5th Sunday of Ordinary Time

 

Opening Prayer

Savior

When I call to you,

You are already there!

The only thing between us

is my sin and weakness!

Help me to let go of all

that keeps me from you.

Let me turn to you

despite my flaws

And let you love me

for You ARE Love!

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Job 7:1-4, 6-7

• Share a time in your life when you could relate to Job. What feeling or emotion do you most relate to?  Do you still feel this way?
• Where is God in this scripture? Be specific.

 1 Corinthians 9:16-19, 22-23

• What drives you to share the Gospel with others? How does it relate to what St. Paul is telling the Corinthians in this scripture?
• Define weakness. Do you believe it is a positive or negative trait?

 Mark 1:29-39

• Jesus calls out many demons, describe some of the demons which possess people today. Is there anything you can do to call out demons like Jesus?
• Jesus goes off to pray after a long day of work. What is the outcome of his time alone in prayer?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• Do your pursue God or expect God to come to you? What does each scenario look like?
• What causes you to be restless? Stress?  Money?  Family or Relationship issues?  How can you find rest?
• How does stress or worry affect your way of thinking? Can it change our attitude about things?  Why or why not?
• Where does happiness come from? It is a gift, something you have to be given?  Is it something tangible that you can hold?
• Where does suffering come from? Is it something given to you?  Can you pass it on to others or must you keep it to yourself?
• What motivates you each day to get out of bed? Is it your family?  Your job?  It is something else?
• Do you have desires in life? Do you have a plan for those desires to be met?  How do your desires match up with what God desires for you?
• Are you better at sympathy or empathy? What is the difference and how can you show both to others better?
• When do you pray? How much effort do you put into it?  Does it depend on what else you have planned for the day or whether you are too tired or not?
• What could happen if you put as much effort into Mass (going to church) as you do attending your child’s extra-curricular activity (basketball game or dance recital) or as you do attending a concert or professional sporting event?

 

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Lord, may I speak your name

 ALL:  and feel your presence!

Leader:  May I speak your name

ALL:  and hear your voice!

Leader: May I speak your name

 ALL:  and be healed of my hurt!

Leader:  May I speak your name

ALL:  and be empowered to do your will!

Leader:  May I speak your name

ALL:  and be filled with grace and mercy!

Leader:  May I speak your name

ALL:  and KNOW that I am loved!

 

Challenge for the Week:  What does the word, “work” mean to you?  Does it mean the place where you go in order to make a living?  Is it an obligation?  Is it something you try to avoid?  There are many ways to use the word “work”.  You go to work, work on the car or on the house, you work to fix or repair things.  Have you ever thought that “work” was hard?  The dictionary says work means to “be engaged in physical or mental activity in order to achieve a purpose or result” which means work requires you to put forth effort to reach a desired outcome.  So, if you want to be a better person, you must work at it.  If you want to have a specific type of job, you must work at it.  If you want to lose weight or eat better, you must but forth the effort and create a plan in order to reach your goal.  Too often the word “work” equates that something is hard.  However, have you ever made a plan, put forth the effort and achieved the goal you worked towards?  If not, it is time to get to work!  Lent is a perfect time to make a plan to put in the work needed to make a change, the scriptures, the prayers and the many reflection resources give ample help and support during this season.

4th Sunday of Ordinary Time

 

Opening Prayer

My Lord

How do I let go of anxiety

so I might speak with authority?

Let me shed my insecurity

so I might walk with confidence!

Teach me ways to stand strong

so I show conviction in my beliefs!

Allow me to hold fast to YOU,

as I find your words in my voice!

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Deuteronomy 18:15-20

• Read the scripture as though you are Moses. Does it change the meaning or message?  What thoughts or feelings well up in you when you do this?
• Does this scripture encourage you to speak God’s Word or cause you to be afraid to speak God’s Word?

 1 Corinthians 7:32-35

• How does being married or single distract you from God?
• How does being married or single bring you closer to God?

Mark 1:21-28

• Do you have something “unclean” within you which you need to ask Jesus to call out?
• Who in your life do you trust explicitly? Is anyone who is in authority whom you trust?  How do you know when someone is being authentic?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• Do believe God anxiously waits for you to wake up each day to watch you unfold what is laid out on your path?
• What makes you know (convicted), God has chosen you? Be specific.
• Describe the perfect setting for you to share God’s Word with others. Where are you, who is with you and what do you want to say?
• What does it mean to you to be a prophet? Do you consider yourself a prophet?  Why or why not?
• As a baptized person, you are a prophet…how can you live more like the prophet you are?
• How do you express anxiety or worry? What does it look like for you?  Does everyone express their anxiety or worry in the same way?
• What relationships (or absence of relationships) cause you anxiety?
• What worries you about the world today? Write down at least 5 things and pray each day for the things that worry you.
• Have you ever experienced so much worry that it became a dark cloud over you? How were you able to overcome?
• Where do you see “unclean” situations? Consider globally, nationally, locally and individually and listen to God respond to your concern.

 

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Lord you are the light…

 ALL:  the light beckoning me to safety.

Leader:  Lord you are the light…

ALL:  the light cautioning me to slow down.

Leader:  Lord you are the light…

 ALL:  the light signaling me warning ahead.

Leader:  Lord you are the light…

ALL:  the light illuminating my direction.

Leader:  Lord you are the light…

ALL:  the light highlighting what is good.

Leader:  Lord you are the light…

ALL:  the light I seek, heart and soul!

 

Challenge for the Week:  What do you call God?  Make a list of all of the names that can be used to describe all three persons of the Trinity, write them down.  Then take the list you made and cut the names out individually and place in a bowl, dish or cup.  Draw from this list a different name each day and use that name in your prayers that entire day.  Spend time throughout the day reflecting on the name and what it means to you, how it describes God and what it reveals about God’s nature.  Start now, or make plans for this to be included in your Lenten prayer practice.

3rd Sunday of Ordinary Time

 

Opening Prayer

God of all,

There is no where we can go

that will take us away from You.

No mountain is too high,

No ocean is too deep;

You are always there!

Let my heart and mind know

I cannot run away from You.

Your will, Lord, is always done!

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Jonah 3:1-5, 10

• What truths about God are revealed through this scripture?
• What message did Jonah bring to Nineveh? How does this same message ring true in your life right now?
• What significance does the three days have to this story? Where else in scripture does God promise change in three days?

1 Corinthians 7:29-31

• What does God want from you right now? Is it the same or different from what he wanted from you a year ago?  5?  10?
• What does the scripture tell you about what God values?

 Mark 1:14-20

• What do you need to repent in order to follow Jesus?
• Jesus find them “mending their nets”, what requires mending in your life right now? Does God find you doing the mending or are you waiting for someone else to fix it?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• Have you set out on a new journey this year? What is your mission?
• Are there specific things you will take on your journey? Where do you turn for help?  Who is your guide?
• How do you act when given a deadline? Does it increase productivity?  Does it cause stress?  What about your attention/focus changes?
• How have you been called to change? Where does the call come from?
• What benefit comes from a threat? Are there times when they are effective?  Why or why not?
• Where do you find solace? Is it easy or difficult to find?
• What current fads do you wish would “pass away”? Are there trends you wish would come back?  Why?
• Are there things you hold onto? What value do they have to you?  What value does the world give them?  What value does God give them?
• Share a time when you were up against a deadline and time ran out before you were able to complete the task. What was the situation?  What was the outcome?  How did you feel as time began to run out?  How did you feel after time was passed?
• Is there anything you must repent in order to have a stronger relationship with God?
• Are there things you should repent to heal or strengthen a relationship with a friend or family member?
• The Good News is that God has chosen you, despite your faults; how can you share this Good News with others? Be specific.

 

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Lord, when you call…

 ALL:  your words engulf me!

Leader:  Lord, when you call…

ALL:  my heart is awakened!

Leader:  Lord, when you call…

 ALL:  I turn to listen!

Leader:  Lord, when you call…

ALL:  my soul rejoices!

Leader:  Lord, when you call…

ALL:  I hear nothing else!

Leader:  Lord, when you call…

ALL:  your servant is ready!

 

Challenge for the Week:  The word present has a couple of very different meanings.  One present means “right now” and another is “a gift” but what if to God they really mean the same thing???  Consider the present moment in time as a gift from God.  How do we use it?  What value do we give it?  Unfortunately, many of us spend much of our time thinking about the past and planning for the future.  We don’t always give the present, the value of time which it deserves.  This doesn’t only apply to the time we spend alone, with our own thoughts but it also affects the time we spend with friends, family and others whom deserve our uninterrupted attention.  Are we present with them?  What can we do to become more present, in the moment?  What changes can we make to allow us to be more present minded…what a true present that would be! 

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2^nd Sunday of Ordinary Time

 

Opening Prayer

Oh Lord,

Day after day I awake,

but what do I see?

Let me see your presence

so I can follow you.

Each day I set forth,

but what do I do?

May I bring your presence

to others in the ordinary.

Keep me near;

I want to stay!!!

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

1 Samuel 3:3b-10, 19

• If God called you, would you recognize the voice? Who might you think it is besides God?
• Samuel responds to God by saying, “Your servant is listening”, what does it mean to you to answer God in this way?

 1 Corinthians 6:13c-15a, 17-20

• What do you come to understand about your body from this scripture? How does it affect your beliefs and/or actions?
• Put into words how you belong to God. How does it feel to write or say these words?

 John 1:35-42

• If you knew Jesus’ answer would be “come and see”, what question(s) do you want to ask Him?
• What draws you to want to follow Jesus?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• Does God call once or several times? Do you think God ever stops calling?
• Do you believe you are created for a purpose? Why or why not?
• Consider what your life might be like if you didn’t know God. How would it be different?  How would it be the same?
• Are there people in your life who still help you recognize God’s voice?
• What tells you that God is with you?
• Where does your obedience to God come from? Fear?  Guilt?  Love?  Desire?  Find your own word.
• Do you need to have a desire to find God and listen for His voice before He starts to call? Why or why not?
• If the Holy Spirit resides within you? How can you show reverence to it?
• How can you show reverence to the Holy Spirit within another person?
• If you can’t see or feel the Holy Spirit within you or another person, does that mean it is not there?
• What is the purpose of the Holy Spirit taking up residence with us?
• Who are people you follow? Why do you follow them?
• Are there people in the news, politics, Hollywood or other celebrities whom you are connected to on social media? What does it mean to you to follow them?
• Is there something you are still waiting for God to reveal to you? What do you want him to tell you to come and see?

 

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Lord let me sit a while

 ALL:  listening to your voice.

Leader:  Lord let me spend time

ALL:  seeking your will for me.

Leader:  Lord let me travel a stretch

 ALL:  on the path you’ve chosen.

Leader:  Lord let me find an occasion

ALL:  to share you with others.

Leader:  Lord let me enjoy a moment

ALL:  resting in your presence.

Leader:  Let me be with you for a lifetime

ALL:  embraced in your love!

 

Challenge for the Week:  Imagine you are a scratchers ticket with a prize waiting to be revealed.  Unlike a scratchers ticket you can purchase at the gas station, you have been created by God which means behind each silver covering there is a gift that you have won.  Do you think you have scratched away all of your treasures or are there still more to be revealed?  Are you hesitant to scratch for fear of what you will find or do you have the urge to uncover all of the gifts?  God gave you all of these gifts and whether they are revealed one at a time or all at once, we meant to do something with them.  Don’t let your gifts go to waste…you have already won the prize!

Epiphany

 

Opening Prayer

Jesus,

Like the sun,

Let me rise to bring light!

Like a baby,

Let me be born to a new life!

Awaken me from my slumber,

so I can shine like a star

and lead others to YOU!

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Isaiah 60:1-6

• What do you see when you look out into the future?
• Where is radiance found on earth today?

Ephesians 3:2-3a, 5-6

• How would you tell someone about the grace of God? What makes it such an amazing gift?
• What has God revealed to you in the past year? Month?  24 hours?

 Matthew 2:1-12

• Define the word, diligent. How do you/can you search diligently for God this year?
• Describe the joy Jesus brings to you, what makes this so?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• What gifts do you see in the world today?
• How do you determine what riches are? In your definition, what countries in the world are the richest?
• Are there places on earth which you are drawn to go? What is there which you want to experience?
• Do you ever see dark clouds linger in groups of people?
• Is darkness always bad and light always good? Why or why not?
• What happens when darkness lingers in your life? How do you deal with it?
• How much value do you put on promises? How have your experiences formed this opinion?
• What or how do you give back to God? Do you feel obligated to give?  Why or why not?
• Are the promises God has made good enough to share? Make a list of ways you can do this.
• What role does God play in your life? Jesus?  The Holy Spirit?
• Is there someone in your life who needs you to embrace them?
• What can you do to find common ground with someone with whom you are struggling?
• What are you willing to give up in order to develop a relationship with God? Are sacrifices necessary?  Why or why not?
• Are there people or situations which you hid from? What message do you think Jesus would like to reveal to you about what you should do?

 

Closing Prayer (music lyrics to song “Rise Up” by Andra Day)

Leader:  When the silence isn’t quiet

 ALL:  And it feels like it’s getting hard to breathe

Leader:  And I know you feel like dying

ALL:  But I promise we’ll take the world to its feet

Leader:  And move mountains

 ALL:  I’ll rise like the day

Leader:  I’ll rise unafraid

ALL:  I’ll rise up

Leader:  And I’ll do it a thousand times again

ALL:  And I’ll rise up

Leader:  High like the waves

ALL:  I’ll rise up…for YOU!

 

Challenge for the Week:  Reflect on the past couple of months since the beginning of the new liturgical year (or since around Thanksgiving) and make a list of the gifts which you have received…NOT the tangible ones.  The holiday season can open up new insights, new relationships and shine light on situations in relationships.  Spend time thinking about the gifts opened to you, these can range from very personal to global depending on how much time you want to spend and how deep you want to go.  However, giving time to these special moments can bring new insight and reflect the true value of the gifts which you might have been too busy to accept!

 

The Holy Family

 

Opening Prayer

Lord,

How do I know you are near?

Is it in a kind word of a stranger?

A random act of kindness?

You are everywhere I turn!!!

What can I do to draw you closer?

Let me find you in my daily routine;

teach me Lord,

so I might find you in the simplicity of my day!!!

You are there…may I always reach out to find YOU!!!

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Sirach 3:2-6, 12-14 or Genesis 15:1-6, 21:1-3

• What do you do to honor your mother and your father on earth and/or in heaven? (Sirach 3:2-6, 12-14)
• How does honoring your parents look differently from when you are a child? (Sirach 3:2-6, 12-14)
• Share how a child is a gift from God and list at least 10 ways you can honor this gift. (Genesis 15:1-6, 21:1-3)
• What does this scripture teach you about God’s nature? (Genesis 15:1-6, 21:1-3)

 Colossians 3:12-21 or Hebrews 11:8, 11-12, 17-19

• How is one subordinate? God says it is good but the world says it is not?  How do you discern which is best for which situation?  How does this scripture help you find an answer? (Colossians 3:12-21)
• How has God taught you wisdom and compassion? How have your parents taught you these things?  Is it different?  Why or why not? (Colossians 3:12-21)
• What inheritance has God left for you? Have you accepted it?(Hebrews 11:8,11-12,17-19)
• How do you explain how Abraham’s descendants are as vast as the stars? (Hebrews 11:8, 11-12, 17-19)

 Luke 2:22-40

• Can you see salvation in the eyes of newborn child? What is it that you see?  Describe what you see in the eyes of a baby?
• What do you believe Simeon saw in Jesus? How did Simeon know Jesus was born to do great things?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• Describe your relationship with your parents. How is it similar or different from your relationship with your children?
• Have you ever prayed for your parents specifically? Do you believe they have prayed for you specifically?
• What traits did you get from your Father? Are they good?  How do you use them?
• What traits did you get from your Mother? Are they good?  How do you use them?
• Describe your parents in 10 words or less. Describe your Mother. Describe your Father.
• How would you describe your parent’s relationship? Did they have a relationship with God?  How would you describe their relationship with God?
• What do you believe your parents said when they heard you were joining their family?
• What did you say when you learned you would be a parent?
• Do you turn to God for parenting advice? Share a time when you did and what you heard in response.
• Are you open to the promises of Christ? Why or why not?  What is the promise Christ has given?
• Is there someone in your family whom you wish you could speak to? Who is it and why?
• What traditions do you still keep Holy in your life which have been passed on from previous generations?
• How do you honor life given and live taken away? Do these things mean something or are they simply things which happen?

 

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Jesus, I recognize you…

 ALL:  in my sins, forgiven and healed!

Leader:  Jesus, I recognize you…

ALL:  in the miracles that happen each day!

Leader:  Jesus, I recognize you…

ALL:  when people come together to pray!

Leader:  Jesus, I recognize you…

ALL:  in the beauty which surrounds me!

Leader:  Jesus, I recognize you…

ALL:  in the eyes of strangers and in my family!

 

Challenge for the Week:  Have you seen the “I am Second” signs and bumper stickers?  This message is out there for us to remember that we are asked to put God above all things in the 2^nd Commandment.  This means even our own needs or the needs of our spouse/significant other and/or our children/family.  This is contradictory to the messages we hear in media.  Reflect on how you can put God first in your life from the moment you wake up until the moment you lay your head to rest.  Is this a difficult request?  Why or why not?  If God is not first in your life, where do you place God’s needs on your list of priorities and responsibilities?  How can you shift your thoughts into place God’s needs above our own?  Find a friend or family member to talk to about this change so you can help each other put God’s needs, wants and desires above those of others.

Fourth Sunday of Advent

 

Opening Prayer

Jesus,

You come to make us whole!

You give us strength and hope!

You love us without boundaries!

With you,

We shall live forever!

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

2Samuel 7:1-5, 8b-12, 14a, 16

• What do you imagine the “dwelling place of God” looks like? Smells like?  Sounds like?  Feels like?
• How does God reveal to you a better way? Be specific.

 Romans 16:25-27

• Name three ways you have proclaimed the Gospel this past week.
• How is glory known?

Luke 1:26-38

• Just as John was sent to testify to Jesus’ coming, you are called to testify to Jesus too. Share how you have or how you can testify to the light of Christ.
• Why do the people send for priests, Levites and Pharisees? Who do you call on to help you “find truth” in a situation?  How do you discern what is true and what is not?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• Have you ever felt like you have more than Jesus? Share an example.
• Can you ever have too much of something good? Too much of something bad?  How do you determine?
• Are there people in your life which you regard as “higher” than yourself? What makes them so?  How would God respond?
• Does generosity have a limit? Why or why not?
• What do you have to offer God? Make a list.  (What we are is God’s gift to us; what we become is our gift to God)
• Do you believe what you give to God is enough? Do you believe God is satisfied?  Why or why not?
• What happens when you give to God? Be specific.
• How does Jesus give you rest? Share an example.
• What are the mysteries of faith? Are these mysteries a secret?
• What does scripture reveal to you about faith? What does it reveal to you about God?  What does scripture reveal to you about eternal life?
• Where is God present in your life right now?
• Are you happy with the amount of time you spend in God’s presence? Why or why not?
• Is there anything about your faith which you fear?
• Have you ever encountered an angel? What was the situation and how did you know it was an angel?

 

Closing Prayer

Leader:  The Lord proclaims that I am good;

 ALL:  through kindnesses shown to my neighbor.

Leader:  The Lord proclaims that I am good;

ALL:  through my faithfulness even in small things.

Leader:  The Lord proclaims that I am good;

 ALL:  through the compassionate work of my hands.

Leader:  The Lord proclaims that I am good;

ALL:  through the promises I keep to myself and others.

Leader:  The Lord proclaims that I am good;

ALL:  through the love I give and receive.

ALL:  The Lord proclaims that I am good!

 

Challenge for the Week:  Reflect on the difference between a yes and an unconditional yes this week during your quiet prayer time.  In a 24 hour period you probably say yes a couple of dozen times but are any of them without condition?  Think about the last yes you gave…was it in response to a simple or complex request?  Did you have to consider consequences or did you heartily respond with joy?  Perhaps you negotiated terms of your yes response to better fit your schedule or comfort level.  There are even some yes’ given with hesitation or because of obligation.  The Gospel tells the story about a YES; this yes is an example to us because Mary said yes to God, no matter the obstacles she might have to face.  Over the next week or so, spend time thinking about response you gave the last time God asked you to do something…were you able to respond as Mary did or do you have a long list of reasons and excuses which you are using to avoid God’s request?  As you reflect, also remember to give time to how you feel when someone doesn’t respond yes at a request you make; do you think God feels the same way?  Once you have come to a conclusion about the difference between a yes and an unconditional yes, make a proclamation to God!  This can be done through a written prayer or through action; either way make the decision to work towards being more like Mary and saying YES to God’s requests.

Third Sunday of Advent

 

Opening Prayer

Almighty God

I come before you to seek

what I need to be complete.

Free me of the lies I have told

so I may have a fresh start.

Heal what has been hurt or broken

and teach me to do the safe for others.

Your presence within and beyond me

brings peace to all!

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Isaiah 61:1-2a, 10-11

• Draw an image of yourself as described by this scripture.
• Determine specifically how you can bring glad tidings to the poor, heal the brokenhearted, proclaim liberty to the captives and release to prisoners.

 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24

• How would you explain “prayer without ceasing” and “perfectly holy” to a child or someone who is just developing their faith?
• Saint Paul couldn’t possibly know how hard it is to “give thanks” in all circumstances could he? Even if you are familiar with Saint Paul’s story, take time to revisit it with an open heart to be reminded of all you have to give thanks for in your life.

 John 1:6-8, 19-28

• Just as John was sent to testify to Jesus’ coming, you are called to testify to Jesus too. Share how you have or how you can testify to the light of Christ.
• Why do the people send for priests, Levites and Pharisees? Who do you call on to help you “find truth” in a situation?  How do you discern what is true and what is not?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• What does it mean to you to have God’s favor? Do you have God’s favor?  Do you know others who have God’s favor?
• How might one act differently knowing they had God’s favor upon them?
• Do you believe in spite? When have you been spiteful?  Can you share a time when you have experienced God’s spite?  Does it exist?
• Are there people in your life who give witness to God? How do they do this?
• Reflect on how you give witness to God. Could you be giving witness without your knowledge?
• Create a calendar and write down one conversation or experience where you saw, felt, heard God each month in the past year.
• Can you bring “good tidings” when you harbor hurt and resentment towards others?
• Do you believe God loves everyone equally? Why or why not?  Do you have scripture or doctrine to support your belief?
• How does God (Father, Son and Holy Spirit) dwell in your body, mind and spirit? Share specific ways.
• How do you recognize God (Father, Son and Holy Spirit) in your life and in the life of others you encounter each day? Is God easy or difficult to find?  Why or why not?  Are the specific conditions which make it easier or more difficult?

 

Closing Prayer

Leader:  In the darkness before the morning…

 ALL:  Lord, let me be your light!

Leader:  As I encounter those around me…

ALL:  Lord, let me be your light!

Leader:  Through my words and actions…

 ALL:  Lord, let me be your light!

Leader:  In my preparations for Christmas…

ALL:  Lord, let me be your light!

Leader:  As I make plans with friends and family…

ALL:  Lord, let me be your light!

Leader:  Through your presence within me…

ALL:   Lord, let me be your light!

 

Challenge for the Week:  Take time to define joy.  What is joy to you?  Is it something you can only experience one time or is it something you can carry with you for a while?  Are there things which snatch away your joy?  This week make a list of at least 25 things which bring you joy.  They don’t have to be grandiose things as long as it brings you joy…it could be as simple as finding some change on the floorboard of your car!  Once your list is complete, sit with it for a little while; let the feeling of joy overwhelm you.  Then make a promise to yourself and to God not to keep this joy to yourself; go out and share the joy you have with others and encourage them to find the joy which lies within them too!  Happy Advent!