Body and Blood of Christ

Sunday, August 6th Readings

18th Sunday of Ordinary Time

Opening Prayer

Creator God

You gave me a hunger and a thirst

          only YOU can satisfy.

May I come to understand

how YOUR Word is what I need.

Fill me with YOUR mercy and grace;

          complete me and make me whole.

My searching is over!

AMEN!

Journal/Reflection Questions

Isaiah 55:1-3

  • What picture does this scripture paint? What images show abundance?
  • When have you felt satisfied? Describe the feeling.

Romans 8:35,37-39

  • What keeps you away from God? How do you support the relationship? How do you hurt the relationship?
  • How do you remain close to those you love? Those on earth? Those in heaven?

Matthew 14:13-21

  • Where is God in this scripture? In what ways?
  • How are you called to be like the crowd? What do you have to share with others?

General Questions for Journaling

  • What do you thirst for? What do you hunger for? 
  • What does your soul ache for? Have you ever felt so strongly about something or needed something so much you ached?
  • God satisfies. How many ways can you list?
  • What is your definition of riches? How does God provide you with riches in your life?
  • Describe the most satisfying meal you’ve ever eaten. What made it satisfying?  Explain.
  • How do you communicate with God? How does God communicate back? 
  • How does working on your relationship with God differ from your other relationships? How is it similar?
  • Make a list of at least 10 ways you can show love to God.
  • Make a list of at least 10 ways you can show love to others.
  • Can you have too much of a good thing? Why or why not?
  • What is your definition of the promises of Christ?
  • Identify moments in your life when you felt full, not from food. Is there a common thread in these experiences?

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Let all who thirst…

ALL:  come to the Lord!

Leader:  Let all who hunger…

ALL:  come to the Lord!

Leader:  Let all who have nothing…

ALL:  come to the Lord!

Leader:  Let all who seek…

ALL:  come to the Lord!

Leader:  Let all who are weary…

ALL:  come to the Lord!

Leader:  Let all who need rest…

ALL:  come to the Lord!

Leader:  Let all who are burdened…

ALL:  come to the Lord!

Leader:  For the Lord is near…

ALL:  all who call upon him!

Challenge for the Week:  In the summer, many of us are guests or host a potluck or picnic where everyone brings something to contribute to the meal.  Part of the fun of a potluck is to see what others bring, make a favorite dish or to have the chance to try out a new recipe.  Even if there are several types of salads or duplicate dishes, there is always plenty of food and no one is left hungry.  There are also always plenty of leftovers.  Imagine how this is similar to the feeding of the 5,000.  They weren’t invited to a potluck but they attended one.  We hear the story of the boy with some fish and bread who was generous enough to step forward with the little he had to share with the crowd but I believe it was because of his example others contributed what they had too.  We must realize that even though we think what we have to give is not enough, when we allow God into our lives and have the courage to step out in faith, He satisfies and completes us.  Show generosity in some way this week by sharing with someone what you have to give.  Bring more than simply a food dish with you to the next potluck, bring a generous heart full of the love of Jesus and see what miracles happen!

GET CONNECTED DAILY!  Find more reflections and prayers at Making Scripture Relevant on Facebook and Instagram.  Join the Weekly Scripture Journal email list by contacting heather@makingscripturerelevant.com.

Discipleship 5K: A Physical and Spiritual Journey to the Cross by Heather Neds, author of the Weekly Scripture Journal is more than a book, it is a guide to becoming a stronger disciple.  Grab a copy and start the journey!

Sunday, June 11th Readings

Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ

Opening Prayer

Jesus

You are the bread of life!

You are the manna sent from heaven!

Without you, I am empty!

Fill me, nourish me, and sustain me!

I will have my fill and never go hungry!

You are my daily bread!

Journal/Reflection Questions

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

  • God sent manna from heaven, how is this still true?
  • One cannot live on bread alone, how does this apply to your life?  What is the “bread” you live on?
  • What does this scripture teach you about faith in God?

1Corinthians 10:16-17

  • One cannot live on bread alone, when you receive communion, how do you feel changed?  Do you feel the same when you read God’s word?
  • What cup of blessing do you hold today?  How can you let this blessing overflow and be a blessing to others?

John 6:51-58

  • The sacrifice made by Jesus on the cross is the foundation of the Eucharist.  What do you sacrifice when you come to the altar to receive Jesus’ Body and Blood?
  • Describe how partaking in Jesus’ Body and Blood sustains you?  What does it mean to you?

General Questions for Journaling

  • What is the symbolism of the “hunger” we have in our lives in relation to God?
  • How has God delivered you from slavery?  What are you still a slave to in your life?  How can God help you become free?
  • When you receive communion, you become a living tabernacle.  How do others see Christ in you?
  • What does God provide you in order to continue on the path of discipleship?  What more do you need on your journey of faith?
  • Which commandments are easy to follow?  Which are difficult?  Why?
  • Have you had desert experiences in your life?  Can you look back and see God “feeding” you in those times? 
  • Identify a time when you were “parched”.  How did this experience affect your faith?
  • How do you see yourself as a part of the Body of Christ?
  • What is your definition of Communion? 
  • What feelings or emotions are associated with hunger?  How are they different than the emotions and feelings of being satisfied?
  • How do the scriptures help you see how God feeds you?  What can you do to be more aware of the food God supplies for your life?
  • The Word Eucharist means Thanksgiving, how is the celebration of Mass like the Thanksgiving holiday?
  • It is said, you are what you eat.  What are some bad food choices you make?  How can God help you to make better choices?
  • What are some good food choices you make?  How do they improve your spirit?

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 at peace!

Leader:  Christ within me…

ALL:  I am filled with joy!

Leader:  I am Christ to others…

ALL:  Let the feast begin!

Challenge for the Week: In the Catholic Church, the Mass is separated into two parts, the Liturgy of the WORD, reading the scripture and the Liturgy of the EUCHARIST, celebrating the Body and Blood of Jesus.  In both cases, you are consuming Christ.  During COVID churches were closed, and there had been restrictions to the access to the Body and Blood of Christ.  Though participation in the celebration of Mass virtually, you could not consume the actual Body and Blood of Christ.  This was a time when the need to dive deeper into the WORD of God, the scriptures, the WORD made flesh in Jesus was essential.  This is still true today.  There are several ways to connect more deeply to the Scriptures on a daily basis to be filled.  You can read and meditate on a daily prayer book, get scripture verses sent to via text or email and you can journal or pray the rosary or a dozen other practices to help you connect and feel the abundance of Christ within you.  When you spend time reading, praying and allowing the WORD to marinate your soul, then you will know what it means to be filled with God’s WORD and be satisfied! 

GET CONNECTED DAILY!  Find more reflections and prayers at Making Scripture Relevant on Facebook and Instagram.  Join the Weekly Scripture Journal email list by contacting heather@makingscripturerelevant.com.

Discipleship 5K: A Physical and Spiritual Journey to the Cross by Heather Neds, author of the Weekly Scripture Journal is more than a book, it is a guide to becoming a stronger disciple.  Grab a copy and start the journey!

Sunday, May 28th Readings

Pentecost

Opening Prayer

O Blessed Spirit,

When I feel alone,

          You are there.

When I am surrounded by darkness,

          You bring light.

When I am weak,

          You are my strength.

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

          which leads to heaven.

Fill my soul, dwell in me, FOREVER!

Journal/Reflection Questions

Acts 2:1-11

  • Where is the Holy Spirit driving you? How do you open yourself up to the mission you are called to in your life?
  • What is changed about the apostles after they are visited in the upper room? What can you take from this experience? Imagine yourself there…how does it change your perspective?
  • What keeps you from experiencing the fullness of the Holy Spirit today?

Corinthians 12:3b-7, 12-13

  • Each person is given a different gift of the Holy Spirit. Can you identify the gift(s) you have been given?
  • 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

  • In the Old Testament, God “breathed” His breath into Adam.  What significance does this word have here in this reading? What is the correlation between the two scriptures?
  • How has the Spirit caused you to act differently? 
  • Where do you share God’s peace?  

General Questions for Journaling

  • Have you ever felt the Holy Spirit? Where was it? Did you feel it inside of you? Did you see it working around you?
  • Jesus said He sent an Advocate, a Comforter. How do you know you are not alone?
  • What can you do to build a closer relationship with the Holy Spirit?
  • What action steps are needed for you to let the Spirit into your life and help you be filled?
  • What excuses do you make to keep the Holy Spirit from entering into your being? What obstacles stand in your way of a meaningful relationship with the Holy Spirit?
  • What qualities of the Holy Spirit do you possess? What qualities of the Holy Spirit would you like to fill you?
  • In Galatians 5, St Paul shares what it means to “live in the Spirit”, what can you do to cultivate these qualities in your life?
  • How do you communicate faith with others? What language do you speak with your words and actions?
  • Do you believe in miracles? Why or why not?
  • Do think at Pentecost, they understood each other literally? Explain.
  • 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? Share.
  • Are there people in your life who are different and you appreciate their differences?
  • Are there people in your life who 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 my life!

Leader:  Come Spirit of Truth,

ALL:  teach me the way!

Leader:  Come Advocate,

ALL:  give me strength!

Leader:  Come Paraclete,

ALL:  bring me comfort!

Leader:  Come Presence of God,

ALL:  renew my faith!

Leader:  Come Holy Spirit,

ALL:  fill me with joy everlasting!

Challenge for the Week:  Spend time this week looking back on when Lent began twelve weeks ago with Ash Wednesday.  Since then, you have walked with Jesus through several experiences.  You have been there when He fought off the devil, raised Lazarus from the dead, washed the Disciples’ feet, was arrested, and crucified.  That was all just before Easter when He escaped death and came back for an encore to share with the Disciples that He will always be there with them until the end of time.  What has been revealed to you through this journey?  How has walking through Jesus’ last days, His suffering, crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension brought you understanding or comfort?  What has been revealed to you through these experiences?

GET CONNECTED DAILY!  Find more reflections and prayers at Making Scripture Relevant on Facebook and Instagram.  Join the WeeklyScripture Journal email list by contacting heather@makingscripturerelevant.com.

Discipleship 5K: A Physical and Spiritual Journey to the Cross by Heather Neds, author of the Weekly Scripture Journal is more than a book, it is a guide to becoming a stronger disciple.  Grab a copy and start the journey!

Good Friday

Opening Prayer (Psalm 31:15-16)

My trust is in you, O Lord;

I say, “You are my God.

In your hands is my destiny; rescue me

from the clutches of my enemies and my persecutors.”

Journal/Reflection Questions

Isaiah 52:13 – 53:12

  • Jesus studied this scripture.  How does the knowledge that this scripture was written long before Jesus was born affect your faith?  Be specific.
  • Each line of the scripture can be connected to an action in the Gospel, is it easier to listen to the words spoken or easier to read them in silence?

Hebrews 4:14-16; 5:7-9

  • How does the tone of this scripture differ from the first reading? Do you think you need to read the first reading to have a fuller understanding of what the second reading is about or would it have the same meaning if it stood alone?
  • What sin do you lay on Jesus?

John 18:1 – 19:42

  • Who else has identified themselves as “I am”?  Where have you heard this before, with whom and what is the connection?
  • Share a time when you were able to relate to Jesus in this scripture.  Be specific about how knowing Jesus suffered with you, helped you through.

Closing Prayer

Leader:  So it may be fulfilled

ALL:  Jesus was betrayed.

Leader:  So it may be fulfilled

ALL:  Jesus was beaten.

Leader:  So it may be fulfilled

ALL:  Jesus was pierced.

Leader:  So it may be fulfilled

ALL:  Jesus died to save us all!

Challenge for the Week:  Death is a known known.  Anything that is born, will also die.  It is inevitable.  Why is death difficult?  Why is it something to be feared?  Are there things you want to achieve before you die?  Jesus said, “It is finished”.  He had completed his task.  Take time today to spend talking to God about what your task is and how you will work to complete it so then at the time of your death, you too can be confident in letting go of this life and embrace the next!

Holy Thursday

Opening Prayer

I will call upon the Lord

          and He shall answer!

I shall give thanks and praise

          for all the Lord has done!

Alleluia!

Journal/Reflection Questions

Exodus 12:1-8,11-14

  • Do you hide Christ in your life?  In your conversations?  In your home?  What can you do to reveal him?
  • How do others know you are a Christian?

1Corinthians 11:23-26

  • When you hear these words at prayed during the Eucharistic Celebration of Mass, who do you invite to the table with you?
  • What do the words, “do this in remembrance of me” mean to you?

John 13:1-15

  • Jesus says, “Do you know what I have done for you?”  He isn’t only speaking to the disciples when he says to go and do what he has taught us…identify 2-3 things you will do this Easter Season to follow Jesus’ example.
  • Jesus knows his disciples will scatter in fear, what do you think allows him to stay and celebrate the Passover meal with his friends and wash their feet?

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Shown in hospitality;

ALL:  love as I have loved.

Leader:  Shown in compassion;

ALL:  love as I have loved.

Leader:  Shown in sacrifice;

ALL:  love as I have loved.

Leader:  Jesus…

ALL:  you have shown us how to love!

Challenge for the Week:  It is common practice for Jesus to be placed at the altar at the end of Holy Thursday’s Mass for the faithful to stay and participate in what in the Catholic Church is called Adoration.  This time is set aside specifically for us to practice in real time “staying awake” for Jesus while he is in the Garden of Gethsemane praying before he is arrested.  Regular practice is for this to last until Midnight and then Jesus is removed to imitate how he had been taken into custody; no longer at our side.  This Thursday, set aside an hour to be with Jesus.  You choose how you will spend the time, for example, in silence or by praying the Rosary or by lighting candles or writing prayer or drawing a mandala; it is your choice how to spend this specific hour with your Savior. 

Sunday, March 12th Readings

Third Sunday of Lent

Opening Prayer

Father,

You put a thirst in us that only You can quench.

You lead us through rocky and desert places

        to a wellspring with the water of life.

May the Word we read today satisfy our desire

        and fill us with Your Spirit so we may overflow!

Journal/Reflection Questions

Exodus 17:3-7

  • Can you relate to this feeling of thirst?  Have you ever been “dying of thirst”?  How does this translate into ones spiritual life?
  • Why was Moses afraid?  When have you felt like Moses?  Where was God?  How did God help you?

Romans 5:1-2, 5-8

  • An agreement made between two people requires each side to give something.  God gave us His Son, Jesus gave us His life and the Holy Spirit gave us the Bible.  What are you being called to give?
  • Could you give up your life for another person?  Anyone or just specific people?  How does this differ from giving up your life for God?  Or giving your life to God?

John 4:5-42

  • What does Jesus ask for and then offer in return?  Imagine Jesus asking you the same thing.  How might you respond, how have you already responded?  What has He asked for in return, what do you give?
  • Have you ever, like the disciples, wondered what God was doing?
  • Define “living water”. 

General Questions for Journaling

  • Have you ever grumbled at God?  Have you ever grumbled against God?
  • What causes you to grumble to other people?
  • Have you ever felt like everyone was against you?  What did you do?
  • How do you hold your ground when you are against opposition?  What keeps you strong?  How does it feel to be in opposition of another person?
  • It is said that “faith makes you stronger”; explain how this is true or not true.
  • How do you boast about your faith?  Give a specific example.
  • Have you ever been disappointed by love?  Explain.
  • Are there things about you that you wish God didn’t know?  How does your behavior/attitude change, knowing God knows all of your secrets?
  • In what way does your faith “fill” you?  Describe the feeling.  Does faith fill you once and for all or do you lose the fullness you feel?  How do you re-fill?
  • Do you thirst for things in your life?  Take time to be honest with yourself and reflect on things you thirst for each day.  Are these things life giving or do they drain life from you?
  • What do you think the woman at the well was feeling when Jesus told her all of the things of her past.  How would it make you feel if a stranger did the same to you?  How does it feel to know Jesus does know your past?
  • Put yourself in the Gospel story as one of the villagers.  How would you react when the woman came back to share what had just happened at the well?  Would you believe her?  Would the encounter change how you felt about her?
  • How does the story of the woman at the well, help give you encouragement to continue to work on your Lenten sacrifices?

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Make me a well-spring…

ALL:  of your peace!

Leader:  Make me a well-spring…

ALL:  of your comfort!

Leader:  Make me a well-spring…

ALL:  of your joy!

Leader:  Make me a well-spring…

ALL:  of your compassion!

Leader:  Make me a well-spring…

ALL:  of your goodness!

Leader:  Make me a well-spring…

ALL:  of your love!

Challenge for the Week:  Consider all of the ways we use water every day.  It is one of life’s necessities.  As Americans, we often take for granted how much we use water.  We use water when we flush the toilet, take a shower, brush our teeth all just to get “ready” in the morning.  Water is needed to brew coffee or tea and to prepare or cook our food.  If you have ever had to turn off the water to your house or gone camping in a primitive spot then you might begin to be able to understand what was like for the Israelites.  Despite all of our advances, there are still people in the world who live without clean water to drink, cook or wash.  It is also important to drink plenty of water for our bodies to run better because water for our bodies is like oil for our car.  The challenge this week is to be more aware of the water we use and why we use it.  Say a prayer of thanksgiving each time you use water, pray for those who don’t have clean water, ask God to help you trust in him to provide for you just like you rely on the water to come out of your faucet.  Also try to drink the recommended amount of water and pray each time you go to fill up your cup.  At first, drinking so much water will cause extra trips to the bathroom to use more water, but then our bodies adjust; but the extra water equates to more time spent in prayer and perhaps we will adjust to having Christ with us more often too!

GET CONNECTED DAILY!  Find more reflections and prayers at Making Scripture Relevant on Facebook and Instagram.  Join the Weekly Scripture Journal email list by contacting heather@makingscripturerelevant.com.

Discipleship 5K: A Physical and Spiritual Journey to the Cross by Heather Neds, author of the Weekly Scripture Journal is more than a book, it is a guide to becoming a stronger disciple.  Grab and copy and start the journey!

Sunday, February 26th Readings

1st Sunday of Lent

Opening Prayer

Abba Father

As I awake to each new day,

          may I be aware of the breath I take.

Before I even open my eyes,

          may I inhale deeply the life You give.

Despite the struggles or challenges,

          let me count the blessings and

          be fully aware of the love You have for me!

AMEN!

Journal/Reflection Questions

Genesis 2:7-9, 3:1-7

  • How is your relationship with God? Is it different than the way God intended it to be?
  • What do you try to hide from God? What do you hide from others? 
  • Is there a serpent in your life telling you untruths to keep you from fulfillment?

Romans 5:12-19

  • Paul says to be grateful for the sin of Adam. Why do you think he says this? Do you agree or disagree? What do you think?
  • Is there a difference between sinning against God and sinning against your neighbor?
  • How have you sacrificed or given to another for them to have life?

Matthew 4:1-11

  • Jesus fights the devil in the desert, how can you draw strength from this reading in your struggles?
  • Jesus uses scripture to ward off the devil’s temptations. What scripture can you use to help give you strength to fight temptation?
  • What desert places have you encountered? Are you in the desert now?  How does the scripture give you courage to overcome?

General Questions for Journaling

  • The gift of freewill gets humans into a lot of trouble. Is there a time when you knew the will of God but you ignored it like Adam and Eve?
  • Why do you think God gave humans free will but not the other creatures?
  • If God didn’t give humans free will, what do you think the world would be like?
  • How do you hide your sinfulness from others? Are you honest with yourself about your faults and failings?
  • Sometimes when a person fails, they become discouraged and give up because the weight of sin can be paralyzing. What can you do to help you remember that Jesus already bore your sins? How can you free yourself or others from the burden of sin?
  • Describe a time when you felt you were in the desert. Describe a time when you felt you were in the wilderness. How did those experiences similar? Differ? Where was God in these experiences?
  • Name the things that tempt you. When you do so, does it change the way you look at them? 
  • What do you desire? How do you know if it is good or bad? By what do you measure?
  • Jesus was willing to die for you; what are you giving up for him?
  • How does sin weigh you down? 
  • How are the 40 days of Lent like the 40 days Jesus spent in the desert?
  • What symbol of Lent means the most to you? Why? (choose a symbol to reflect on and help you through Lent)

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Let me remember…

ALL:  I am clay.

Leader:  As clay…

ALL:  I can be hard and dry.

Leader:  As clay…

ALL:  I must be molded.

Leader:  As clay…

ALL:  I can take on many forms.

Leader:  As clay…

ALL:  I am created perfectly.

Leader:  As clay…

ALL:  I can withstand the fire.

Leader:  This Lent…

ALL:  I am clay!

Challenge for the Week:  Simple challenge.  Plant a seed TODAY.  Gather dirt into a plastic cup, a pot or whatever you can find.  Tend to it throughout the Lenten Season and continue to nurture it through the Easter Season too.  Each time you look at it, water it or spin it in the sunlight, Thank God for caring for you.

GET CONNECTED DAILY!  Find more reflections and prayers at Making Scripture Relevant on Facebook and Instagram.  Join the Weekly Scripture Journal email list by contacting heather@makingscripturerelevant.com.

Discipleship 5K: A Physical and Spiritual Journey to the Cross by Heather Neds, author of the Weekly Scripture Journal is more than a book, it is a guide to becoming a stronger disciple.  Grab and copy and start the journey!

Sunday, June 19th Readings

Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ

Opening Prayer

Savior

You came to earth to live

        so I might know you better.

You taught how to live life

        by the commandments.

You showed how to care for one another

        by giving comfort and healing.

You gather your friends around the table

        to share a meal but You share so much more.

May I forever seek to be in communion with You

        by living my life as You call me to live!

Journal/Reflection Questions

Genesis 14:18-20

  • How does this scripture still ring true today? Give an example.
  • Bread and wine: reflect on the qualities of these two things, how are they made, where to do they come from, are they hard to find, are they only reserved for specific people?

1 Corinthians 11:23-26

  • What is the significance of giving the bread and wine separately? Are there specific values for each one individually? What are they?
  • This ritual is done in remembrance of what? Write down what it means to you and what Jesus wants you to remember through this meal.

Luke 9:11b-17

  • What is the importance of blessing the food?
  • Jesus again finds Himself working all day, giving of Himself to the crowds and then having to give even more. What can you learn from Jesus’ reaction and action in this scripture about giving?

General Questions for Journaling

  • How do you receive the gifts of bread and wine? 
  • What do you to prepare to receive Jesus’ body and blood?
  • Can you ever have too much Jesus?
  • Explain in your own words what it means to you to receive Jesus’ body and blood.
  • Does taking communion on Sunday change you? Why or why not?
  • What does it feel like to be hungry? Thirsty?
  • How do you show gratitude for the gifts of Jesus’ body and blood? 
  • When have you ever been asked to give more than what you had? How did you feel? Were you able to satisfy the need or was more still needed?
  • What needs are in front of you yearning to be met? How long have they been there? Do you believe they will be met on their own?
  • Who can you help this week to fulfill a need? Look around for a friend or family member who is seeking and lend a hand.

Closing Prayer

Leader:  You gather your people together

ALL:  To share more than a meal

Leader:  You gather your people together

ALL:  To give of ourselves

Leader:  You gather your people together

ALL:  To receive nourishment

Leader:  You gather your people together

ALL:  To find peace

Leader:  You gather your people together

ALL:  To make a connection

Leader:  You gather your people together

ALL:  To be in union with YOU!

Challenge for the Week:  As humans we ALL share some very basic needs…we need to eat and we need to drink.  If we do not eat or drink, we do not live.  Do you think it is a coincidence that Jesus then wants us to remember him in these two forms?  He is telling us to eat His body and drink His blood because without it, we cannot live.  Spend time reflecting on this truth and what it means not only to you but to all humankind.

GET CONNECTED DAILY!  Find more reflections and prayers at Making Scripture Relevant on Facebook and Instagram.  Join the Weekly Scripture Journal email list by contacting heather@makingscripturerelevant.com