you explain the mystery of the Holy Spirit?
• Closing Prayer – inspired by Psalm 33         
• ALL:  call us your own, Blessed children of God!
• Leader:  Spirit of the living God…
• ALL:  find us giving hope!
• Leader:  Spirit of the living God…
• ALL:  find us being kind and generous!
• Leader:  Spirit of the living God…
• ALL:  find us working for justice!
• Leader:  Spirit of the living God…
• ALL:  find us trustworthy!
• Leader:  Spirit of the living God…

Challenge for the Week:   Explaining the Trinity to someone can be a challenge, we may not even really understand it ourselves.  However, if we are called to go out to all the world and make disciples of every nation, we need, no we MUST be able to describe our relationship with the Trinity.  Spend time this week identifying who the Trinity is to you.  This might require you to do some studying to learn more about Church teaching and/or to discuss with a friend or two how they view the Trinity. 

Pentecost Sunday

 

Opening Prayer

Lord

You gave us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with peace and joy.

May we learn to shed judgment and pride and love like YOU love.

May we work to see past the things of this world that can blind us.

May we not settle for mediocrity and work for justice,

Let us breathe in the Spirit of peace and joy!!!

Journal/Reflection Questions

Acts 2:1-11

• Identify how the disciples are before and after the Holy Spirit descends upon them. What is significant about this change?
• What do you consider to be a “mighty act of God”?

 

1Corinthians 12:3b-7, 12-13

• Draw a picture identifying different gifts people have in the shape of a body/person.
• Consider how each part of your body, each organ, etc. has a specific purpose. How does this relate to our world today?

 

John 20:19-23

• Where else in the scriptures do we read, God breathed on them? What is the significance of this?  How do these readings correlate?
• What were the first words Jesus said to his disciples when he returned to them? Why do you think He chose those words?  And why do you think He said them twice?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• On a scale of 1-10, how often do you call on the Holy Spirit in a day?
• When you do call on the Holy Spirit, what do you ask for or need?
• How is your life changed by the presence of the Holy Spirit?
• What exactly do we celebrate on Pentecost?
• What is the common language of today? Is it verbal?
• Name 10 gifts you have and how they benefit others.
• No gift is insignificant because it was given by God for a purpose. What is something you feel is insignificant about you?  How can you change your thinking to turn the negative thing into something positive?

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Holy Spirit, come…

ALL:  make our faith like a blazing fire!

Leader:  Holy Spirit, come…

ALL:  make our joy overflow like a raging waterfall!

Leader:  Holy Spirit, come…

ALL:  make your love spread like fierce wind!

Leader:  Holy Spirit, come…

ALL:  make your peace cover us like a dense fog!

Leader:  Come, Holy Spirit, come…

ALL:  ignite the fire of your love in our lives!

Challenge for the Week:   The sacrament of Confirmation in the Catholic Church is traced back to this celebration of Pentecost.  It is when the young person “confirms” their belief in the Catholic faith.  As part of the Rite of Confirmation, the Bishop calls down the Holy Spirit to kindle or ignite the gifts that had been given through Baptism.  It is a moment of conversion for these young people, but it is a good reminder for the rest of us.  Just as our Baptism is not just something that happened to us, our Confirmation isn’t either.  In our daily lives we should call upon the Holy Spirit to fill us with wisdom, understanding, knowledge, wonder and awe, courage (fortitude), reverence (respect) and right judgment (prudence).  Of course these are things we all want and need each day but do we seek God’s guidance and help in living them out?  Lucky for us, God wants to be there with us to give us what we need when we need it…and He made it so simple because all we have to do is ask and we will get it.  Make this simple prayer a part of your everyday, once a day, three times a day, every hour on the hour you are awake and pay attention to what God does when you say, “Come Holy Spirit” and are truly open to the change this power can have on your life!  AMEN!

Ascension Sunday

 

Opening Prayer

Lord

You know our thoughts and you still love us;

may our thoughts be good and true!

You know our actions and you still call us your own;

may our actions be loving and forgiving!

Make our thoughts and actions more like you

so we may go out and speak the Gospel!

Journal/Reflection Questions

Acts 1:1-11

• What gifts of the Holy Spirit do you have? Identify a time when you used each of them.
• How do you know the Holy Spirit is with you? Where does it come from?

 

Ephesians 1:17-23

• What do you hope for? What give hope?  Where does it come from?  How does it change ones perspective when they have it?
• What riches come from knowing God? What glory does God receive?

 

Mark 16:15-20

• What does it mean to you to be a Baptized Christian? Do you identify yourself as being baptized or having been baptized?  Is there a difference?
• Do you believe there is power in Jesus’ name? When have you experienced power in the name of Jesus?  What happened?  How were you changed?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• How can you call on the Holy Spirit more often in your life? What keeps you from doing so?
• Identify a person you know who is a witness of what the Holy Spirit does. What do they do that lets you know the Holy Spirit is with them or working through them?
• How do you show reverence to God? Do you do show it for God or for others to see?
• What does your body language say when you pray? When you gossip or lie?  How can you change your non-verbal communication to reflect honor of God?
• When you pray, do you ask God to fix things or remove things or give you things? How do you wait for God’s response to your prayers?  Does God answer?
• What signs and symbols say or show you are a Christian without your words or actions?
• Would someone know Jesus is important to you if they entered your home? Your work space?  Your car?

Closing Prayer

Leader:  May our hearts be filled with compassion;

ALL:  Fill us O, Lord!

Leader:  May our eyes be filled with acceptance;

ALL:  Fill us O, Lord!

Leader:  May our hands be filled with help;

ALL:  Fill us O, Lord!

Leader:  May our minds be filled with non-judgment;

ALL:  Fill us O, Lord!

Leader:  May our spirit be filled with generosity;

ALL:  Fill us O, Lord!

Challenge for the Week:   Make a list of 7 ways you can show honor and glory to God.  Better yet, make 30.  Then spend the next 30 days making a point to do one of these things.  It can be as simple as spending 5 minutes in silence giving God your undivided attention or more complicated such as doing some spring cleaning and getting rid of some of the excess in your life.  You decide how you will live out the Gospel in the coming days.

Sixth Sunday of Easter – Happy Mother’s Day!

 

Opening Prayer

Oh, Comforter

YOU reach out to us when we are lost and alone

YOU reach us when we are deep down and sinking

YOU save us from our afflictions and hurts

YOU save us even we don’t think we deserve it

Lord, come wrap us up in your love!!!

Journal/Reflection Questions

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

• What does it feel like to have the Holy Spirit poured upon you? How it different or the same as having the Holy Spirit within you?
• Where has the grace of God brought you? What does it give you?  How does it help you daily?

 

1John 4:7-10

• What did the world know about God before Jesus came? How is it the same and/or different from what we knew after Jesus lived on earth?  How is it the same and/or different from what we experience now living with the Holy Spirit?
• How do you respond to the love God revealed by giving His only son to die for you?

 

John 15:9-17

• What challenges are presented when we try to love our neighbor as God commands?
• Loving God with all of your heart, mind and soul is poetic but challenging. How would you rate yourself in loving God in each of these areas?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• Where does the Holy Spirit reside in your faith life?
• How do you acknowledge or communicate with the Holy Spirit?
• When considering your “relationship” with God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit, how do you divide your time with each “person” of the trinity? Is there one whom you rely more?  Is there one whom you confide in or call out to more?  Is there one you listen or follow the advice of more?
• Where do you find grace? Is it something you seek or something that comes to you?
• When you love someone, do you always like them or the choices they make? Does your love for them still exist in these situations?
• What does it look like to love God with all of your heart? Share an example or two of how you live out this truth or how you could.
• What does it look like to love God with your entire mind? Share an example or two of how you live out this truth or how you could.
• What does it look like to love God with all of your soul? Share an example or two of how you live out this truth or how you could.

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Creator God, you have given us all we need…

ALL:  May our love for you deepen through nature

Leader:  Savior Jesus, your life shows us there will be times of trouble…

ALL:  May our love for you deepen through conflict

Leader:  Holy Spirit, with you we are complete…

ALL:  May our love for you deepen through relationship

Leader:  Mighty Trinity, you are in all things at all times…

ALL:  May our love for you deepen through our lives

Challenge for the Week:   When you use the word LOVE, you can mean it in several different ways, such as you love the beach or you love chocolate.  When it comes to saying, I love you to a friend, a spouse or to God do you mean it the same way to each of them?  The challenge is YES, you should.  God calls everyone to love in a mature, respectful and dignified way.  He says to love EACH person as HE loves.  God’s love is unconditional.  God’s love is difficult to match.  However, when you pursue a relationship with God you come to know this love more deeply and can begin to understand how to love others better.  There might be people in your life whom you love on the surface or because you have known them all of your life or you love something about them but other things about them you don’t.  The love God wants you to have for others is deeper, it requires effort and even a risk to be vulnerable.  Consider the love you have for others and compare it to the love God has for you.  How can you begin to grow in this love to be closer to God AND to find the love in the relationships God has called us to find.  He wants this for you!

Fifth Sunday of Easter

 

Opening Prayer

Savior

The sacrifice YOU made for us on the cross

is one sacrifice for all.

May our lives reflect our gratitude

for all YOU have done for us.

Fill us with YOUR Spirit so when we speak,

all will understand that we are YOUR disciple!

Let us boldly proclaim YOU are God alone,

we need nothing else!

Journal/Reflection Questions

Acts 9:26-31

• How is Saint Paul an example for us to stand up for what we believe? When he speaks people listen…why?
• The scripture passage says the church was “at peace”. Why do you think this was so?  What makes the church at peace?  Have you ever experienced this?  What does it look like?

 

1John 3:18-24

• How can you show love to your neighbor? How can you show love to a stranger?
• Make a list of things which you believe “pleases” God. Is your list realistic?  What does this scripture say?

 

John 15:1-8

• What does this reading tell you to do in order to remain connected to the vine? How can you do this?  Is it easy or difficult?
• How can God’s words be in you? What must you do for this to be true?
• What does it mean to “prune”? How can you prune things within yourself?  How can you prune things around you?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• Have you ever taken a stand for or against something which you now have the opposing view point?
• What have you said you would NEVER do but later found yourself doing that very thing?
• Identify some people in the community/world today who speak out against injustice calling for change. Spend time reflecting upon their message.  What can you do to help make a change?
• Most would agree it is much easier to talk the talk than it is to walk the walk. How would you say you are doing on both accounts on a sale from 1-10 when it comes to being a disciple?
• How many good deeds have you done in the name of God instead of for your own recognition? Describe how it is different.
• Have you ever asked God for something and you received it right away? What was it and why do you think it happened?
• Does good always come from good? Does bad always come from bad?

Closing Prayer

Leader:  It is YOU who gives us breath to breathe…

ALL:  YOU are the Vine; WE are the Branches!

Leader:  It is YOU who gives us sight to see…

ALL:  YOU are the Vine; WE are the Branches!

Leader:  It is YOU who unties us when we are bound…

ALL:  YOU are the Vine; WE are the Branches!

Leader:  It is YOU who takes our burdens when we are too weak…

ALL:  YOU are the Vine; WE are the Branches!

Leader:  It is YOU who give us life to live out the Gospel message…

ALL:  YOU are the Vine; WE are the Branches!

Challenge for the Week:   Consider for a moment that your life, how you speak, how you act is a billboard for God.  How would you say you are getting the message of Christ across to others?  Do your words and actions speak boldly of Christ’s love and mercy? Or something else?

Fourth Sunday of Easter

 

Opening Prayer

Oh Good Shepherd,

How we long to hear you call our name!

When you are near, we are comforted.

You pick us up when we are weary

and bound our wounds.

Lord, you will never leave us for the wolves!

You are the Good Shepherd!

Journal/Reflection Questions

Acts 4:8-12

• Describe what is means by “the stone the builders rejected becomes the cornerstone”?
• How would you explain to a non-believer what it means to be saved?

 

1John 3:1-2

• Where do you see God’ gifts today?
• Identify what it feels like when you feel God’s presence. Is it in you?  Around you?  Through you?  How do you know it is God?

 

John 10:11-18

• What does this reading tell you about the characteristics of a Shepherd?
• Jesus lays down His life for you…What can you do for Him to show gratitude today?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• People try to tell believers Jesus didn’t exist. How do you know He did?
• Where do you see the “hope” Jesus gives in your life, family, community, and world?
• How has your faith healed you?
• Share a time when someone helped you and you were inspired to help another because of the kindness showed.
• Where do you see God’s healing presence in the world right now?
• Consider how it feels to be rejected. How does Jesus relate to these emotions?  What can you do to gain strength during these times of trial?
• Why does or doesn’t God swoop in and “save us” from the trouble we get into?

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Born of the Father…

ALL:  I AM a child of God!

Leader:  Baptized in the Spirit…

ALL:  I AM a child of God!

Leader:  Redeemed by the blood of the lamb…

ALL:  I AM a child of God!

Leader:  Servant of the one true King…

ALL:  I AM a child of God!

Leader:  Beloved and chosen…

ALL:  I AM a child of God!

Challenge for the Week:   The practice of “pay it forward” pops up in the news occasionally where someone pays for the next person’s coffee in a coffee shop or there is an anonymous donor who drops a large check into a bucket or collection for a worthy cause.  Our hearts are filled with warmth by the generosity of others so why doesn’t it happen more often?  Why does it happen so rarely it becomes newsworthy?  One good deed has the potential to grow and multiply; be the vehicle in which it is carried on.

Second Sunday of Easter

 

Opening Prayer

Heavenly Father

You know our ins and our outs

You know our every thought

You created us; You know our story

May we come to know you better

When we experience the life before us!

Journal/Reflection Questions

Acts 3:13-15, 17-19

• What does this reading tell you about those who have sinned?
• How does God punish those who have offended Him or His people?
• 1John 2:1-5a

• Do you believe Jesus died for your sins?

• Do you believe Jesus died for the sins of all?
• Luke 24:35-48

• Consider the emotions of the disciples during this reading.  How might you describe what they are feeling?  When have you shared these emotions?
• Jesus opened the scriptures to the disciples…what scripture speaks strongly to you?  Is it the same one or has is changed?  How does this reading challenge you to go out and share the scriptures?
• General Questions for Journaling

• What becomes of those who have offended another according to the world?  What becomes of those according to God?
• What becomes of those who have broken the law according to the world?  What becomes of those according to God?
• When have you had to apologize for something you didn’t do?  What was the circumstance?  Why did you apologize?
• Are there people who should never be forgiven for what they did or said?  What do you believe God says about these same people?
• How do you think God communicates with an atheist?  How are His words to them similar or different to how He speaks to you?
• Where have you recognized God recently?  Were you looking for Him?
• What can you do to find the “peace” Jesus wants for you?  What makes this “peace” easy or difficult to find?
• Closing Prayer          
• ALL:  May we see you in the breaking of the bread!
• Leader:  Let us know are there in the Eucharist;
• ALL:  May you walk with us each day!
• Leader:  Let us know you have the path ready for us;
• ALL:  May we experience your love through others!
• Leader:  Let us know you are within our reach;
• ALL:  May you come to us like the tide of the ocean!
• Leader:  Let us know you will never leave;
• ALL:  May we wake with you in the sun rise!
• Leader:  Let us know you are with us each day;

Challenge for the Week:   Jesus walked the walk and talked the talk.  Jesus’ life on earth is more than a story for us to read in the bible or listen to at Church.  It is a way for us to relate to God in a very intimate way.  Jesus’ life experiences are often highlighted by a heroic name like “healing of the blind man” or  identified by a parable such as the “sower and the seed”; but have you spent time learning not about His actions but about His intention?  Each of these ‘headlines’ take away the humanness displayed in how he listened and cared for the person regardless of their past.  He looked at each person for what they are; a child of God.  He didn’t see the leper’s sores but he saw threw the deceptive behavior of the scribes.  Jesus looked into the eyes of the person and saw their intention.  How often do we see someone and immediately pass judgment?  What action can you take to be more intentional about seeing the Jesus that is within each person?  Jesus is there whether they believe in Him or not; the simple fact that they exist proves God lives within them!