Third Sunday of Lent

 

Opening Prayer

Lord,

You pour your love upon us;

Like a river you carry us through our lives;

You wash us, cleanse us, refresh us;

Even when our well is dry…

YOU are there with life giving water!

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Exodus 17:3-7

• When have you felt like God was in your midst?
• Do you think Moses ever doubted God? Why or why not?
• What about you is different than Moses?

 Romans 5:1-2, 5-8

• Could you give up your life for another person? Anyone or just specific people?
• How does this differ from giving up your life for God? Or giving your life to God?

 John 4:5-42

• In what situations do you ask someone a question which you already know the answer? How is this scripture similar?
• Have you ever, like the disciples, wondered what God was doing?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• Have you ever grumbled at God? Have you ever grumbled against God?
• What causes you to grumble to other people?
• Have you ever been a witness to a miracle or something miraculous? When?  What?
• Have you ever felt like everyone was against you? What did you do?
• How do you hold your ground when you are against opposition? What keeps you strong?
• How does it feel to be in opposition of another person?
• It is said that “faith makes you stronger”; explain how this is true or not true.
• How do you boast about your faith? Give a specific example.
• Describe what it feels like to have faith poured over you? Love poured over you?  Joy poured over you?
• Have you ever been disappointed by love?
• Are there things about you that you wish God didn’t know? How does your behavior/attitude change, knowing God knows all of your secrets?
• In what way does your faith “fill” you? Describe the feeling.
• Does faith fill you once and for all or do you lose the fullness you feel? How do you re-fill?
• Describe a time when you were truly thirsty. What was the circumstance?  How was it remedied?

 

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Make me a well-spring…

ALL:  of your peace!

Leader:  Make me a well-spring…

 ALL:  of your comfort!

Leader:  Make me a well-spring…

 ALL:  of your joy!

Leader:  Make me a well-spring…

ALL:  of your compassion!

Leader:  Make me a well-spring…

ALL:  of your goodness!

Leader:  Make me a well-spring…

ALL:  of your love!

 

Challenge for the Week:  The woman at the well in the Gospel story sees Jesus but doesn’t know he is the Messiah.  She had heard of him, but had not seen him.  Take time this week to think about the times you have missed seeing Jesus or spending time with him.  What can you do to be more open to seeing Jesus in your everyday activities, not just when you want to see him or when you go to church.

Source: Sunday, March 5th Readings

Source: Sunday, March 12th Readings

Second Sunday of Lent

 

Opening Prayer

Generous Lord

Let me remember

that each day is a blessing

And within each day

there are thousands of blessings

It’s a blessing when the sun shines

and also a blessing when it rains

Teach me to be grateful and recognize

for all of the blessings you give me.

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Genesis 12:1-4a

• How are you being sent out this Lenten season? What mission do you have to be a witness of your faith?
• Abram has such an intimate relationship with God, how does your relationship with God compare?

 2Timothy 1:8b-10

• Identify the “hardships” of the Gospel. What are some of the things God asks us to do which we find difficult?
• What joy comes from Jesus dying on the cross? Put it into words so you are reminded of how the light overcomes the darkness.

 Matthew 17:1-9

• When have you been to a place where you were completely at peace? Did you want to set up a tent and stay forever?
• How does this scripture relate to a situation in your life? Are you standing still in a decision and need to get off the mountain?  Are you blinded by injustice or indifference and unable to move?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• What do you wish for in your life? What do you wish for the life of your children?  Your parents?  Your friends?  How are your wishes for them the same?  How are they different?
• What good does wishing do?
• How do you take God with you when you travel? Do you have a specific ritual?  A special prayer?
• Where has God been on your Lenten journey so far? Is He within reach or still far away?
• Describe what it feels like to be blessed by God? By others?
• Share your memories of being physically blessed (through sacrament or prayer).
• How have your words or actions shown God and others that you trust and follow in God’s ways? Share a specific example from the past week.
• When have you experienced grace this week? Did you receive it directly from God or through another person?
• Have you leaned on God for strength this week? For what reason?  Did you receive it?
• How has Jesus touched your life today?
• Are you open to allowing Jesus to use you to touch the life of another?

 

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Lord, come journey with me

ALL:  on the path before me;

Leader:  come journey with me

 ALL:  when the road gets rocky and steep;

Leader:  come journey with me

 ALL:  through fields of wildflowers;

Leader:  come journey with me

ALL:  across rivers, streams and oceans;

Leader:  come journey with me

ALL:  into the mud and muck;

Leader:  come journey with me

ALL:  to places indescribable;

Leader:  come journey with me

ALL:  and show me your amazing love!

 

Challenge for the Week:  The Gospel this week reminds me that God’s timing is perfect.  If we are given what we want at the exact time we want it, we are not prepared (physically, emotionally or spiritually) to receive it nor are we mature enough to understand it.  It is similar to when a couple finds out they are pregnant.  If the baby showed up at the moment of conception, they would not be prepared for that child.  They wouldn’t have the physical things a baby needs and even if they had been praying for a child, they wouldn’t be completely prepared to care for the child.  God gives us the time necessary for us to prepare for the blessings he has in store for us.  This Lenten season, God has blessings beyond measure in store for you, however, there are hardships we must encounter along the way, sacrifices made and we might even have to get a little uncomfortable (imagine being comfortable when you are 8 months pregnant).  This week instead of whining or complaining about a sacrifice are forced to make or something that didn’t go your way, remember that it is a blessing (not in disguise but a true blessing) and trust God will deliver when you are ready.

First Sunday of Lent

 

Opening Prayer

Abba Father

As we awake to each new day,

may we be aware of the breath we take.

Before we even open our eyes,

may we inhale deeply the life you give.

Despite the struggles or challenges,

let us count the blessings and

be fully aware of the love you have for us!

AMEN!

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Genesis 2:7-9; 3:1-7

• What is God telling you this Lenten season that you should not do?
• Is there a serpent in your life telling you untruths to keep you from fulfillment?

 Romans 5:12-19

• How have you sacrificed or given to another in order for them to have life?
• What transgressions keep you from relationship (or deeper relationship) with God?
• What transgressions keep you from relationship (or deeper relationship) with others?

 Matthew 4:1-11

• Jesus uses scripture to ward off the devil’s temptations. What scripture can you use to help give you strength to fight temptation?
• What desert places have you encountered?
• Are you in the desert now? How does the scripture give you courage to overcome?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• Name the things that tempt you. When you do so, does it change the way you look at them?
• Are there people in your life whom you have given you bad advice? Do you still ask them to help you make decisions?
• How do you know a relationship is of God? (meaning, the person has your best interests at heart)
• What faults are you hiding from the world?
• Are there things about you no other human person knows?
• Is there an experience you have had or can relate to that confirms for you that nothing is hidden from God?
• What do you desire? How do you know if it is good or bad?  By what do you measure?
• Jesus was willing to die for you; what are you giving up for him?
• How does sin weigh you down?
• What do you carry more of? The action of Sin? Or the guilt of Sin? Is there a difference?
• How are the 40 days of Lent like the 40 days Jesus spent in the desert?
• What symbol of Lent means the most to you? Why?  (choose a symbol to reflect on and help you through Lent)

 

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Let us remember…

ALL:  we are clay.

Leader:  As clay…

 ALL:  we can be hard and dry.

Leader:  As clay…

 ALL:  we must be molded.

Leader:  As clay…

ALL:  we can take on many forms.

Leader:  As clay…

ALL:  we are created perfectly.

Leader:  As clay…

ALL:  we withstand the fire.

Leader:  This Lent…

ALL:  we are clay!

 

Challenge for the Week:  Simple challenge.  Plant a seed TODAY.  Gather dirt into a plastic cup, a pot or whatever you can find.  Tend to it throughout the Lenten Season and continue to nurture it through the Easter Season too.  Each time you look at it, water it or spin it in the sunlight, Thank God for caring for you.

Eighth Sunday of Ordinary Time

 

Opening Prayer

Heavenly Father,

You created us out of love.

You brought us to life with love.

You commissioned us to give love.

Though we forget to share love,

hold love back and

put conditions on our love,

YOU LOVE WITHOUT BOUNDARIES;

Blessed are we who are LOVED by God!

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Isaiah 49:14-15

• How does this scripture remind us that God is God and we are not?
• What have you forgotten already today?

 1 Corinthians 4:1-5

• How much weight do you give to others opinion of you? How does their opinion compare to God’s?
• What motivates you to be a better person? What can you do to help motivate others?

 Matthew 6:24-34

• Jesus is telling us not to worry about tomorrow, today or yesterday. How does this scripture help relieve some of your stress and worry?  How does this scripture increase it?
• Have you ever turned over or offered up a decision, problem or worry to God? How did you do it?  What happened?  Share your actions and feelings.

 

General Questions for Journaling

• What can you do to bring comfort to someone who feels forgotten? Identify that person and make a plan.
• When have your felt forgotten by someone? What was the situation?  Did you tell them how you felt?  What was their response?
• Have you ever felt forgotten by God? What was the situation?  Did you tell God how you felt?  What was God’s response?
• Do you like to receive praise? Do you enjoy when someone gives you a compliment?  Why or why not?
• Would you rather be recognized at work for a job well done or at home? What is different about the recognition?
• Identify how you have been a good steward of your God given gifts in the past week.
• How can you/do you protect the gifts God has given to you?
• Do you consider yourself trustworthy? What qualities does someone who is trustworthy need to have?
• Do you spend as much time preparing your heart to be true to God, as you do trying to impress others?

 

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Lord, help me to let go

ALL:  of the selfish thoughts which drive my actions.

Leader:  Lord, help me to let go

 ALL:  of the doubt that I am not good enough.

Leader:  Lord, help me to let go

ALL:  of the sin which keeps me from a deeper relationship.

Leader:  Lord, help me to let go

ALL:  of the agenda in my mind and not of my heart.

Leader:  Lord, help me to let go

ALL:  of the anxiety and worry that my prayers are not heard.

Leader:  Lord, help me to let go

ALL:  of the fear that keeps me from experiencing peace.

 

Challenge for the Week:  Reflect this week about the basic need of an infant and how they are similar to our needs from God.  What causes the infant to cry out?  Typically they are hungry/thirsty, dirty diaper, tired or bored.  We cry out for the same reasons.  We are born with a hunger & thirst for God, a space within that only God can fill and we seek many other things to try to satisfy but we need God.  In our lives, we find ourselves in need of a diaper change.  We get stuck in the muck of sin and need God to clean us up and send us out clean.  We also become tired and weary because we occupy too much of our time with what we think we need to do and don’t allow time to rest in the silence of God.  When was the last time you took time out of your day, week, or year for a silent retreat with God to rest?  And lastly, we become bored, or worse, boring.  Our lives become boring when we aren’t growing and changing into the person God created us to be.  We need God to help us be challenged!  So, just as we care for the needs of a crying infant, God is there to nurture us and give the comfort we need to be consoled.

Seventh Sunday of Ordinary Time

 

Opening Prayer

Jesus

When I feel beaten

and alone,

When it seems all is lost

or forgotten,

Let me cling to YOUR spirit.

Allow me to gain strength

through your love.

Come.

Dwell in my soul.

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Leviticus 19:1-2, 17-18

• In what way are you holy as God is holy? (Be specific).
• How does it feel when you carry a grudge, hatred or revenge with you?

 1 Corinthians 3:16-23

• Can a person deceive themselves? Can they lie to themselves?  Share an example.
• If God dwells in you, you are the tabernacle. How do you treat your body as the temple of God?  How do you honor God within yourself?

 Matthew 5:38-48

• What makes it difficult to turn the other cheek? Name the feeling.  Where does it come from?
• When was the last time you gave more than was required or asked for? What was the situation?  Why did you give more?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• How do you define community?
• Are you a member of one or more communities?
• What value do you derive by being a part of a community?
• Is there someone whom you are in conflict with right now? What stands in the way of reconciliation?
• What do you see when you look in the mirror? Do you see your sin or your potential?
• Knowledge you can measure through testing to show how much you know. How is wisdom measured?
• On a scale from 1-10, identify the wisdom within. How do you rate?  Do you know anyone whom you’d rate at a 10?
• Who taught you about taking turns or how to be fair?
• How does it feel when you don’t get your turn?
• Are there situations in your life right now that are “not fair”? How do you deal with them?
• Is there something in your life (a sin) which tempts you? Do you give in?  What helps you to resist?
• Have you ever been able to find peace in an unfair situation?

 

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Holy is the word of Jesus,

ALL:  Holy is the WORD!

Leader:  Holy is the flesh of Jesus,

ALL:  Holy is the BODY!

Leader:  Holy is the blood of Jesus,

ALL:  Holy is the BLOOD!

Leader:  Holy is the cross of Jesus,

ALL:  Holy is the CROSS!

Leader:  Holy is the peace of Jesus,

ALL:  Holy is his PEACE!

Leader:  Holy is the name of Jesus,

ALL:  Holy is his NAME!

 

Challenge for the Week:  We often find it easier to point out the bad things in ourselves (and others) than to identify the good things.  This week, make a list of at least 10 things you love about yourself.  Then, next to each good quality or trait, write the name of another person in your life whom shares that trait.  Make an effort to list a different person for each gift you wrote down about yourself.  The next time you see that person who shares this characteristic you love about yourself and them; tell them.  Allow the “love” of the Valentines holiday extend past one day.

Sixth Sunday of Ordinary Time

 

Opening Prayer

Father

Give me the eyes to see you!

I want to choose you,

I want to run to you,

I want to love you,

but I find it difficult at times

to embrace what I cannot see.

Fill me with the faith to choose you,

even when I cannot see!

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Sirach 15:15-20

• Is it enough to simply say we choose God? Why or why not?
• How have your words and actions show you choose God?

 1 Corinthians 2:6-10 

• Describe what it is within you that confirms for you God exists? How do you see God?  How do you hear God?  What does God smell like, taste like, feel like?
• What does your heart tell you about God?

 Matthew 5:17-37

• Can you love God and others without the law? Are the commandments necessary?  Why or why not?
• Is there a difference between what others see on the outside vs what is true on the inside? Is your true faith lived out in your everyday words and actions?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• When you are faced with a choice, do you consult God before making your decision?
• Are there decisions you need to make each day which you don’t need to consult with God? What are they?
• If you believe God sees all things, why do you still sin?
• Is it easy or difficult to choose between good and evil? How can you tell the difference?
• Identify the ways in which the commandments help you.
• Do you follow God’s commandments out of fear of going to hell?
• What does fear of God look like to you?
• How is wisdom different than knowledge or understanding?
• How do you live out the law?
• Is it possible to live beyond the law? What would that look like?

 

Closing Prayer

Leader:  You give your love

ALL:  in all of creation.

Leader:  You give your love

 ALL:  with a rainbow.

Leader:  You give your love

 ALL:  in the commandments.

Leader:  You give your love

ALL:  on a cross.

Leader:  You give your love

ALL:  in the Word & Eucharist.

Leader:  You give your love

ALL:  through US!

 

Challenge for the Week:  How does God influence your decisions?  Do you turn to God to help you discern your life choices or are there others in your life who help you?  Allow yourself to consider the decisions you make and process in which you make them.  Do the people whom you ask for help have your best interests at heart or do they have something to lose or gain?  How do the commandments play a role in the decisions you make?  Reflect on the 10 commandments this week and come up with questions you can ask yourself when you are faced with a decision.  Allow these questions to help you make a choice which falls in line with your beliefs and follows God’s plan for you in your life.  Give God room in your life and in your decisions to guide you.

Fifth Sunday of Ordinary Time

 

Opening Prayer

Lord,

When do you call my name?

How can I be assured it is you?

Let the light be my guide.

May is shine brightly on my path.

Lead me Lord!

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Isaiah 58:7-10

• Share an example of how God is behind you doing good things for others.
• Isaiah is telling us in the scripture that in our works for others, God is there. In what other scripture passage do we hear this message?

 1 Corinthians 2:1-5

• Paul is saying there is nothing getting in the way of the word he is preaching. What kind of things can get in the way in some of our conversations with others?  What do we sometimes hide behind?
• Is there a situation in your life right now where you need be more like St Paul in this scripture and be honest?

 Matthew 5:13-16

• What gives your life flavor?
• Make a list of all of the things which produce light. What produces darkness?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• Do you like to share? What is something you like to share?
• Are there things in your life that you don’t like to share? Why?
• When do you call out to God for help? What type of things do you want/need God’s help with?
• Why do you think there is so much value put on volunteering? Why is it important?
• When was the last time you volunteered? (gave your time and talent without expectation of compensation)
• Have you ever received something in return for volunteering? How did it make you feel?
• Do you volunteer often? Why or why not?
• Is volunteering easy or difficult?
• How do you think God wards off gloom in your life? Give examples.
• What does it look like to rely fully on God for your happiness?
• Have you ever claimed to know more than you really do? When?  What was the circumstance?  How did the situation turn out for you?
• How can you shine the spotlight on the good works of another?

 

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Through compassion I give and receive;

ALL:  Your mercy endures forever!

Leader:  Through understanding, watching and waiting;

 ALL:  Your patience endures forever! 

Leader:  Through good works, for myself and others;

 ALL:  Your justice endures forever!

Leader:  Through forgiveness, I offer and accept;

ALL:  Your grace endures forever!

Leader:  Through eternal life given through death;

ALL:  Your love endures forever!

 

Challenge for the Week:  In science class, students often get to experience at least once in their life either witness or performing the litmus test.  This test, if you don’t remember uses a special type of paper to determine the acidity of a specific item.  The actual definition of a litmus test is a test in which a single factor (such as an attitude, event, or fact) is decisive and produces a definitive result.  The Gospel uses salt and light to prove a point about.  The challenge is to perform your own litmus test to determine how “salty” you are and how much “light’ you produce.  Do you think you will be happy with your results?

Fourth Sunday of Ordinary Time

 

Opening Prayer

Father

What do I ask for when I pray?

What is it I seek?

Do I seek your will or

do I expect you to do what I ask?

Do I trust you in word alone

or do my actions reflect my trust too?

Bring me to my knees,

humble me.

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Zephaniah 2:3; 3:12-13

• Are there laws of God which you disagree? If so, what are they?
• How does God keep you from telling lies or doing wrong?

 1 Corinthians 1:26-31

• God makes you worthy of your call…what are excuses do you still use to not live out your call?
• How can being weak, foolish and lowly give glory to God?

 Matthew 5:1-12a

• Which one of the Beatitudes stands out to you as one you have or can achieve?
• Which one of the Beatitudes do you think sounds impossible to achieve?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• Where is happiness found? Do you feel like it hides from you at times?
• When you read scripture, do you allow a piece of it to remain with you?
• God speaks to us daily, are you listening? What is God saying to you today?
• Would you say you are living with purpose? Where would you fall on a scale from 1-10?
• When you leave a conversation, a meeting or the dinner table, what do you leave behind? Is it a spirit of love, friendship or peace?  Or is it frustration, anger or discontent?
• Do you allow the power of God to work in you and through you? Give examples.
• Are there people in your home or at your workplace who need to hear that God loves them? What can you do?
• Is there a difference between being faithful and living your faith?
• When was the last time you sacrificed something for the good of another person in your family?
• Have you ever sacrificed something for the good of someone you’ve never met? When?  How?  Why?
• Share a time when you were singled out or rejected because of your belief in God.
• Are there people whom you are afraid to share your faith with? Why or why not?

 

Closing Prayer (Inspired by Psalm 146)

Leader:  God raises me up…

ALL:  I am blessed!

Leader:  God gives me comfort…

 ALL:  I am blessed!

Leader:  God protects me from harm…

 ALL:  I am blessed!

Leader:  God sustains me; my one constant…

ALL:  I am blessed!

Leader:  God is forever faithful…

ALL:  I am blessed!

 

Challenge for the Week:  Take the time to read the scriptures again this week.  Read them out loud so the words go out from your mouth and back in through your ears.  Allow time after you’ve read them to sit and meditate on what you read.  As you sit in silence, let the words swim in your mind, picturing each word.  Spend as much time as necessary until ONE word stands out, ONE word that does not leave you but buries itself into your heart, mind and soul.  What is that word?  Let this word be your guide this week as though it is a call to action.  How many times does it appear in the bible and in what context?  Are there prayers written which highlight this word, if not, write one.  Is there a way to live out this word?  Make a plan to do so, perhaps inspiring others to join you.  Let God speak to you!