16th Sunday of Ordinary TimeOpening Prayer

Lord

When you are with me

…my smile shines brighter

…my words have meaning

…my actions are true

May I never spend a moment

 not seeking YOU!
Journal/Reflection Questions

Wisdom 12:13, 16-19

 How does this scripture show God’s humility?

 Where do you see your sin in this scripture? Do you condemn
others? Are you unjust? Do you seek power? Do you “lord” over
others? Do you hold others prisoner with rules or expectations?


 Do you find hope in this scripture? Be specific.  

Romans 8:26-27

 When have you been aware of the Spirit interceding on your
behalf? What was the situation?  

 What does this scripture tell you about the nature of the Spirit?

 
Matthew 13:24-43

 Explain, by using an example, how weeds can grow in a person’s
life and how they would cause more harm to remove the weeds.


 When have you seen sin spread like a weed? How can it be
exterminated? 
General Questions for Journaling

 Where do you see kindness each day? Is it easy to find or do you need
to search for it?

 Are you 100% full of kindness? When or how do you fall short?

 Where do you see mercy each day? Is it easy to find or do you need
to search for it?

 Are you 100% full of mercy? When or how do you fall short?

 What does it mean to you that you can repent? How often do you
repent?  Is it enough?

When did you first learn how to pray? Who taught you?

 How has your prayer life developed over time or as you have become
older or more mature in your spiritual life? Share.  

 When have you stood up for someone who couldn’t stand up for
themselves? What was the situation? What inspired you to step in?  

 How are the mustard seed and yeast similar? How are they different?

 What makes them a good example of heaven? What example would
you use to describe heaven?  
Closing Prayer

Leader: Father, search my heart

ALL: for goodness and kindness

Leader: Father, search my heart

ALL: for a sense of longing.

Leader: Father, search my heart

ALL: for acceptance and mercy.

Leader: Father, search my heart

ALL: for compassion for others.

Leader: Father, search my heart

ALL: for love and forgiveness.

Leader: Father, search my heart

ALL: for the strength to endure.

Leader: Father, search my heart

ALL: and find it full of you!
Challenge for the Week: These past few weeks’ scriptures remind us that we are not alone, God is with
us. They also tell us that God will give us what we need when we are connected to him. What they don’t
tell us is that we don’t have to work to stay connected or that the path is an easy one. The parables Jesus
tells are to teach us that we are required to put forth effort, more than we even want to sometimes and  when we have no more to give, the Spirit will make up for the rest. The challenge is different for each  person, depending on where you fall on the pendulum. First, if your relationship with God is one where  you are asking for him to help you out of a situation, but you are not doing anything to move in the  direction to change, then you need to start moving. On the other side of the spectrum are those who are  giving and giving so much that they are not leaving much space for the Spirit to work, they need to step  aside before their ego steps in. No matter where we are on the scale, we can find ourselves out of whack  with one miss-step. Our best bet is to work to form a partnership with God, knowing there are times when you will give more and times when the Spirit will pull the weight to get you through. 

15^th Sunday of Ordinary Time

 

Opening Prayer

God of Creation!

You make a mark on every living thing,

the trees…

the water…

even the air.

May my life have the remnants of your love!

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Isaiah 55:10-11

• What makes the ground fertile? What is the purpose of fertile ground?
• Where have you planted seeds and seen growth in relationships?
• What have you done to produce good fruit in a relationship?

 Romans 8:18-23

• How do you live in expectation of God? What can you do to be more open to the present instead of in the past or the future?
• Describe an example of something in nature which groans in labor pains.

 Matthew 13:1-23

• Which part of the sower and seed parable do you relate to the most at this moment?
• Who are you in the parable? The flower? The sun? The rain? The one who tramples? The one who chokes? The one who scorches? The birds? The thorn? The rocks? The one who blocks the roots? The one who plants the seed? The fruit?
• If you are the sower, what are you planting?
• What kind of seed would you say that you are? What do you produce?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• What do you like about gardening? What do you not like?
• Describe what you feel when you see new growth in the springtime?
• Describe how you feel when you see a plant or a tree that is dying?
• What does the rain have to do with growth?
• What does the sun have to do with growth?
• Compare the cycle of rain to the cycle of life. How do they differ?  How are they similar?
• Share a time when you experienced freedom in the beauty of nature.
• What is your most favorite display of God’s artistic side in nature?
• What in nature caused you to be in awe of God?
• Imagine the steps a human would take in order to create a flower.
• How does your live mirror the life of a flower?
• What does nature reveal about you?
• Where are there still growing pains in the world?
• How do you handle unexpected pain?
• What is in/on your path right now? What is the best way to handle it?

 

Closing Prayer

Leader:  God of heaven…

 ALL:  conquer my fears.

Leader:  God of earth…

ALL:  make straight the path.

Leader:  Jesus, human…

 ALL:  teach me to love.

Leader:  Jesus, divine…

ALL:  wash away my sins.

Leader:  Spirit of life…

ALL:  comfort and strength.

Leader:  Almighty Spirit…

ALL:   tend to my soul.

Leader:  Be mine…

ALL:   forevermore!

 

Challenge for the Week:  There is a country song by Luke Bryan, “Rain is a good thing”.  Make a list of the ways rain brings good things…are there bad things rain brings?  Spend time reflecting on the role rain has in your life, what has rain brought you?  For a Farmer, rain can be an answer to a prayer but it can also be a curse… our perspective about the rain is up to us depending upon our experiences.  No one can predict when the rain will come or how long it will last or how hard it will fall.  However you choose to look at it, consider how God looks at rain.  I think God would agree, like the song says, rain is a good thing!

14^th Sunday of Ordinary Time

 

Opening Prayer

Christ within me,

How I struggle!

I move forward,

but leave you behind.

I trip and fall,

then cry out to you.

My heart knows you are with me;

My will says I can do it alone.

It is a constant battle.

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Zechariah 9:9-10

• Share a time when God won a victory for you. What was the battle?  What did you struggle with and how did God help you overcome?
• The scripture describes a king riding in on a donkey…how do these two images go together? Where do you see this same image in the New Testament?

 Romans 8:9, 11-13

• Share a recent example of how the spirit worked through you.
• How are you indebted to the flesh? How does knowing Jesus paid the debt already change your perspective?

 Matthew 11:25-30

• What does it mean that God’s yoke is easy?
• When have you experienced God’s gracious will?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• How do you rejoice for God? Be specific.
• Do your actions towards others show your love for God? Share a recent example.
• How can your actions “banish” a person from your life? When might this be necessary?
• Have your recent actions caused division between you and another person or a group of people? How does your relationship with
  God factor into this division?
• Where do you see peace in the world? What can you do to keep it?
• What characteristics of the “flesh” do you need to shed?
• What characteristics of the “spirit” do you want to take on?
• What words do you use to describe the Father?
• What words do you use to describe the Son?
• What words do you use to describe the Spirit?
• How do you explain how the Father, Son and Spirit work together?

 

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Come, dwell in me…

 ALL:  let me know meekness.

Leader:  Come, dwell in me…

ALL:  let me know humility.

Leader:  Come, dwell in me…

 ALL:  let me know weakness.

Leader:  Come, dwell in me…

ALL:  let me know burdens.

Leader:  Come, dwell in me…

ALL:  let me know hunger and thirst.

Leader: Come, dwell in me…

ALL:  let me know hurt.

Leader: Come, dwell in me…

ALL:  so I may find rest!

 

Challenge for the Week:  The “yoke” in the Gospel reading is not the center of an egg, rather it’s a tool used to tether two things together.  The purpose of a yoke is to teach.  Farmers would use the yoke to put a seasoned animal with one who is just learning; this practice allowed the veteran to teach the newbie the ropes.  This process didn’t just take an hour a week but many hours of being tied together, working.  This scripture says that God has already tethered himself to us through Jesus’ death and the spirit within us.  We cannot learn what we need to learn about how to live our lives when we don’t tie ourselves to God on a regular basis.  This week find a string to tie around your wrist to remind you of how you are tied to God every moment of every day.  This knowledge should be used to help you learn to listen to the spirit within and act upon it, allow God to teach you!

13^th Sunday of Ordinary Time

 

Opening Prayer

Father

Before me I have many choices,

Each day I awake, there are more,

You have given me all that I need

to make the right choices.

I have the counsel of the Holy Spirit

and the example of Jesus.

Let me not lose sight of these gifts.

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

2 Kings 4:8-11, 14-16a

• What does this scripture inspire you to do? What specifically calls you into action?
• Was there expectation from Elisha or the woman for something in return?
• Where is God in the scripture? Make a list of where you see God.

 Romans 6:3-4, 8-11

• What does it mean to you that you were born in Christ through baptism but also baptized into Christ’s death?
• Share an example of how you have been able to die to a sinful behavior. What helped you shed the sin from your life?
• How does this scripture form you understanding of life and death?

 Matthew 10:37-42

• What specifically about this scripture is troublesome for you to achieve? What makes it so difficult?
• Do you know what cross you bear? How can knowing and accepting the struggles and obstacles you face help you overcome them?
• How does this scripture tie back into the first reading?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• Who are the people in your life who pray for you?
• What good has come from your prayers for others?
• When was the last time you wished another person well…was it sincere or out of obligation?
• Is there some way you can make one little thing better for another today?
• Is there an act of kindness you can give to another without expectation of a returned kindness?
• Are there relationships that draw you into sinful behavior?
• What steps can be taken to shed relationships which are harmful to you?
• When was the last time you felt blessed? What were the circumstances?
• How are you a blessing to another?
• Describe how blessing someone and being blessed are similar and/or different.
• How is being a righteous person different than being conceded?
• Share an example of a righteous person you know. What makes them righteous?

 

Closing Prayer

Leader:  You are in my heart,

 ALL:  may my heart be holy.

Leader:  You are in my thoughts,

ALL:  may my thoughts be holy.

Leader:  You are in my prayers,

 ALL:  may my prayers be holy.

Leader:  You are in my deeds,

ALL:  may my deeds be holy.

Leader:  You are in my home,

ALL:  may my home be holy.

Leader: You are in my soul,

ALL:  may my soul be holy.

 

Challenge for the Week:  The first reading shares the importance of hospitality.  Take time this week to ponder how God values hospitality.  Consider how God might define hospitality and if God’s definition the same as your own.  Where do you see hospitality exercised to the fullest extent, such as in the scripture?  Spend time seeking other scripture verses which show examples of how God calls us to be hospitable and make a commitment to try to show the hospitality of God to others.

12^th Sunday of Ordinary Time

 

Opening Prayer

My Lord and My God

Your love washes over me;

it fills my entire being.

My heart overflows with your mercy.

There is nothing to fear;

for you are with me always.

The intimacy of your love remains.

I surrender to your grace;

you make me whole.

A new life lies ahead of me.

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Jeremiah 20:10-13

• Where do you see God prevail as “mighty champion”?
• What role do you play in this scripture? How does this scripture make you feel?

 Romans 5:12-15

• How have you trespassed against God this week? How is it/can it be resolved?
• How have you trespassed against your neighbor this week? How is it/can it be resolved?
• How have you trespassed against yourself this week? How is it/can it be resolved?

 Matthew 10:26-33

• What has God whispered to you? Did you proclaim what you heard?  Why or why not?
• Do you believe what this scripture tells you about the love of God? What is easy and/or hard for you to believe is true?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• Have you ever felt trapped by “evil” or “sin”?
• When have you stumbled in the face of adversity?
• Describe suffering. What does it look like, sound like, smell like, feel like?
• Is there a recipe to get rid of negative thoughts?
• Can good come from resentment?
• What are you afraid of and how do you deal with/calm the fear?
• Make a list of ten people in your life whom you trust. Is this list easy or difficult to make?
• How do you cultivate trust in a relationship? What actions are required for trust to exist?
• Have you ever suffered for being a Christian?
• Do you receive ridicule because you go to Church? How do you respond?
• How do you share the Gospel (Good News) with others? Be specific.
• In what ways is your faith still in the darkness? How can you bring light to it?

 

Closing Prayer

Leader:  When I have obstacles in my path

 ALL:  I praise the Lord!

Leader:  When I am the target of slander

ALL:  I praise the Lord!

Leader:  When I feel buried in doubt

 ALL:  I praise the Lord!

Leader:  When I am drowning in sorrow

ALL:  I praise the Lord!

Leader:  When I have a mountain to climb

ALL:  I praise the Lord!

Leader: When I feel walls caving in

ALL:  I praise the Lord!

Leader:  When I call out to my Lord,

ALL:  I am ready for anything!

 

Challenge for the Week:  Why do we allow others to give us worth and to hurt us so badly?  We allow hurtful words in the form of put downs and criticisms to penetrate us.  We give worth to the opinions of others, even when the words are untrue.  The challenge is to follow Jesus’ example, to know who we are and what we stand for when faced with adversity.  This can only be done when we really know who we are in Christ.  Spend time this week identifying times when Jesus was put down and criticized, how did he respond?  Jesus models for us how to deal with opposition, rely on HIM!

Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ

 

Opening Prayer

Father,

You give us bread from heaven,

GENEROUSLY!

Let us have our fill and never go hungry.

Thank you for our daily bread!

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Deuteronomy 8:2-3, 14b-16a

• God sent manna from heaven, how is this still true.
• How has God delivered you from slavery? What are you still a slave to which you need God to help you be free?

 1 Corinthians 10:16-17

• What cup of blessing do you hold today?
• How can you let your faith overflow and be a blessing to another?

 John 6:51-58

• Describe how partaking in God’s body and blood sustains you.
• What gives you strength in faith?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• What commandments do you find easy to follow?
• What commandments do find hard to follow?
• What can you do to be more aware of the food God supplies in your life?
• How can you help others see how God is feeding them?
• Identify one way God has fed you today.
• Identify a time when you were parched. How does this experience affect your faith?
• What can you do to welcome another today?
• How do you see yourself as part of the body of Christ?
• When have you experienced hunger? Compare this feeling to your faith.
• Define Communion.

 

Closing Prayer

Leader: Christ before me

ALL:  I praise you!

Leader:  Christ around me

ALL:  I give you thanks!

Leader:  Christ beside me

 ALL:  I am filled with joy!

Leader:  Christ within me

ALL:  I feel at peace!

Leader:  I am Christ to others

ALL:  Let the feast begin!

 

Challenge for the Week:  In the next week, go the extra mile to share Christ with another person.  Perhaps you see someone who looks sad or lonely, is there something you can give or say to help them see that Christ is within you?  Remember YOU are Christ, when you let God into your heart you can’t just keep His love and mercy inside; you must share it with others.

Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity

 

Opening Prayer

Blessed Trinity

You created us out of love

You came to be one with us

And You remain still.

You are the beginning and the end.

May we stay mindful

of all you are and all you give!

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Exodus 34:4b-6, 8-9

• How do you humble yourself before God like Moses did in this scripture?
• What examples in your life confirm that God is slow to anger, rich in kindness and faithful?

 2 Corinthians 13:11-13

• How have you shown encouragement to another today? In the past week?
• How can you show encouragement to others with more purpose this week?

 John 3:16-18

• God sacrificed His Son, Jesus to show His love for you, what do you sacrifice to show your love in return?
• God so loved the world…how do you show your love for the world?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• How do you describe God’s love?
• What names do you use to call out to God? Do you use different names for different purposes?  Why or why not?
• How do you think God finds favor in you? Identify at least 5 things about you which God would find favor.
• Describe a time when you were “stiff-necked and stubborn”.
• How do you treat others who are “stiff-necked and stubborn”. Would God find favor in the way you treat others who are “stuck in their ways”?
• What sin does God look past today in order to give you love? How has God shown his love already today?
• How do you know the Holy Spirit is with you?
• How can you tell when the Holy Spirit is with another person?
• How does God show you grace?
• How can you show grace to another person?
• Describe peace. It is the same for everyone or different?
• Where do you see people being condemned today? Is there something you could do to bring peace?
• When have you felt condemned, what did you learn from the experience?

 

Closing Prayer

Leader: O Holy is YOUR name…

 ALL:  Creator

Leader:  I AM

ALL:  God

Leader:  Emmanuel

 ALL:  Jesus

Leader:  Savior

ALL:  Living God

Leader:  Mighty wind

ALL:  Eternal breath

Leader: Counselor

ALL:  God with us

Leader:  Holy Trinity

ALL:  Father, Son and Holy Spirit!

 

Challenge for the Week:  There are “early birds” and “night owls”, regardless of which category you fall into, spend time thinking in detail about the way God/Jesus/Holy Spirit is revealed to you in the morning during the time before and after sunrise AND in the evening before and after sunset.  When you do so, be sure to give credit to each person in the Trinity for revealing themselves to you by giving honor and thanks!

Eighth Sunday of Easter – Pentecost

 

Opening Prayer

O Blessed Spirit,

When we feel alone,

you are there.

When we are surrounded by darkness,

you bring light.

When we are weak,

you are our strength.

You are our guide to stay on the path of life,

which leads to heaven.

Fill our soul, dwell among us, FOREVER!

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Acts 2:1-11

• Imagine you are there at Pentecost…what do you see, feel, smell, hear and say?
• What keeps you from experiencing the fullness of the Holy Spirit today?

 1 Corinthians 12:3b-7, 12-13

• Explain the difference of being baptized in the Spirit and being baptized in water.
• What lesson can you learn about differences from this scripture?

 John 20:19-23

• How has the Spirit caused you to act differently?
• Where do you share God’s peace?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• Do you believe in miracles? Why or why not?
• Do think at Pentecost, they understood each other literally?
• What can you do to understand others better? How can the gifts of the Holy Spirit help?
• Is there a place where you feel more connected to the Holy Spirit? Jesus?  God?
• Are there people in your life whom are different and you appreciate their differences?
• Are there people in your life whom are different and you are frustrated by their differences?
• What gift(s) do you hold back?
• What can you do to share your gifts more abundantly?
• Is peace easily found? Why or why not?
• Define a “peacemaker”. What qualities do you have?

 

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Come Holy Spirit,

 ALL:  shine in our lives!

Leader:  Come Spirit of Truth,

ALL:  teach us the way!

Leader:  Come Advocate,

 ALL:  give us strength!

Leader:  Come Paraclete,

ALL:  bring us comfort!

Leader:  Come Presence of God,

ALL:  renew our faith!

Leader:  Come Holy Spirit,

ALL:  fill us joy everlasting!

 

Challenge for the Week:  Spend time this week in search of the work of the Holy Spirit.  Where do you see the Spirit in creation?  Where do you see the Spirit at work in the everyday, mundane tasks?  Where do you see the Spirit giving comfort or healing?  How is the Holy Spirit renewing the face of the earth today?

Seventh Sunday of Easter – Ascension

 

Opening Prayer

Heavenly Father,

When we look to the sky,

we are limited to what we see.

We can only imagine what is beyond.

Teach us, guide us in your WORD,

so we have the faith to believe

and understand what we cannot see.

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Acts 1:12-14 

• What can you learn from the disciples about letting go of someone you love?
• What is the importance of prayer and community in these times?

 1 Peter 4:13-16 

• Explain how sharing in Jesus’ suffering brings us closer to him.
• When have you felt the Spirit of God rest upon you? Share the details.

 John 17:1-11a

• What is revealed to you through Jesus’ suffering?
• What is revealed to you through Jesus’ crucifixion?
• What is revealed to you through Jesus’ resurrection?
• What is revealed to you through Jesus’ ascension?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• Share a time when you were disappointed. How were you able to overcome?
• When have you had to let go of something you love? How did you deal with the loss?
• What can you do to bring comfort to someone who is suffering from a loss of a job, loss of a friend or family member, or a loss of faith/hope?
• Describe heaven.
• What changes in you, when you hear that Jesus has a place for you in heaven?
• How does Jesus’ ascension to heaven affect your faith?
• How does Jesus’ ascension to heaven affect your understanding of heaven?
• How does Jesus’ ascension to heaven affect your understanding of death/dying?
• Is it possible to avoid suffering? Why or why not?
• Does good or bad come from avoiding difficult situations? Share examples of both.
• Jesus said he gave us everything. What does this mean to you?
• Do you tell people you will pray for them? Do you follow through?
• What assurance do you have that Jesus will follow through with his promise to pray for you?

 

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Lord, I hear you call to me,

 ALL:  when I listen with my heart.

Leader:  Lord, I open myself to you,

ALL:  when I feel with my heart.

Leader:  Lord, I gain understanding from your Word,

 ALL:  when I study with my heart.

Leader:  Lord, I comfort others and am comforted,

ALL:  when I embrace with my heart.

Leader:  Lord, I spread the Good News,

ALL:  when I love with my heart.

Leader:  Lord, I turn my eyes to heaven,

ALL:  when I believe with my heart.

 

Challenge for the Week:  When you think about the “Glory of God”, what do you imagine?  When you hear the words, “Glory of God”, how do you feel?  What words do you use to describe the “Glory of God”?  These words invoke emotion; they hold power to those who believe.  Identify the people in your life (and in the world) whom these words “Glory of God” have no significant meaning.  Spend time this week considering what you can do or say to bring God’s Glory into their lives.

Sixth Sunday of Easter

 

Opening Prayer

Praise and honor to YOU!

My Lord, king and savior,

You understand what it feels like to be lonely;

and you promise to never leave us alone.

You bring us strength, knowledge and courage;

so we can fight temptation and self-doubt.

You leave with us an advocate and protector;

full of understanding and right judgment.

We are made whole through the Holy Trinity;

Father, Son and Holy Spirit!

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Acts 8:5-8, 14-17

• When have you experienced “great joy”?
• What do you think drew people to come and listen to Phillip?

 1 Peter 3:15-18

• What do these words from Peter stir up within you? What is he pleading with you to do?
• How do you put sin to death?

 John 14:15-21

• How do you keep the relevant the commandments God gave?
• Do you believe that following the commandments shows God love? What does this look like?  Make a list.

 

General Questions for Journaling

• What topics of conversation get your full attention?
• Where do you go to learn more about your faith?
• How do you learn more about God?
• What does the Holy Trinity mean to you?
• Share a time when you felt the Holy Spirit at work in your life.
• How do you explain the Holy Spirit in relation to your life? Your faith?  Where does the Spirit fit?
• What inspires you? How?
• Who inspires you? How?
• What is difficult about following the commandments?
• Are there ways you have found it easier to keep commandments?
• Which of the 10 Commandments do you find most difficult to follow?
• Would you say that you seek the Holy Spirit or that the Holy Spirit comes in search of you?

 

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Father…

 ALL:  I love you for the breath you give me.

Leader:  Jesus…

ALL:  I love you for the example you give me.

Leader:  Spirit…

 ALL:  I love you for the guidance you give me.

Leader:  Father…

ALL:  In your creation, I see your love for me.

Leader:  Jesus…

ALL:  In your sacrifice, I see your love for me.

Leader:  Spirit…

ALL:  In your presence, I see your love for me.

 

Challenge for the Week:  How have you accepted the Holy Spirit into your life?  Take time this week to identify moments, or THE moment when you consciously accepted the Holy Spirit into your life.  Where were you?  Who was there?  Was it influenced by a person or an experience?  How have you continued to carry the Holy Spirit with you?  Then write your own prayer to the Holy Spirit to give thanks and praise.