Holy Week

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. 

Sunday, April 9th Readings

Easter Sunday

Opening Prayer

Jesus

You died to bring me live

You became nothing

          So I could become whole

May I die to the sin

          that keeps me away from you

So I might live

          in the fullness You promised!

Journal/Reflection Questions

Acts 10:34a, 37-43

  • How has your baptism and the renewal of your baptismal promises brought good news to others?
  • Who in your life inspires or helps to ignite your faith?

Colossians 3:1-4

  • How do you rise like Christ this Easter season? 
  • Are there things you have shed through your Lenten sacrifice of which you are free?

John 20:1-9

  • What does this scripture reveal about Jesus?  About his disciples?
  • What do you take away from this scripture?  What do you feel?  What do you imagine this looks like?

General Questions for Journaling

  • Has the journey of Lent helped to strengthen your faith?  How?
  • Did you gain a new perspective on a problem or struggle you have in your life right now through prayer, almsgiving and/or fasting?  Share.
  • What have you heard this Lent in the scriptures or through discussion with others which you have shared with another person?
  • What has inspired you to bear witness to your faith over the past six weeks? 
  • Is there anything you are looking forward to during the Easter season? 
  • How can you make the joy of Easter last longer than one day?
  • Are there things you can continue to work on (using prayer, almsgiving and fasting as your guide) for the next six weeks? Why do these Lenten practices have to only be practiced during Lent?
  • Is there a problem or struggle you are dealing with which you need to step away from? Perhaps find a new perspective or revisit a solution which had been previously rejected?
  • Are you carrying around “dead weight” such as hurt feelings or a burden that is not yours to carry? 
  • Do you hide Christ in your life? In your conversations? In your home?  What can you do to reveal him?

Closing Prayer

Leader:  What was hidden;

ALL:  has been revealed!

Leader:  What was broken;

ALL:  has been healed!

Leader:  What was lost;

ALL:  has been found!

Leader:  What was sin;

ALL:  has been forgiven!

Leader:  What was buried; 

ALL:  has come to life!

Leader:  What was crucified;

ALL:  has been resurrected!

Challenge for the Week:  Jesus was believed to be dead.  The disciples buried him in a tomb.  After three days his broken body was healed and he was radiant.  Imagine you could go away for three days and get away from any pressures, stress and obligations.  What would you do?  How would you spend your time?  How would you pamper yourself to relieve stress?  What conversations would you have with God about your life?  Take time for a mini retreat, even if it is only for 5 minutes to step away from your life and let the joy of Easter and Jesus’ resurrection spark a renewal within!

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 2nd Readings

Palm Sunday

Opening Prayer

Jesus

When I call out in prayer,

          what do I say?

Do my words express my trust in you?

When I live out each day,

          what do I say?

Do my actions show I trust you?

Let me be more aware of how I hurt you.

May I work to let my words and my actions,

          express my love and trust in YOU!

AMEN

Journal/Reflection Questions

Isaiah 50:4-7

  • From whose perspective is this reading? What does it tell you about speaking out against injustice?
  • How can you identify with this scripture? Are you feeling weary as the season of Lent comes to a close?
  • Does this scripture give you any encouragement to keep on with your Lenten disciplines?  Explain.
  • What does God promise to those who hear His word and act on it?

Philippians 2:6-11

  • How do you show love? Do you love others with conditions? What can you do to love others more fully?
  • What are you selfish about? With whom are you selfish? Are there people in your life whom you do not share openly? Why?
  • What qualities of Jesus do you admire the most? How do you relate to these traits?

Matthew 26:14-27:66

  • Have you ever been in a state of extreme physical pain? How were you able to cope? Have you been with someone who has been in extreme physical pain? What can you do to help those who suffer?
  • If you were there on the day of Jesus’ crucifixion, could you have stayed with Jesus until the very end? Who in this scripture can you relate to the most? Why?
  • Choose an action from the Gospel reading that reflects something going on in your life right now. 

General Questions for Journaling

Closing Prayer

Leader:  May I be emptied…

ALL:  so I can be refilled with humility.

Leader:  May I be emptied…

ALL:  so I can be refilled with obedience.

Leader:  May I be emptied…

ALL:  so I can be refilled with hospitality.

Leader:  May I be emptied…

ALL:  so I can be refilled with forgiveness.

Leader:  May I be emptied…

ALL:  so I can be refilled with acceptance.

Leader:  May I be emptied…

ALL:  so I can be refilled with trust.

Leader:  May I be emptied…

ALL:  so I can be refilled with faith.

Challenge for the Week:  This week make the commitment to sacrifice some of your time and do something uncomfortable.  It might be something simple like making small talk with the person in line with you at the store or offering to purchase the coffee of a stranger.  You might consider taking some of the “me time” you work to create and volunteer.  Perhaps you could make time for someone you have been avoiding or someone who has been sick or is alone.  Too often, we get wrapped up in ourselves and we begin to complain about things that we really shouldn’t complain about.  Look around this week and sacrifice yourself for the sake of another who is going through something much more difficult than you.  It will help you gain perspective and prepare your heart for Holy Week!

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 Prayer Guide

Easter Vigil/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 me new life! Alleluia!

Reflection Questions

1st Reading – Genesis 1:1 – 2:2

  • The story of creation is often thought of to be a children’s story, but it is even more for adults.  What did you hear this year which you have not heard before?  Sometimes when you know a story so well, you 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!

2nd Reading – 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?

3rd Reading – 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.

4th Reading – 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?

5th Reading – 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?

6th Reading – Baruch 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?

7th Reading – 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?

Epistle – 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?

Gospel Reading – 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 God has done..

ALL:  Alleluia!

Leader:  Give thanks for God is good…

ALL:  Alleluia!

Leader:  You shall not die, but live forever…

ALL:  Alleluia!

Challenge for Good Friday:  You think you have had a tough week; what about Jesus, Mary and the Disciples!  In the Church, Holy Week is one of the most important times of ritual and tradition. It is a series of ups and downs, 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. The planning and preparation to make the celebration of the Triduum stand out validates their importance in the Church and for those who follow Jesus.

These three days impact deeply the relationship you have with God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit. Through the celebrations, the journey of Jesus is brought to life for all the faithful to experience with their whole heart, soul and mind. Even if you only attend the Easter Sunday service, the power and beauty of God’s love is revealed for each and every person there. The goal being to inspire all.  

Whether you gather in a community for these celebrations in person or virtually, the goal for all is to connect with God more deeply. The celebration of each day of the Triduum brings deeper understanding of not only God but of yourself and your relationship with others. When you dive into them, you are more likely to feel the joy of the resurrection and be inspired by it. Although the scripts of each day do not change, you are a different person each year you hear the stories. You may hear something new or hear it in a different way, coming to understand more clearly God’s plan for you. What do you hear God saying to you now? How has the Triduum inspired you this year?

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

Good Friday Prayer Guide

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.”

Reflection Questions

1st Reading – 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?

2nd Reading – 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?

Gospel Reading – 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 your own suffering.

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 all God’s people from sin and death!

Challenge for Good Friday:  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!

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

Holy Thursday Prayer Guide

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!

Reflection Questions

1st Reading – 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?

2nd Reading – 1Corinthians 11:23-26

  • When you hear these words 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?

Gospel Reading – 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; He is speaking to you too. 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 me how to love!

Challenge for Holy Thursday:  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 calls Adoration.  This time is set aside specifically on the Thursday before Easter during Holy Week, to practice in real time staying awake for Jesus.  It is an opportunity to join Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane where He went to pray before He was arrested.  The ritual generally lasts until Midnight and then Jesus is removed to imitate how He had been taken into custody. 

Set aside an hour to be with Jesus.  You choose how you will spend the time.  You can sit in silence or pray the Rosary or light candles or write a prayer or draw a mandala; it is your choice how to spend this specific hour with Jesus. 

    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.