Holy Day

Sunday, June 4th Readings

Solemnity of the Holy Trinity

Opening Prayer

Creator God,

you fill the world with all things good.

Savior God,

you came to earth to live and die for my salvation.

Spirit God,

You dwell in me so I are forever with you.

Blessed Trinity,

help me be more aware of your presence in my life!

AMEN

Journal/Reflection Questions

Exodus 34:4b-6,8-9

  • How do you humble yourself before God like Moses did in this scripture?
  • What does God reveal about His character in this scripture?
  • Moses asked God to pardon your sins; what do you have a hard time pardoning? Are there things of this world which are hard for you to forgive?

2Corinthians 13:11-13

  • What do you learn about God in this scripture? About Jesus? About the Holy Spirit?
  • How does this reading suggest you live your everyday life? Is it impossible to live in this way? Why or why not?

John 3:16-18

  • “For God so loved the world”, speaks of sacrifice. Do you sacrifice things for your faith? For a relationship with God?
  • Do you sacrifice for love? Whom in your life do you love enough to sacrifice things for? Do you sacrifice freely or with expectation?

General Questions for Journaling

  • What examples in your life confirm that God is slow to anger, rich in kindness and faithful?
  • Describe God’s love. What does it look like? Feel like? Sound like?
  • 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”.
  • Would God find favor in the way you treat others who are “stuck in their ways”? How do you think God would treat them?
  • What do you hold a grudge against? How can you begin to let love into that situation?
  • 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?
  • 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?
  • Do you know a peaceful person? What qualities do they have that you would like to cultivate?
  • You are called to agree and get along with everyone, all of the time. How difficult or easy is this, why?
  • What would you say are the “core” things we all should agree upon to make this world a better place?

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:  Do you know someone you would describe as an encourager?  What makes them so?  Do they encourage you or others too?  Make a point this week to encourage someone new each day.  It may be helpful to take time to reflect on some of the people you see weekly and consider what you might do or say to encourage them.  Consider people you don’t see on a regular basis who might need some encouragement and write them a note, email or make a phone call.  Also, spend time thinking about those people in your life who have been and still are encouragers to you.  Do they know how much their support means to you and how it has affected your life?  Take time to let them know how you feel and who they are a gift to your life.

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!

Sunday, May 21st Readings

Ascension

Opening Prayer

Heavenly Father,

When I look to the sky,

I am limited to what I see.

I can only imagine what is beyond.

Teach me,

guide me in Your WORD,

so I have the faith to believe

and understand what I cannot see.

AMEN

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 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:  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 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 7th Readings

Fifth Sunday of Easter

Opening Prayer

Jesus

Open the scripture to me

          so I may not neglect to see

                   the good God created.

Bring to life in me

          the spirit of compassion and mercy

                   to continue the work you began.

AMEN!

Journal/Reflection Questions

Acts 6:1-7

  • Who in your community is neglected? What can you do for them to help them?
  • Saint Peter tells the disciples to devote themselves to prayer; what is the purpose of this? What could happen if you devoted yourself to prayer?
  • What do you think the definition of “reputable men” is at the time the scripture was written? How does the definition change to be relevant in today’s society?

1Peter 2:4-9

  • Scripture says a stone will make you stumble and a rock will make you fall.  Share an example of a stone or a rock in the world today or in your own life. What tripped you up? What helped build your faith back up?
  • How does this scripture passage help you feel “chosen and precious”? Be specific.
  • Is your relationship with God the cornerstone of your life?

John 14:1-12

  • What do you think Philip was thinking when Jesus said, “I am in the Father and the Father is in me”? The mystery of the Trinity was not known to the disciples at this time.  How could Philip make sense of what Jesus was telling him?
  • Jesus knew He was going to have to leave but the disciples didn’t understand. Share a time when you had to leave someone in your life. How is it similar to different to Jesus’ leaving?
  • Explain how Jesus is the way the truth and the life. How do you live your life witnessing to this truth?

General Questions for Journaling

  • Brainstorm examples of people in your community who feel neglect. Where can they find help? 
  • Do you belong to a community of faith? How does this community help to build you up?
  • Where do you see the good works of the community in action? What do you do to help the cause?
  • How does it make you feel when you see a need in the community not being met? Are you empathetic? Sympathetic? Do you feel the need is too big or is out of control? Do you feel helpless and unprepared to be able to change the situation? Seek God’s wisdom to help you find out what you should do to help.
  • How is God’s love shown to you through these readings? Are there examples of this type of love in your life today? Where do you see God’s love at work in your community?
  • How do you deal with loss? What is your reaction to death? What helps you to carry on? How can you practice hope in your faith?
  • 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 you 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 to each individual person, you are one 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 your mission!

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, April 30th Readings

Fourth Sunday of Easter

Opening Prayer

Shepherd

You give me what I need each day

          May I be grateful and have my fill.

You lead me on the path of goodness

          May I accept your mercy and follow.

You call my name to come to you

          May I listen to only Your voice in my life.

Amen

Journal/Reflection Questions

Acts 2:14a, 36-41

  • What emotions do you feel as you read these words? Imagine being there. How do your emotions change?
  • 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?
  • Define conversion. How does conversion work? Is it a onetime thing or a lifelong thing? What does it mean when applied to your life? Have you undergone a conversion of some kind? What was the result of it? Do you need to undergo another conversion? Why or why not? 

1Peter 2:20b-25

  • How does this reading remind you to seek God’s grace instead of revenge? How can this be applied to a situation in your life right now?
  • What do you learn about God’s love in this passage? How does it make you feel? How can you help others see this type of love in your life?
  • 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

  • Who in your life provides the shelter and protection the Shepherd shows to the sheep in this passage? Who do you provide this depth of security for in your life?
  • Are there people you know who need some type of shelter (physical, emotional, spiritual) which you can help lead them to the shepherd?
  • 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

  • What “cuts you to the heart”? Are there things that hurt so deeply you are called to do something? When was the last time you were called to action because you were “cut to the heart”?
  • Where in your community do you see a need for a change? Is there something you can do to help make a change?
  • Where do you see corruption in the world? In your community? Within yourself?
  • Share a time when you felt convicted of a wrongdoing.
  • Think of a time when you tried to do the right/just thing and your efforts were not rewarded in a positive way. Why do you think good people suffer? Consider some of the reasons a person might have to go through suffering in order to bring about good.
  • Describe a suffering Christian. Do you know anyone who fits the description?
  • When confronted with violence, is violence ever the right response? How does your anger get in the way of following Jesus’ example not to retaliate?
  • Who are the people in your life whom you go to for shelter?  Advice? Counsel? Do they know the Shepherd?
  • What changes in the language when one says they “were” baptized and they “are” baptized? Which are you?
  • When did you last testify to your faith? How did you? Explain how you felt and how others reacted.
  • 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:  I invite you to go into deep meditation with the words and phrases of this Gospel.  Take time, perhaps one per day, to take the phrase and sit with it; carry it with you as your daily mantra to mull over. How do these words affect you, what do they tell you, where can they help you make a conversion in your life?  The Good Shepherd:  Calling by Name; Recognition of Voice; Following the Shepherd; Not Following Strangers; Shepherd as Gate. God’s Word can change your life!

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, April 23rd Readings

Third Sunday of Easter

Opening Prayer

It is through Jesus’ birth

you are given hope.

It is through Jesus’ miracles

the world receives healing.

It is through Jesus’ sacrifice

that you are nourished.

It is through Jesus’ resurrection

that you have life everlasting.

Journal/Reflection Questions

Acts 2:14,22-23

  • Peter speaks to the disciples with such conviction. Where do you believe his strength comes from? Remember, it was only days before when Peter denied Jesus three times. What can you take away from this knowledge and how can it apply to a situation you are dealing with in your life right now?
  • What evidence is there that Jesus rose? How does Peter verify the resurrection?

1Peter 1:17-21

  • Why might this reading be called the Sermon of hope? What gives you hope as you read it, listen to it or meditate on it?
  • Jesus died in order to save. He gave His life in order for generations upon generations could live. How do you live your life to show gratitude for the ransom paid?

Luke 24:13-35

  • What does it mean to have your heart burn within you? Have you ever experienced this feeling? Revisit the memory. Does reminiscing about the experience ignite the flame within you?
  • Identify a person or people you are on the “road” with on your faith journey.
  • What do you think Jesus was thinking as He walked along listening to the conversation? Do you think it made Him mad they didn’t recognize Him?

General Questions for Journaling

  • 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? Explain.
  • What opportunities do you have to break bread with Jesus?
  • What in these readings give you a deeper understanding of Jesus’ existence BEFORE He walked on the earth?
  • Is there anything that confuses you? Who, what or where do you turn in order to set yourself straight?
  • Are there people in your life with whom you love to spend time with? How do you feel when you have to leave them?
  • Where can be Jesus be found in your relationships? With your spouse? Your children? Your peers? A stranger? 
  • What do you hope for? What do you have hope in? Do you have anything in which you have lost hope?
  • How do you feel when you run into an old friend you haven’t seen for a while? Is there someone you should reach out to?
  • What does the cross say to you? What emotions are attached to the cross?
  • What obstacles of faith do you see in the world? What obstacles do you encounter? What do/can you do?
  • 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 me near

ALL:  to listen for Your voice.

Leader:  Draw me near

ALL:  to follow Your call.

Leader:  Draw me near

ALL:  to the acceptance of Your embrace.

Leader:  Draw me near

ALL:  to the promises of Your love.

Leader:  Draw me near

ALL:  to Your joyful presence.

Leader:  Draw me near

ALL:  to an intimate relationship with YOU!

Challenge for the Week:  The disciples didn’t recognize Jesus as He was walking and talking with them.  How often do we pass Jesus by without recognizing Him in our own lives?  This week, as you get ready for bed, spend time reflecting on your day and where Jesus was present.  Sometimes we can see Him working in others toward us or through us toward others.  As you reflect, really pay attention to the multiple things you saw, heard or felt throughout the day.  Dig deeper to find God not only on the surface but in the little things…God spends a lot of time on the small details!

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, April 16th Readings

Second Sunday of Easter/Sunday of Divine Mercy

Opening Prayer (Psalm 118)

Alleluia!  Alleluia!

Give thanks and praise to God!

For he is good and his love is everlasting!

Rejoice and be glad for our Savior lives!

Alleluia!  Alleluia!

Journal/Reflection Questions

Acts 2:42-47

  • What do you think is the “secret ingredient” in this scripture passage that makes it sound like utopia?
  • The scripture passage says twice, “they devoted themselves to…”, is there something in your life right now which needs your devotion?  How can devoting your time and attention to that project/person/situation bring peace and/or contentment?

1Peter 1:3-9

  • Share and example of how you know this scripture is true. 
  • This scripture are the words of Saint Peter, he who denied Jesus thrice before the crucifixion.  How does this knowledge open up the scripture even more?  Choose one phrase of the scripture that most shouts of Peters new found confidence.

John 20:19-31

  • Can you relate to Thomas?  Would you need to see and feel the nail marks in Jesus’ hands to believe?  What helps you believe today?
  • Jesus brings peace and the Holy Spirit to the disciples.  Identify where Jesus brings you peace and the Holy Spirit today.
  • Jesus breathes on the disciples…where have you heard this before in the scripture?  What do the passages have in common?

General Questions for Journaling

  • Do you see signs and wonders in the world today?  How do they point to God?
  • Where do you see people working together?  How does it inspire you and is there something you can do to support it?
  • Describe what it feels like to have “favor” on someone or something from your own perspective.  Then describe what is it like for someone to have “favor” or show “favor” to/on you.
  • How do you know someone is acting out of sincerity? 
  • How do you feel safeguarded by God? 
  • Name a specific example of how Jesus’ resurrection affects your life right now.
  • What do you love about Jesus?  Be specific.  Can you name more than three things?
  • What does ‘genuine’ faith look like?  Do you know when you are being genuine in your faith vs. being fake?
  • Are there things in your life right now which you find hard to believe because you haven’t see them?  Does this unbelief cause division with your family or co-workers?
  • How do you know when Jesus is in your midst?  Describe the feeling.  How can you reproduce this feeling to last all day?  Is it possible?  Explain
  • The “great commission” is said to happen at our baptism (MT 28:19-20) but these scripture readings have the same kind of commissioning feel.  Choose one thing from the scriptures this week to take on as your task.

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Jesus, the doors were locked

ALL:  but you broke through!

Leader:  Jesus, you died and were buried

ALL:  but you broke through!

Leader:  Jesus, you were nailed to a cross

ALL:  but you broke through!

Leader:  Jesus, you were beaten and bleeding

ALL:  but you broke through!

Leader:  Jesus, you were a Carpenter’s son 

ALL:  but you broke through!

Leader:  Jesus, you were born in a manger

ALL:  but you broke through!

Challenge for the Week:  Saint Peter in the second reading says “you rejoice with indescribable and glorious joy, as you attain the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls.” (1PT1:9)  Take time this week to map out the goal of your faith.  What are your goals?  Write them down so you can see them and then set out to achieve them.  Do you want to know Jesus more (not just know of him, but really know him).  Do you want to have a prayer space in your home?  Do you wish to learn more about the Saints?  Do you want to read more spiritual literature?  God doesn’t say we have to do anything to earn his love, grace or mercy but if you are like me, when someone does something unbelievably kind, I want to give back to them to show my gratitude!

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!

Holy Saturday

Opening Prayer

Lord

I am confident, yet afraid.

I put my trust in you, my soul rests.

I shall sing your praises all my days.

You have overcome the darkness

          and bring us new life! Alleluia!

Journal/Reflection Questions

Genesis 1:1 – 2:2

  • We often think of the creation story as one for children but it is even more for adults.  What did you hear this year which you have not heard before?  Sometimes we know a story so well, we don’t listen as closely.  Listen again for the message God wants you to hear today.
  • Create your own creation scene, draw and color while you meditate on the gifts each day of creation brings and give thanks to the creator!

Genesis 22:1-18

  • On a scale from 1-10, how confident are you to respond, “Here I am, Lord” when God calls you?
  • How do you think God celebrates when you listen and obey his commands?

Exodus 14:15 – 15:1

  • What does this scripture story mean to you?  What does it tell you about God and his relationship with the Israelite’s?
  • How does God use Moses?  Do you believe he can use you in a similar way?  Explain.

Isaiah 54:5-14

  • Does this scripture bring you comfort and confidence or does it leave you concerned and in doubt?  Explain the difference and be specific.  What other words would you use to describe how this scripture makes you feel?
  • What is the ultimate message God’s trying to communicate through this scripture?

Isaiah 55:1-11

  • Share one way God has provided for you in the past week.  Was it something you asked for and received or was it something God did without you even acknowledging it?
  • What keeps you from having 100% confidence in God providing your needs?  Is it because his timing is different than your own or is it something else?

Barach 3:9-15,32 – 4:4

  • Identify where you see God’s splendor.  What do these places/things say to you when you are in their presence?
  • Describe the feelings you get when you listen to or read the words of this scripture.  What do you imagine?  Can you put it into words?

Ezekiel 36:16-17a,18-28

  • Where does the myth that people who follow God do not suffer come from?  Even God’s people in the Old Testament had to suffer loss, devastation and hardships.  How does this make you feel?
  • What is the purpose of God giving us a ‘new heart’, what does this mean?

Romans 6:3-11

  • What images and/or feelings come to mind when you hear the word BAPTISM.
  • How do you plan to continue to live out your baptism?  Does the renewal of baptismal promises give you a boost of energy and purpose, why or why not?

Matthew 28:1-10

  • Are there people in your life whom you cannot celebrate the glory of the resurrection with because of unbelief or difference of beliefs?  How can you still bring the glory of the resurrection to those you love without judgment or shame?
  • How do you anticipate you will react when you see Jesus face to face?  Can you imagine the scenario?  Describe in detail what happens.

Closing Prayer

Leader:  God’s mercy endures forever…

ALL:  Alleluia!

Leader:  What wondrous deeds he has done..

ALL:  Alleluia!

Leader:  Give thanks for he is good…

ALL:  Alleluia!

Leader:  We shall not die, but live forever…

ALL:  Alleluia!

Challenge for the Week:  You think you have had a tough week J , what about Jesus, Mary and the Disciples!  In the Church, Holy Week is one of the most important times of ritual and tradition…all set up back to back to back to back.  Each day, beginning with Holy Thursday has specific elements which need to be present in order to make the celebration meaningful.  Planning for these four days and potentially five, six or seven separate services, begins almost immediately after the Christmas Season comes to an end.  Those who work in the church basically go directly from planning the celebration of Jesus’ birth to getting things prepared for his death.  They do it for many reasons, but mostly because it is a part of their deep belief in God that they want to bring to life for all the faithful (and those who only come for the Easter Sunday service) how powerful and beautiful God’s love for each of us is and can be.  It is sometimes jokingly said that it’s a goal of Easter Sunday services to make it so meaningful that people are inspired to come back the next week and the week after that. 

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.