Ordinary Time

Sunday, September 12th Readings

24th Sunday of Ordinary Time

Opening Prayer

Father

All the times when you step in

to protect me,

to give me the things I need,

to show love,

to teach me,

to give me strength or understanding,

to show patience,

I KNOW I AM YOURS…Thank you, Father!

Amen

Journal/Reflection Questions

Isaiah 50:5-9a

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

James 2:14-18

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

Mark 8:27-35

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

General Questions for Journaling

  • Consider a time when you lived out the first scripture. What was the situation?  How do you know God was on your side?
  • Imagine the first scripture playing out in a movie or play. What emotions would you feel to witness someone turning the other cheek?  How are those feelings different if you were the one who turned your face for another blow?
  • What in the first scripture lets you know you are not supposed to simply let people abuse you or trample you under foot? Is it a fine line or a wide divide between what the scripture teaches and physical, mental or emotional abuse?
  • Are you listening to what God is saying to you? What is the difference between listening and hearing?
  • Can you identify the “satan” in your life? What is it that consistently causes you to step backwards instead of leaping forward?
  • What does it truly mean to “deny one’s self”? Is it like saying no to a fourth piece of pizza or skipping dessert?  Why or why not?
  • The world teaches people to serve only themselves but Jesus says to serve others, on a scale from 1-10, how are you doing with this task?
  • Jesus wants to know he is fully loved and fully known, the way He fully loves and fully knows you. Share examples of how you can do this.
  • What specifically can you gain if you lose your life? What role does God play in this scenario?
  • Is saying Jesus is the Christ wrong?  Are there times when you should keep you mouth shut and your faith to yourself?  Give examples.
  • Make a list of reasons Jesus may have told the disciples not to tell anyone He is the one who is spoken about in the Old Testament.  What repercussions could occur if everyone knew?

Closing Prayer

Leader:  May I not turn my back on a person in need.

ALL:  Open my heart to YOUR love!

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

ALL:  Open my heart to YOUR love!

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

ALL:  Open my heart to YOUR love!

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

ALL:  Open my heart to YOUR love!

Leader: Empty me Lord so I may be made new…

ALL:  Open my heart to YOUR love!

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

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

Sunday, September 5th Readings

23rd Sunday of Ordinary Time

Opening Prayer

My God,

Let me seek the water that is brings me life!

I want to reach the stream that never runs dry!

You put a thirst in me that only you can quench!

Come, bring healing to my weary soul and fill until I overflow!

Amen

Journal/Reflection Questions

Isaiah 35:4-7a

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

James 2:1-5

  • What does this scripture say about how we should treat others? Is it easy to follow? Why or why not?
  • Are there people or groups of people whom you have trouble treating with respect? What keeps you from doing so?
  • How does your appearance change the reaction you get from others? Is this important? Why or why not? Is it a good representation of you or what you want others to believe you are?
  • What are the benefits of being poor? What are the benefits of being rich? How do they differ?

Mark 7:31-37

  • What is the reaction of the people in this scripture? How do you think you would react if you had been there?
  • For what reason do you believe Jesus told the people to be quiet? Why do you think they disobeyed this order?
  • Why do you think Jesus “groaned” before he healed the deaf man?
  • What would you have felt if you saw Jesus walking away from the crowd? How does his action cause you to feel?

General Questions for Journaling

  • How do you celebrate the coming of Christ? What does it look like in your life?
  • What do you need from Jesus to heal? Are you in need of healing? In what way?
  • How do you prepare for Jesus to come into your life?
  • When you are without one sense, how do your other senses work to “make up” for the missing sense?
  • What is something you have seen or want to see that you would regret seeing if you were to become blind today?
  • What is something you would miss hearing if you were to lose your sense of hearing today?
  • Share an example of a personal experience when you felt God came to rescue you. What was the situation? How are you assured it was God who came?
  • Is there anything that causes you fear? Anything that God could not rescue you from?
  • How does goodness, beauty and healing come from something evil, ugly and broken? Can you give an example?
  • Is there something you need to be rescued from right now? How do you speak to God about it?
  • Has God rescued you from something in the past? How do you show gratitude?
  • Does God show favoritism? Why or why not? If so, to whom?
  • Do you think you treat everyone equally? Why or why not? Give an example.
  • Why does having money automatically demand respect in our society? Identify the poverty in your life. What has God already done in response to it?
  • Do you have favorites? Favorite stores?  Favorite restaurants?  Favorite place to stop while on a road trip?  This show partiality.  How does this affect others who are in the same business?  What do your actions change in the big picture?
  • How do you relate to the cries for help from those in need?

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Praise you Lord, all my days!

ALL:  When I am weak and need strength…you rescue me;

Leader:  Praise you Lord, all my days!

ALL:  When I am oppressed and seek justice…you set me free;

Leader:  Praise you Lord, all my days!

ALL:  When I am alone and need assurance…you send a friend;

Leader:  Praise you Lord, all my days!

ALL:  When I am guilty of sin and shame…you forgive me;

Leader:  Praise you Lord, all my days!

ALL:  When I am short on faith and hope…you fill me;

Leader:  Praise you Lord,

ALL:  all my days!!!

Challenge for the Week:  Imagine a day without clean water.  It is such a commodity in the world and many waste it.  It is difficult to understand this when you consider a human body is made up of 70% of it and 71% of the earth’s surface is covered in water.  However, the oceans hold 96.5% of all the earths’ water which means there is only 3.5% left to be considered fresh water and only a fraction of that is immediately drinkable.  These are not statistics, rather facts about how important water is in the existence of life.  Consider all the things you use water for on a daily basis and spend time in prayer with words of gratitude that you have the privilege to have access to clean, drinkable water AND for the 35% of the world’s population who do not have access to a clean water source or improved sanitation.  One more thing to add to the list of “gratefuls” each day!

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

Sunday, August 29th Readings

22nd Sunday of Ordinary Time

Opening Prayer

Lord

You are so near to me

sometimes I forget how near.

My days get highjacked

with things that are meaningless.

Let me remember to reach out

so you may guide my path.

I am forever grateful

for your presence in my life!

Amen

Journal/Reflection Questions

Deuteronomy 4:1-2, 6-8

  • Moses tells the people the laws are simple; observe the commandments and God will be with you. What causes them to trip up? Can you relate? Share a specific example of a time when this happened to you.
  • Which of the laws God has set before you do you have trouble accepting? What makes them so difficult to abide?

James 1:17-18, 21b-22, 27

  • If God is speaking about you in this reading (and He is…) what might be some of the fruits that have come from your faith?
  • Saint James says to let the Word give us birth. What does this mean?  How can this happen?  Share from experience if you can.

Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23

  • What point is Jesus making by referencing Isaiah? How have politics changed or not changed?
  • Are there laws that go against your faith? What are they and what do you do about them?

General Questions for Journaling

  • Are there laws or rules which cause you to scratch your head in bewilderment? What might have caused that law or rule to exist?
  • In society do you have the choice to follow or not follow a law? What would be the consequence if you disobeyed the law?  What consequence is there if you disobey God’s law?
  • What kind of things does God ask for you to do? Are they difficult or easy?
  • Where do you turn for help and support? What kind of help and support do you need to fulfill the tasks God has asked of you?
  • Can you think of two or three “world issues” where you could make an impact? What keeps you from getting involved?
  • Is there a difference between faith that is in your mind and faith that is in your heart?
  • How much of what you do outside of church supports what you do inside? Where are there contradictions?
  • What gifts has God given you? Do you have gifts you would rather not have?  Brainstorm ways you can use those gifts.
  • If a mother can give birth multiple times, do you think a person can be “born again” multiple times? Explain your answer.
  • What God has planted in you, must you also plant in others? Agree?  Disagree? Explain.
  • How is caring for others a gift to God?
  • Describe a scenario where there is a balance between what God desires and what you desire? Is this possible?

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Lord, you teach me to observe your decrees…

ALL:  May I hear your Word and act on it!

Leader:  to live in your love and love one another…

ALL:  May I hear your Word and act on it!

Leader:  to walk humbly and live justly…

ALL:  May I hear your Word and act on it!

Leader:  to be rooted in you and bear good fruit…

ALL:  May I hear your Word and act on it!

Leader: to follow your ways; not the ways of the world…

ALL:  May I hear your Word and act on it!

Challenge for the Week:  Michael Jackson is one of those artists you either love or hate.  However you feel about him personally, his music is still some of the most recognizable worldwide.  One of his songs, “Man in the Mirror” talks about how if you want the world to change, you must first begin with yourself.  Change is not easy, but I think MJ had it right, if you want something to change, you MUST begin with your own impact. Of course, Jesus says the same.  He calls his disciples to stand up, die to the old self and be renewed…there MUST be a change or conversion in thinking to make an impact on others.  What change is God calling you to this week?  This month?  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

Sunday, August 22nd Readings

21st Sunday of Ordinary Time

Opening Prayer

Father God,

You created me.

You know me.

And you still choose me!

What keeps me from doing the same for you?

I choose you! 

Let me know you through all you’ve created.

Open my heart to the wonder!

Amen

Journal/Reflection Questions

Joshua 24:1-2a, 15-17, 18b

  • Joshua calls the people to decide whether to choose God or not. When did you make the choice? Share the experience.
  • Joshua has a list of reasons to follow God. What does your list of reasons look like? Are they similar or different from the ones Joshua speaks of in this scripture?
  • Did you, like the Israelites free choose your faith/religion? Why or why not? How do you take ownership of your faith today?

Ephesians 5:21-32 or 5:2a, 25-32

  • What new insight about marriage do you hear in this scripture? What do you have trouble understanding?
  • Saint Paul is saying when a man and woman are joined in marriage; their relationship requires love, reverence, honor, respect and dignity. What would your recipe for a marriage be?
  • What do you think Saint Paul would tell us to do about the current discussions about marriage today?

John 6:60-69

  • Simon Peter tells Jesus, “you have the words of everlasting life”, what words of scripture or what miracle or what action convinces you that Jesus has the words of everlasting life?
  • If there was no place to gather to worship, nowhere to celebrate Eucharist, what would happen to faith?

General Questions for Journaling

  • When have you experienced good fortune when choosing to serve the Lord? Have you ever been punished for serving the Lord?
  • Have you ever been witness to God saving someone? What was this like? How did you feel? Where were you? Have you ever shared this experience with anyone before? Why or why not?
  • What would you classify as a modern miracle? How big or small does a miracle need to be for you to believe it was the work of God?
  • Where in your home does God dwell? Do guests in your home see, hear, feel the presence of God? Share examples.
  • How do you feel when you come out of a church service? What emotions are present? Be honest.
  • What can you do to sustain the “joy of the Lord” throughout the week?
  • Do you actively choose to follow God or is it something that you out of habit or because it appeases someone else? 
  • What does it mean to actively choose God?
  • Do you think you could ever stop believing in God? Why or why not?
  • Have you ever wanted to leave the church, give up faith? What caused you to want to leave it behind?
  • How would your life be different if you left your faith behind?
  • How does choosing God affect your other decisions in relationship with your spouse, your job, your hobbies, etc.
  • When entering into a relationship with a friend or potential spouse, how much emphasis did you, do you put onto faith compatibility?

Closing Prayer

Leader:  You have blessed me Lord…

ALL:  with each Word you speak!

Leader:  You have blessed me Lord…

ALL:  with the just and unjust!

Leader:  You have blessed me Lord…

ALL:  with truth and righteousness!

Leader:  You have blessed me Lord…

ALL:  with prayers answered and unanswered!

Leader:  You have blessed me Lord…

ALL:  with a Spirit of courage!

Leader:  You have blessed me Lord…

ALL:  with love everlasting!

Challenge for the Week:  When a couple gets married, traditionally, the parents of each person invites guest to come to be witness to the union.  The sacredness of the marriage ceremony too often gets lost in the pomp and circumstance society has put onto the ceremony.  So much that many will not even attend the ceremony and just attend the reception.  There are even couples who get married someplace out of the county or at the courthouse and then invite friends and family to a reception to celebrate.  This all takes away from what a true marriage should be and focuses on the wedding.  Spend time this week reflecting on the value of marriage as shared by Saint Paul to the Ephesians and contemplating what you can do to help those you love to uphold this type of love and commitment in their relationships.

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

Sunday, August 8th Readings

19th Sunday of Ordinary Time

Opening Prayer

Lord

Give me the courage to step out

You have shown me the way

Let me move forward

Allow your love and mercy

        overflow from me

So wherever I go, others see YOU!

Amen

Journal/Reflection Questions

1 Kings 19:4-8

  • Share a time when you were able to look back on a situation in your life and see how God prepared you to be able to continue forward.
  • Reflect on how this scripture teaches the difference between what you want and what God wants and how God cares for you even when you aren’t willing or able to continue.

Ephesians 4:30-5:2

  • St. Paul says to be “imitators of Christ”.  What about this statement is difficult for you to follow?  Be specific.  What holds you back from imitating Christ more often in your daily life?   
  • Bitterness, fury, anger, shouting, reviling, malice…what is it about these emotions that are difficult for you to let go?
  • Explain how a “sacrificial offering gives a fragrant aroma”.  More specifically, how does Jesus’ sacrifice give a fragrant aroma?

John 6:41-51

  • How does the imagery of Jesus being the bread of life feel to you?  Do you think this is a good comparison or would another image/comparison make more sense to you?  Explain.
  • The people in the crowd have a difficult time believing and understanding.  What is their roadblock?  Do you have any roadblocks when it comes to your faith? 

General Questions for Journaling

  • How does it make you feel that God is still cheering for you, providing your needs when you are ready to give up?
  • When has God pulled you out of a pity party?  What specifically did he say to make you smile?
  • Where do you go to hide from others?  God?  Yourself?  What about this place gives you comfort?
  • People say, God only gives you what you can handle.  Share a time when you screamed at God, ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!
  • Do you believe angels still speak to people today?  Has God ever sent you an angel?  Share the experience.
  • Do you remember your dreams?  Do you think God speaks to you through your dreams?  Explain.
  • Make a list of 5-10 things that will bring you back from a bad mood. 
  • How do you grieve?  Are there levels to your grief?  Where is grief in relation to sadness or pain or emptiness or devastation?   
  • When was the last time you forgave someone?  Is there need for you to forgive someone now?
  • When was the last time you forgave yourself?  Are you in need of forgiveness?
  • What is the significance of the Body and Blood of Jesus for you?  Explain.
  • What is your favorite part of the Eucharistic celebration?
  • Are you always in the right mindset to receive the Body and Blood of Christ?  How important do you think it is for you to be prepared and what exactly does that mean or look like?

Closing Prayer

Leader:  I want to be a part of your life forever…

ALL:  Jesus, you were with me at the moment of my first breath!

Leader:  I want to be a part of your life forever…

ALL:  Jesus, you were there when I stumbled and helped me get back up!

Leader: I want to be a part of your life forever…

ALL:  Jesus, you helped me see my life is about serving others, not myself!

Leader:  I want to be a part of your life forever…

ALL:  Jesus, you taught me what it means to love!

Leader:  I want to be a part of your life forever…

ALL:  Jesus, you never leave me, you are always with me!

Leader:  I want to be a part of your life forever…

ALL:  Jesus, you gave me life, everlasting!

Challenge for the Week:  Like Elijah in the first reading, each of us is on a journey to the Holy Mountain.  Reflect this week on that journey.  When have you wanted to just give up because you didn’t feel you were making an impact or doing as much as those before you?  It is hard for us not to get wrapped up in productivity.  Instead, God has a plan for each of us and he knows already when we sit and when we stand…even the thoughts in our head that tell us we can’t go on.  As you reflect, take time to thank God for those times when he has come to your aide to help you and give you what you need to continue on the journey.  The journey is long and we have many lessons to learn along the way but the Lord has prepared a place for you and you are on the pathway to find it.

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

Sunday, August 1st Readings

18th Sunday Ordinary Time

Opening Prayer

My God

Even in the desert places of my life

        YOU can hear me.

When I am grumbling and uncomfortable

        YOU can see me.

On those days when I look for solace

        YOU can touch me.

In my joy and in my sorrow

        YOU are there to fill me.

YOU are the aroma of my soul…

        may I always give thanks for your presence!

Amen

Journal/Reflection Questions

Exodus 16:2-4, 12-15

  • God provided each with their ‘daily bread’ and each was to take their ‘daily portion.’ How can you practice this in your life right now? 
  • Do you think God still sends down bread from heaven? Why or why not? Do you believe God sends things down from heaven?
  • Share some examples of grumblings you have for God. What fuels these grumblings? How does God respond? How do you want God to respond?

Ephesians 4:17, 20-24

  • What are practices of renewal? What are the things you must renew? How do you renew your mind? Your relationships? Your spirit? When was the last time you felt renewed in your faith?
  • What does it mean to ‘put away your old self?’
  • Make a list of ways you ‘renew your spirit.’ When was the last time you did one of these things? Does your spirit need renewed now?

John 6:24-35

  • How does the Eucharist feed you? How would you explain it to someone who has never received?
  • What is the bread from heaven which you receive today? How does it feed you in your life? Share specific examples of bread from heaven in your life. 
  • Do you pursue God? What is it you are seeking when you do so? What is the end result when you reach God?

General Questions for Journaling

  • When do you call on God? When you are afraid? When you are in need? When you are in trouble? Any other time?
  • If you were God, how would you feel about someone only coming to you when you need something?
  • Are there people in your life whom always complain to you? Do you enjoy listening to them complain? Why do you think they complain to you?
  • When was the last time you thanked God for giving you something you asked for or He met a need you had without you asking?
  • Do you think humans are naturally greedy? If yes, explain your answer. If not, where is greed learned? Is there anything you can do to reverse it?
  • Have you ever skipped a meal? Gone a day without eating? Describe what hunger feels like?
  • Do you believe hunger is physical or mental?
  • Have you ever made a change in your spiritual life so drastic that people took notice? What was it? What was the reaction of others?
  • Is change always difficult? Consider ways change can be good.
  • Consider a time when a painful transition in your life became helpful for another person. When was it, who was the person and how did it change or affect both of you?
  • Can you clean up your “act” like you clean up your house? Make some specific analogies of how.
  • Define the word “perish”. How does this apply to your life? Does good or bad come from things that perish? Do you allow things to perish or does God have control over that?
  • How does Eucharist give life to people today? Share some examples.
  • What are some of the things that sustain you in your life? Have these things always been the same or do they change as you deal with different situation and obstacles in your life?

Closing Prayer

Leader:  When given the opportunity to help…

ALL:  Guide me on the path of goodness!

Leader:  When I can’t decide what is right or wrong…

ALL:  Guide me on the path of righteousness!

Leader:  When I feel restless and unsatisfied…

ALL:  Guide me on the path of fulfillment!

Leader:  When I search for meaning and validation…

ALL:  Guide me on the path of truth!

Leader:  When I let go of our plans and follow you…

ALL:  Guide me on the path of holiness!

Challenge for the Week:  Saint Paul is not just talking to the Ephesians; he is speaking to you.  He says you should not live and act and think out of your mind; rather to renew your minds and live, act and think out of the holiness of truth. 

Of course, this is easier said than done. 

When you were baptized, presuming you were baptized as children, you were not likely aware of the commitment through baptism of a ‘daily conversion.’  It is as though you are a snake which sheds its skin as it grows.  As a committed disciple of Christ, you must also shed old thoughts, habits and attitudes.  This is how you can overcome and defeat those things which hold you back from a perfect relationship with God.  When you seek the truth, you come to find yourself growing in holiness because when you seek the truth you find God. 

What can you do this week to grow?  Where in your daily, weekly routines have you not sought after the truth and you feel as though you are suffocating (because of deceit and corruption) and you need to shed the skin of your old self?  It is time to be renewed!

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

Sunday, July 25th Readings

17th Sunday Ordinary Time

Opening Prayer

Lord

YOU never cease to amaze;

        I am filled with wonder and awe at YOUR creation

YOU set the moon and the stars into motion;

        and breathed life into each of me.

YOU provide for my every need;

        sometimes through miraculous works of mercy or kindness.

Many are the gifts which YOU provide

        for all YOUR children.

YOU bless me, YOU love me, YOU provide for me

        YOU are the bread of life!

Journal/Reflection Questions

2Kings 4:42-44

  • Share a time when you didn’t think God provided enough? How was it like this scripture passage?
  • Why do you think there was enough for all to eat and still some leftover? 
  • Could you trust God like Elisha did and ignore logic to allow God to take care of it? Explain.

Ephesians 4:1-6

  • What does Saint Paul mean when he says to “preserve the unity of the spirit, through the bond of peace”?  How could you explain this to a new believer? How can you preserve unity?
  • How does your life show you believe that there is “one God…who is over all and through all and in all”? Give examples.

John 6:1-15

  • What would you tell a child about the distribution of food resources around the world? What do you believe God is teaching the world to do about it through this Gospel? Is there something specific you can do?
  • Imagine being there with Jesus, the disciples and the others. Would you expect Jesus to provide you with a meal if you traveled to the countryside to listen to him? Describe how you’d have felt if you were one of the disciples.

General Questions for Journaling

  • Have you ever been without enough food to eat? What did you do? Did you trust you would have food again? 
  • Share a time when God provided you with what you needed at the time it was required. What did you have to do for it to happen? How do you know God was involved?
  • On a scale from 1-10, how much do you trust God to provide for your needs? How would you rate your willingness to take a leap of faith?
  • What does your faith tell you to hope for? Do you believe wholly this will happen? What evidence do you have that makes it true?
  • Reflect on a time when you had to give more than you had to give.  What was the situation? How did it work out? Where was God in the situation/outcome? What did you learn from the experience?
  • Can a person be a prisoner in their own life?  To what are they imprisoned?  Have you personally experienced this?
  • Define a blessing. Are there limits to it?
  • Do you believe in miracles? Why or why not? How would you define a miracle?
  • How is a blessing and a miracle similar?  How are they different?
  • What do the scriptures this week tell you about generosity? Trust? Unity? Kindness? Humility? Patience? Getting your fill? What lesson do you think God wants you to learn from them?
  • When God shows up in your life, how do you feel?
  • Do you ever regret the time you spend with God? Why or why not?
  • Describe how God “feeds” you. What can you compare the feeling to?
  • How is the “fullness” of God like or unlike being “full” after a meal?

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Through the work of my hands…

ALL:  May I find fulfilment in YOU, Lord!

Leader:  Through the words I speak…

ALL:  May I find fulfilment in YOU, Lord!

Leader:  Through the prayers I pray…

ALL:  May I find fulfilment in YOU, Lord!

Leader:  Through my gratitude and humility…

ALL:  May I find fulfilment in YOU, Lord!

Leader:  Through the bread and wine…

ALL:  May I find fulfilment in YOU, Lord!

Challenge for the Week:  The Gospel message and the First Reading both talk about “leftovers”.  What do you think happens to the “leftovers”?  In today’s world, many of people plan meals for leftovers (especially on Thanksgiving) or enjoy taking a “doggie bag” when you go out for a meal.  There are some people who don’t like leftovers and won’t eat them, while others like to take leftovers and make them into something else altogether.  Still, many people will tell you that leftovers just aren’t the same or as good the second time around, while there are some foods that are just as good or better the next day!  Reflect on how this compares to God’s love. 

Some additional things to reflect on…

  • Do you give God love, only after you’ve shared with other? 
  • Does God devalue your time spent with Him when you do it out of obligation, instead of intentionally? 
  • Is there a quality of love God gives? 
  • How does it compare to the quality of love you give to him and others? 
  • Consider where you are giving ‘leftover’ love. 
  • Can you tell when someone giving love to you isn’t sincere or genuine?  How does that make you feel? 

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

Sunday, July 18th Readings

16th Sunday Ordinary Time

Opening Prayer

Savior,

I wander aimlessly

Let me hear your voice more clearly

Your deepest desire is for me to be with you

Allow me to empty space

So you can fill me

Amen

Journal/Reflection Questions

Jeremiah 23:1-6

  • What do you believe makes a “bad shepherd”? What does God say will be done to those who mislead or do not care for the flock?
  • Where can you be a “good shepherd” to help aid and lead others to safety? Identify three things specifically you can do.

Ephesians 2:13-18

  • Reflect on some of the walls which divide people today. Which ones are evident in your life, your family, your community? What can be done to start to break down the walls that divide those around you?
  • Recall a story from the news or from your own life where you witnessed a dividing wall tumbling down. Share that story of restoration with three people this week.
  • What does this scripture offer in the form of advice?

Mark 6:30-34

  • Jesus was moved with pity for the crowds gathered…why? Can you think of an example from today where Jesus would also be moved with pity for those gathered?
  • How would you react if you were in this Gospel reading? Imagine having just come back from a long trip and you are taking a break to regain your energy. However, just as you are about to really relax, you are faced with having to go out again. What would you do? Could you show mercy for these people and give them what they need and sacrifice what you need?  Would you instead ask them for mercy to allow you to get the rest you need? How often are you asked to give more than you have for the benefit of others?
  • Jesus calls his disciples who work for him to take time for themselves. How do you take time for yourself?

General Questions for Journaling

  • How would you explain that God is just? What helps you to know God is just? Are there examples? 
  • Are there moments in your life when you look back and wonder where God was? Have you ever experienced a time when God wasn’t with you?
  • Where are modern day shepherds? Are they easy or hard to identify and find?
  • Who are the shepherds in your life?  What makes them voices you listen to and follow?
  • Can you be a shepherd and be a sheep as well? How is this possible? Identify situations where you are one or the other or both.
  • What is it about shepherds that God values? What are some of the characteristics needed to make a good shepherd?
  • Where do you see injustice happening in the world today? Who are the “shepherds” leading the flock? 
  • Where do you see an abundance of compassion in the world? What can you do to increase the work being done already?
  • Would you say fear is a major cause or contributor to injustice? Why or why not?
  • Is there someone in your life whom you feel sorry for? What is the situation? What do or can you do for them?
  • So many people live without purpose; what can you do to help lead them to the shepherd?
  • What does the symbol of the cross mean to you?  Has it changed over the years or does it remain the same as you always remember?

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Lord, Lead me to do what is right

ALL:  Let me hear your voice over the noise.

Leader:  Lord, Lead me to do what is right

ALL:  Give me courage to follow.

Leader: Lord, Lead me to do what is right

ALL:  Even when the road is steep and narrow.

Leader:  Lord, Lead me to do what is right

ALL:  Allow your spirit to radiate in me.

Leader:  Lord, Lead me to do what is right

ALL:  My hands reach out for justice.

Leader:  Lord, Lead me to do what is right

ALL:  Bring peace to this world.

Challenge for the Week:  There are many “divides” among people.  It could be political, religious, racial, economical and the list goes on.  These divides can seem deep where many people fall in between the cracks, while others seem so high to climb that it is deemed impossible to meet in the middle.  To bridge the divide might even seem like a waste of time and energy especially if you don’t have an opinion putting you on one side or the other.  However, there are other walls which divide people that are not so commonly spoken about…the wall built to keep people out because of personal prejudices or walls that you put up to protect you from having to change the way you do things or the way you think.  Individuals build walls in relationships to keep others from causing hurt feelings.  And it’s a defensive tactic to build roadblocks at work in order to achieve success.  However, sometimes those roadblocks become stumbling blocks to trip over and land flat on your face!  These things apply to your relationship with your God and Savior too. 

Spend time this week thinking about the walls you have built up around you, the roadblocks you have secured which have caused you to detour and the stumbling blocks you have tripped over; many of which you may be blaming someone else for setting up, but really you need to accept responsibility for creating it.  If it helps get a pen/pencil and a piece of paper to draw a diagram of these things so you can get a visual of just how many obstacles there are and if there is a pathway around these things.  Make the decision to choose one of these things to “break down” and clear the path.  Remember to seek God, your Shepherd to help make the pathway straight!

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

Sunday, July 11th Readings

15th Sunday Ordinary Time

Opening Prayer

Lord

So many times a day

        I need you.

Together we travel

        through ups and downs.

You stay with me

        even when I turn from you.

Thank you for being my

        constant companion.

Amen

Journal/Reflection Questions

Amos 7:12-15

  • When have you felt God calling you to something you are/were not qualified to do?  What did you do about it?  Did you make the right choice? How did you know it was God pulling you?
  • Through Baptism we are all called to be “priest, prophet and king”.  God has already called you to be a prophet like Amos if you are baptized…how are you living out your call as a prophet?

Ephesians 1:3-14

  • How does it make you feel to hear/read the words “God has known you for eternity”? What does this mean to you? How does it make sense?
  • How can you explain to a child or new believer that God has known you/them since the beginning of creation? What words or images would you use to explain?
  • What does it mean to you to be “sealed with the promised Holy Spirit”?  How do you feel, see, know the Holy Spirit is in your life right now?

Mark 6:7-13

  • Jesus told to disciples to “dust off your feet”; are there hurts, regrets, ideals that need to be “dusted off your feet” for you to be stronger in your testimony to the Gospel?
  • The scripture says they were sent out with no food, no sack and no money. How would you fare in this situation? What was the purpose of doing this? Could you go on a journey with nothing? Are there things you are attached to which keep you from doing the work God has called you to do? 
  • The disciples were sent out two by two.  What is the purpose of this?  How is this relevant today? Who would you consider your “partner in crime” to spread the Gospel message?

General Questions for Journaling

  • People say “God only gives us what we can handle”, you find this true? Why or why not? What are other ways to say, “God only gives us what we can handle”? 
  • When was the last time you spoke out against an injustice? Or when did you last speak up for something you believe in? What was it? How did you feel?
  • What are your “hot topic” conversations, those which you feel strongly about and would happily debate your side against another?
  • Have you ever spoken out and been the only one with that idea or opinion? How did it feel? Did you regret sharing your input? What did you learn from the experience?
  • What are those “hot topic” conversations which you have been witness to but didn’t contribute to? How did you feel? What were those feelings or emotions? Why do you think you felt that way?
  • How do you know someone is “qualified”? What qualities do you look for in a friend, husband, co-worker, boss, President? How do your standards of qualifying compare to how God seeks out prophets and disciples?
  • How would you describe your ‘comfort zone’. What does it look like? Sound like? Smell like? Taste like? How does it feel?
  • How have you felt God’s love this past week? What does it feel like to receive God’s grace?
  • Describe what it is like to have the Holy Spirit active in your life. Name 3 times when the Holy Spirit has been active in your life this week.
  • What are some things you hope for?  Do you have a list? Are the things you hope for just for you or do they benefit others?
  • Describe hospitality?  How is it done well?
  • What can you do this week to help people feel welcome and comfortable?  How is this a reflection of God’s love and evangelization?

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Your grace covers me like a warm blanket

ALL:  Lord, I put my trust in YOU!

Leader:  Your mercy fills me like a river that overflows

ALL:  Lord, I put my trust in YOU!

Leader: Your Word brightens my day like the sun

ALL:  Lord, I put my trust in YOU!

Leader:  My sin is washed clean with the rain

ALL:  Lord, I put my trust in YOU!

Leader:  Your Spirit guides me like the wind

ALL:  Lord, I put my trust in YOU!

Leader:  Your love is welcoming like the shade tree

ALL:  Lord, I put my trust in YOU!

Challenge for the Week:  Many people would say their cell phone is their lifeline.  It has all their personal information, passwords to accounts, contact information with friends and families phone numbers and addresses and they even hold memories.  Could you go a day without your phone?  Would you know someone’s phone number to call if you needed help?  These questions are a real challenge. Ask yourself, how much importance do you put into this material thing?  Whatever degree you are connected to your cell phone and rely on the information it holds; it is simply your connection to the world.  What is your connection to the spiritual?  In church people are taught the words of the Bible, “Jesus is the way the truth and the life” which teaches Jesus is the lifeline to the eternal.  This week reflect on how dependent you are to things that are not eternal.  What do you cling to and what are the consequences or benefits of doing so?  Perhaps even test out your presumptions and leave your cell phone at home one day or turn it off except for when you need to make a call.  It could really help focus your thoughts on your true lifeline, 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

Sunday, July 4th Readings

14th Sunday Ordinary Time

Opening Prayer

Generous Lord,

YOU love me even when I turn away from YOU;

        YOU give me abundant chances to turn to YOU.

YOU make YOUR presence known in my life;

        even though I often don’t recognize YOU.

YOU gather me close to YOU accepting me for who I am;

        wrapped in YOUR mercy, made whole in YOU!!!

Journal/Reflection Questions

Ezekiel 2:2-5

  • Consider what Ezekiel means by “they shall know a prophet has been among them”; how might they know?
  • How would you feel if you were sent to face “rebels” who are “hard to face” and “obstinate of heart”? Can you think of a time when you were truly put into that kind of situation? Where was God in the situation?

2Corinthians 12:7-10

  • Can you see God in your weakness? How?
  • How would you explain “power is made perfect in weakness”? Share an example from your life or from someone you know.

Mark 6:1-6

  • Can you relate to Jesus, being rejected in your “native place”, “among kin”, “his own house”? How?
  • Jesus is “amazed at their lack of faith”, what words or actions caused Him to believe this to be true? How would you fair?

General Questions for Journaling

  • Have you ever rejected the advice of a close confidant? What was their advice? What did you do instead? What was the outcome?
  • Do you ever find yourself closed off to God’s message? Share a time when you were rebellious to God’s Word.
  • Would you describe yourself as stubborn? A loved one? What makes you so and about what are you stubborn?
  • Have you ever experienced a time when you felt your ideas and suggestions were completely ignored? What did you do? Were you eventually able to give your input or were you completely rejected?
  • Are there places in your life where you avoid spending time? Do you keep things from God?
  • Has God shown power through your weakness? When? What was the circumstance?
  • Name some of those who are rejected for their current ideas. What do people say about them? What is the message they are trying to covey?
  • How would you define a prophet? Who are some of the prophets of the Old and New Testament? According to your definition, what current day prophets have impacted your life? (they could be alive or dead)

Closing Prayer

Leader:  For the victims born and unborn…

ALL:  Let me see as YOU see.

Leader:  For the neglected and unloved…

ALL:  Let me see as YOU see.

Leader:  For inhumanity and injustice…

ALL:  Let me see as YOU see.

Leader:  For the prideful and arrogant…

ALL:  Let me see as YOU see.

Leader:  Change our view so I may

ALL:  See as YOU see.

Challenge for the Week:  This week as you go about your daily routines, dwell on the words, “my grace is sufficient”.  Meditate on what these words mean to you, not just your initial reaction but to the point where you feel the meaning.  Write down what comes to mind when you think about those words; when they apply to situations throughout your week.  It may be in a conversation which seems to go nowhere.  It could be when you find something doesn’t work out the way you expected. It is possible it is at the beginning of each day and at the end of each day in reflection of what lies ahead and what you leave behind. Let these words become a part of your attitude and so allowing God to fill you with the grace you need…it is always sufficient!

Written weekly by Heather Neds, faith blogger. For more see https://makingscripturerelevant.com or Making Scripture Relevant on Facebook and Instagram.