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?
• How does this scripture say to face turmoil or trouble? What attitude must you have when facing opposition?
• Is this attitude strictly for when people oppose your faith or believes 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?

 

Closing Prayer

Leader:  May we not turn our backs on a person in need.

 ALL:  Open our hearts to YOUR love!

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

ALL:  Open our hearts to YOUR love!

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

 ALL:  Open our hearts to YOUR love!

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

ALL:  Open our hearts to YOUR love!

Leader:  Empty us Lord so we may be made new…

ALL:  Open our hearts 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!

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

• 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?

 James 2:1-5

• 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 do you see that astonishes you? Is it something God has created or man has created?
• 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

• 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?
• If singing is praying twice, and God calls us to proclaim the WORD, would your prayers be less potent if you became mute?
• Can you still share God’s overwhelming love for others if you were unable to see, speak or hear? Share examples.
• How does water bring life and healing to those in the world?
• Do you know when God’s healing is coming or present?
• What exiles do you or have you suffered? Be specific.
• What makes a person rich or poor? Is it only economic?
• What are the things which you value? What value do you place on the things that don’t have a price tag?  Can you?
• 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 we 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 our lives.  Consider all of 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!

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

• What has God set before you today? Is this task because of something you did or just because it is God?
• How are the first fruits different than the last fruits? How do you describe yourself as a believer of Christ?  Someone who came at once without question or one with hesitation?  Do you think God keeps score?

 James 1:17-18, 21b-22, 27

• Are there traditions that have been passed down in your family that have basis in faith? What are they?
• What emotion/feeling does evil leave you with? Is there a bad taste in your mouth or foul smell?  Identify it.

 Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23

• Do you feel closer to God while doing or being?
• How does God know you are behind him? When might you not have God’s back?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• What do you offer God that is “good enough” for endless love, grace and mercy? Is this necessary?  Why or why not?
• 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?
• What kind of “world change” would directly affect your life right now? Are you concerned?  Why or why not?
• 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.
• Describe the difference of hearing the Word of God and acting on it? Where do you lie on the scale between hearing and doing?  Is there a perfect balance point?
• What God has planted in you, must you also plant in others? Agree?  Disagree?
• How is caring for others a gift to God?
• Is the exterior as important as the interior or the other way around? Explain?
• Describe a scenario where there is a balance between what God desires and what you desire? Is this possible?
• What does it mean for you to observe religious Holy Days?

 

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Lord, when I smile at a stranger…

 ALL:  my actions speak louder than words.

Leader:  Lord, when I reach out to lend a hand…

ALL:  my actions speak louder than words.

Leader:  Lord, when I hold a hand to give comfort…

 ALL:  my actions speak louder than words.

Leader:  Lord, when I look the homeless in the eyes…

ALL:  my actions speak louder than words.

Leader:  Lord, when I show patience in prayer…

ALL:  my actions speak louder than words.

Leader:  Lord, when I offer my time to listen…

ALL:  my actions speak louder than words.

 

Challenge for the Week:  Michael Jackson is one of those artists that 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 we want the world to change, we must first begin with ourselves.  Change is not easy, but MJ had it right, if we want something to change, we MUST begin with our own impact.  Jesus says the same.  He calls us to stand up, die to our old self and be renewed…we MUST change in order to make an impact on others.  What change is God calling you to this week?  This month?  This year?

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 make a decision 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?

 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?

 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

• 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.

20^th Sunday of Ordinary Time

 

Opening Prayer

Spirit

Awaken my soul,

Let me guard my heart no more!

Open my eyes,

Let me be filled from head to toe!

Bring me your fire,

Let it radiate through me…

FOREVERMORE!

Amen

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Proverbs 9:1-6

• Wisdom is preparing for the Lord. How do you prepare for God to come spend time with you?
• What does this scripture tell you about the things you can learn from wisdom? How is wisdom different than knowledge or understanding?

 Ephesians 5:15-20

• How would you define living a “wise life”? What does the scripture say you should do to live a life that is wise?
• What are examples of foolishness described in the scripture? Do you believe there are others?

 John 6:51-58

• Can you survive on bread alone? What does this scripture tell you about the importance of this relationship between body and blood?
• If you didn’t get the message in last week’s Gospel, Jesus is continuing to speak to the crowds about how He is the source of life, the bread from heaven. What specifically have you learned or come to understand more deeply about communion?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• If you were to prepare a meal for God, what would you make? Would you make it or order in or take him out?
• What was the most extravagant meal you’ve ever had? Where was it and who where you with?
• How was the extravagant meal you had similar and different than say what you had for dinner last night?
• What is the difference between being “full” and being “nourished”?
• Is ignorance the opposite of understanding? What can you offer a person who is ignorant to God’s ways?
• What advice would you give a person who is struggling? How can you help them find a reason to give thanks, even in the hard times?
• What is the importance of giving thanks to God in our struggles?
• Is music an important part of your life? What does music offer you?  How do you share it with others?
• Share a song that speaks to you. What does it say?  How does it make you feel?
• How do you use music to relate to others? How do you use it to relate to God?
• What can you share with others after your experience of communion with God? What does God want you to do because of your experience?

 

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Father, I come to you…

 ALL:  nourish me to the fill!

Leader:  I sit with you at the feast…

ALL:  nourish me to the fill!

Leader:  Lord, you are what I desire…

 ALL:  nourish me to the fill!

Leader:  I give thanks for all that is before me…

ALL:  nourish me to the fill!

Leader:  I open up to your Spirit…

ALL:  nourish me to the fill!

Leader:  Jesus, you are my source of life…

ALL:  nourish me to the fill!

 

Challenge for the Week:  In the First Reading, Wisdom builds a house and sets seven columns.  Spend time this week thinking about these seven columns as the seven most important things about your, your relationships and your life in general.  How would you label the seven columns?  What would you put inside each of them?  What would they look like, all the same or different styles, colors and sizes?  In your reflection, imagine if you could live without any of the seven columns; how would it affect your life to only have six?  Make sure to consult with God as you work through this challenge and listen to God’s advice as He understands you better than you understand yourself!

19^th 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

• 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?
• 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?
• 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?
• 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.

18^th Sunday of 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

• 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 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

• Do you pursue God? What is it you are seeking when you do so?  What is the end result when you reach God?
• Share examples of “bread from heaven” in your life. What are the things that fill you up?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• How do you fill your time? Is it filled by things you are proud of?
• What does how you spend your time reflect your values?
• 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?
• Share a time when you didn’t think something was fair. What did you do?  How did you feel?  What was the outcome of the situation?
• Have you ever skipped a meal? Gone a day without eating?  Describe what hunger feels like?
• Do you believe hunger is physical or mental?
• Are humans naturally greedy? If not, where is greed learned?  Is there anything you can do to reverse it?
• Share a time when you made a significant change in your life. What happened, what was the purpose, was it your choice or something you were forced to do?
• If God doesn’t make junk, how come we can feel that way sometimes?
• 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:  Lord, let me seek and find

 ALL:  the path before me and follow!

Leader:  Lord, let me seek and find

ALL:  comfort in the uncomfortable!

Leader: Lord, let me seek and find

 ALL:  a new way of thinking…more like you!

Leader:  Lord, let me seek and find

ALL:  your infinite love and share it!

Leader:  Lord, let me seek and find

ALL:  friendship that gives me joy!

Leader:  Lord, let me seek and find

ALL:  hearts hungry for you!

 

Challenge for the Week:  Everyone has been to a potluck or some kind of buffet meal where there are various options of things.  This is a favorite among many because we can have a variety of things, maybe try something new and there are generally some old favorites.  Probably the hardest thing about a buffet is only taking what you will eat.  We can get so excited when we see the items we can choose from and then fill our plates only to look at another person’s plate and then see something else we would have wanted more.  It is hard for us to only take what we need.  Too often we take more, only to let it go to waste.  God gives everything in abundance.   There is nothing of God that you can ever get enough of and once you get your fill, you are turning around and sharing it with others.  Spend time this week thinking about the things you take too much of or use too much or spend too much time doing?  Is there a way you can turn these things back to Christ?

17^th Sunday of Ordinary Time

 

Opening Prayer

Jesus

Thank you for the gift of friendship!

We learn how to share

and how to listen.

Through friendship

we see you in another person

and we reflect you to them!

Thank you for the gift of friendship!

Amen

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

2 Kings 4:42-44

• Share a time when you didn’t think God provided enough? How was it like this scripture passage?
• Could you trust God like Elisha did to be able to ignore logic and let God take care of it?

 Ephesians 4:1-6

• What does it mean to “bear love for one another”?
• How can you preserve unity?
• What does your faith tell you to hope for? Do you believe wholly this will happen?

 John 6:1-15

• What does this scripture tell you about generosity? Trust?  Unity?  Kindness?  Humility?  Patience?  Getting your fill?
• How is this scripture like your baptism? Compare and explain.
• 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.

 

General Questions for Journaling

• Define a blessing. Are there limits to it?
• How is a blessing and a miracle similar? How are they different?
• Do you believe in miracles? Why or why not?
• Can you think of a modern day miracle?
• Have you witnessed a miracle?
• Share a time when you struggled with your faith and questioned if God was enough to pull you through.
• 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?
• Where is peace found? Can you only find it through faith?  Why or why not?
• Can a person be a prisoner in their own life? To what are they imprisoned?  Have you personally experienced this?
• How is the “fullness” of God like or unlike being “full” after a meal?

 

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Lord, reveal yourself to me…

 ALL:  through each breath I take!

Leader:  Lord, reveal yourself to me…

ALL:  in the changing of the seasons!

Leader: Lord, reveal yourself to me…

 ALL:  through the kindness of others!

Leader:  Lord, reveal yourself to me…

ALL:  in the life stories of others!

Leader:  Lord, reveal yourself to me…

ALL:  through blessings and failure!

Leader:  Lord, reveal yourself to me…

ALL:  in the simple and every day!

         Lord, I see you!!!

 

Challenge for the Week:  Can you fit God in a box?  Of course not!  However, many times we humans try to contain God.  Reflect this week on how you have tried to limit God.  It could have been a time when you withheld mercy or forgiveness from another person.  It might have been when you were asked to share an experience of faith and you held your tongue, too embarrassed to say anything.  It could have been keeping a special gift or talent to yourself and not sharing God’s blessing with others.  There are several more ways people have tried to put restrictions on God and this week, spend time thinking about how to LET GO AND LET GOD!

 OR

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 us plan meals for leftovers or enjoy taking a “doggie bag” when we 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 for us.

16^th Sunday of 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

• 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?

 Ephesians 2:13-18

• Does following the commandment automatically bring you peace? Why or why not?
• What is your definition of peace?
• What does this scripture offer in the form of advice?

 Mark 6:30-34

• Jesus calls his disciples who work for him to take time for themselves. How do you take time for yourself?
• Where do you see an abundance of compassion in the world? What can you do to increase the work being done already?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• Name some of the things that lead people astray or cause them to make bad decisions. Are you victim to any of these?
• Who helps you determine what is just and unjust?
• Do you consider yourself high-maintenance? What is your definition?
• Who are the shepherds in your life? What makes them voices you listen to and follow?
• Can fear and peace exist at the same time? Why or why not?
• Is there anyone you care for/take care of? What is your role in their life?
• Who are some of the victims in today’s society? Is there anything being done for them?  Is there something you can do?
• 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?
• Do you see more differences or similarities between you and the people in your community? On the other part of the world?
• Is there a way to bring peace to the world? What are your options?
• How do you care for others? How do you care for yourself?
• Would you describe yourself as a compassionate person? Why or why not?

 

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:  Are there topics of conversation which you avoid?  Is it because of your lack of interest?  Lack of understanding?  Do you stay out of the conversation because you believe differently than others whom you spend time?  Are there topics you avoid because you feel strongly and don’t want to force your opinion onto others?  Make a list of some of those topics that divide people.  Some of these can cause a riff in a family or friendship for years.  On the other hand, what are those topics of conversation that are safe, that bring people together?  What is it about these topics that make them safe?  Spend time this week reflecting on a couple of relationships that are important to you and the topics of conversation.  What is it about these relationships and conversations that you enjoy?  Do you gravitate to these people because of the topic of conversation?  Then while you are at it, consider the topic of conversations you have with God.  Are there topics you avoid with God?  How does avoiding topics affect your relationship with God?  Keep in mind that God is already there with us and knows everything!

15^th Sunday of 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

• Amos was picked by God to prophecy but felt he didn’t have what it would take to do the job. When have you felt God pulling you out to do something you don’t feel you are gifted enough to do?  Should this make a difference?  Why or why not?
• Have you ever been like Amos? Been put in a situation where you can’t go back to where you have been, where you were comfortable and set course on a path where you felt ill-equipped and inadequate?

 Ephesians 1:3-14 or 1:3-10

• Share a time when you felt the fullness of God? When you felt lavished in God’s love?  Be specific.
• 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?

 Mark 6:7-13

• The disciples were sent out two by two. What is the purpose of this?  How is this relevant today?
• 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?  Why or why not?

 

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”?
• Is there something you have had to change in your life/daily routine recently? What was it?  Was it easy or difficult to make the change?  How long before you got used to the change to make it a new discipline?
• How would you describe your ‘comfort zone’. What does it look like?  Sound like?  Smell like?  Taste like?  How does it feel?
• 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?
• Do you have hopes and dreams for your life? Do you have hopes and dreams for others?  How do these hopes and dreams coincide with the hopes and dreams God has for you?
• 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 life line.  It has all of 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 to many of us to realize how much importance we put into this material thing.  However connected you are to your cell phone and how much you 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 tells us that Jesus is the life line 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 you 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 towards our true life line, JESUS!