First Sunday of Advent

 

Opening Prayer

Father

You create us to love,

Only we can give your love

You show us your love,

Only we can spread your love

Teach us, mold us, open us

Until your love is spread throughout the world!

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Jeremiah 33:14-16

• How do the promises of Christ live out/on in your life?
• What has God risen up in your life? How do you show gratitude for it?

1Thessalonians 3:12-4:2

• How can you “strengthen” your heart? What exercises are needed to build up your heart?
• What is the difference between full of mercy and full of grace?

 Luke 21:5-28, 34-36

• How do you see/imagine Jesus coming?
• How does Jesus “return” each day of your life?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• How does God bring Justice to the world?
• Where does your security come from?
• When do you feel the safest?
• What can you rely on? What is consistent in your life?
• How has your life been blessed because of your faith in God?
• Do you believe in God because you fear Him? Why or why not?
• What do you need to do to be more holy? What does that mean?
• Is there a synonym for holy?
• What good has come from a recent struggle you experienced?
• Are there things which cause your stress? What is it about these things that make you anxious?

 

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Find us seeking you in our daily schedule…

ALL:  We are ready!

Leader:  Find us seeking you in the highs and lows…

 ALL:  We are ready!

Leader:  Find us seeking you in the decisions we make…

 ALL:  We are ready!

Leader: Find us seeking you in the joys and sorrows…

 ALL:  We are ready!

Leader:  Find us seeking you every minute of the day…

 ALL:  We are ready!

 

Challenge for the Week:  This time of year our schedules begin to fill up, there are extra activities with the kids, gathering of family and friends and additional expectations as a Christian to keep Jesus as the reason for the season.  No wonder we get this warning about not getting drowsy in this week’s reading!  There is a long road ahead of us…some might call it the Christmas Season but I’m referring to the Advent Season.  When we take our discipleship seriously we should be able to see this holiday season not as long lines and wintry slush…instead we rest in the knowledge Jesus is on his way!

Solemnity of Christ The King

 

Opening Prayer

Lord

Let us come to you in the morning

At the beginning of our day

so we can take you with us.

Let us come to you in the daytime

In the middle of the day

so we can stay connected to you.

Let us come to you in the evening

At the end of the day

so we can review our day together.

Let us know you are with us always!

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Daniel 7:13-14

• What does this scripture tell you about the majesty of God? How is this description similar of different than how you define the majesty of God?
• How does God have dominion over you in your life?

 Revelation 1:5-8

• Jesus is a faithful witness. How are you a faithful witness to Jesus?
• How do you feel that Jesus will come again for all…everyone?

 John 18:33b-37

• Pilate is listening to the crowd and following the majority. When have you listened to the majority and followed the crowd?
• What kept those who loved Jesus from standing up for him?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• Describe the kingdom of God. Are these hopes of what you expect it to be or understanding from someplace else that this is what the kingdom of God really is?
• How is God’s kingdom similar or different than the kingdoms of the old centuries? How is it similar or different from those who govern the countries of the world today?
• When can you first remember thinking about Jesus?
• What was the last “project” you started and finished? How long did it take?  Were feelings of accomplishments associated with the completion?  Did you experience any setbacks?  Will you do it again?
• Are there areas in your life which you are proud of? Would Jesus also be proud of those things?
• How do you know when someone is lying to you? Is it subjective?
• Could you describe Jesus’ voice? Do you think it is the same all the time?  Does Jesus’ voice sound different to different people?

 

Closing Prayer

Leader:  The injustice that happens each day…

ALL:  We are called to see.

Leader:  The cries of those in need and hurting…

 ALL:  We are called to listen.

Leader:  The forgotten, the lost and the forsaken…

 ALL:  We are called to love.

Leader: The stranger and the neighbor…

 ALL:  We are called to help.

Leader:  Broken but mended by the power of faith…

 ALL:  We are called children of God.

 

Challenge for the Week:  It might seem early but the Catholic Church’s liturgical year ends with these readings; time for a “New Year’s Party”!  Take time this week to consider what you can leave behind and what you want to take with you in the coming year.  Shed some things, go to reconciliation, begin the New Year with a new slate.  Think about what you need to live in God’s kingdom and make a point to continue those practices and let go of the things that weigh you down in this world.  It’s time to make some resolutions!

Thirty-Third Sunday of Ordinary Time

Opening Prayer

Lord

Why do we search in all the wrong places to find you?

When we look in the darkness,

You are not there.

When we look behind, above and below,

You are not there.

You are in all things at all times…yet we struggle to find you!

Thank you for not turning away;

Thank you for your grace, love and mercy;

Thank you!  Thank you!  Thank you!

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Daniel 12:1-3

• What qualities do you learn are important to have as a witness of Christ through this scripture? Do you possess any of them?  If so, which ones?  If not, what can you do to build up these qualities within?
• Who are “stars” who shine brightly? Are there people in your life who let God’s light shine and worked toward justice?  Can you name some people in history who have been examples of “stars”?
• How might your life be different if you followed the stars?

Hebrews 10:11-14, 18

• Why is sacrifice needed? What sacrifice(s) do you make for your relationship with God?
• How does one become perfect in Christ? Is this even possible?  Why or why not?
• Consider, through the words of this scripture, the importance of the sacrifice of Mass. What is happening at Mass and do we understand the meaning as it is happening?

Mark 13:24-32

• What is Jesus telling us about what we can take with us when we die? How does this change how you think of material things?  How does this change how you might spend the rest of your life?
• Does this scripture cause you fear or another emotion? What emotion do you think Jesus wants us to feel?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• In the past week, where did you see God’s light shine? Who did it shine through?
• Where do you turn for comfort when you are in distress? Is God there?
• Would you consider yourself a leader or a follower? Why?
• What was the last thing you took the lead on? Who was it for?  What was the task?  How did it turn out?
• What kind of leader are you or would you be? Why?
• How can you make your sins go away? What do you do to ensure you don’t ever sin again?
• What does God do or can God do to help you defeat sin?

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Though we are sinners;

ALL:  You made one sacrifice for our sins.

Leader:  Though we are ignorant;

ALL:  You continue to teach us your ways.

Leader:  Though we often lose direction;

ALL:  You continue to guide us on the right path.

Leader: Though we waste much;

ALL:  You continue to give us what we need.

Leader:  Though we continue to fall short;

ALL:  You continue to build us up.

ALL:  Thank you Lord, for your constant love!

 

Challenge for the Week:  Attend Mass.  It really doesn’t matter if you do it on the weekend or during the week, the outcome is the same…you have witnessed a living sacrifice.  What does this even mean?  Well, when you go to Mass, it shouldn’t be just out of obligation so you can get it checked off of your “to do list” or because you get to see friends or enjoy coffee and donuts afterwards.  Nor should you attend Mass and not be an active participant.  Mass is the “shortened” version of what is actually called the “Holy Sacrifice of the Mass” where Catholics come together to remember the sacrifice Jesus made for us.  This act of love is monumental and deserves a response from each of us who gather to remember it.  Jesus died for us and in return as believers, we should sacrifice some of ourselves each time we come to take the Eucharist.  We should leave a piece of ourselves behind each time we receive a piece of Jesus at Communion, this is how we become more like Him!  So, go…make a sacrifice this week and leave behind the grumpy, negative, judgmental part of you and let the joyful, positive and accepting light of Jesus shine through!

Thirty-Second Sunday of Ordinary Time

Opening Prayer

Generous Lord

Let us learn by your example

to give without counting the cost

to love without condition or boundaries

to trust beyond a shadow of a doubt

to believe with our entire heart and soul… YOU ARE GOD!

Journal/Reflection Questions

1Kings 17:10-16

• What does the widow do to receive the generosity of another?
• Are there only a few people whom you would sacrifice the last of something for or would you sacrifice the same for a stranger/anybody?

Hebrews 9:24-28

• What is the significance of one sacrifice?
• How does one find salvation according to this scripture?

Mark 12:38-44 or 12:41-44

• What is Jesus telling us about giving? Is He only talking about money to the church?
• What are the two types of people Jesus is referring to in this scripture? What characteristics are being highlighted as good and bad?  Where would you rate yourself on the scale?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• What do you have that never runs empty?
• What do you have that limits you?
• Is there anything you wouldn’t give away? What would it be and why?
• Would you say you have a generous spirit? Why or why not?
• What is needed to create a habit of giving? Do you have it?
• Are there always rewards for doing good things?
• What good comes from helping others?

Closing Prayer

Leader:  When I am held up at a red light…

ALL:  Help me make room for YOU!

Leader:  When I give up control of the remote…

ALL:  Help me make room for YOU!

Leader:  When I let someone else choose…

ALL:  Help me make room for YOU!

Leader: When I hold my tongue…

ALL:  Help me make room for YOU!

Leader: When I sacrifice time or money for another…

ALL:  Help me make room for YOU!

 

Challenge for the Week:   Jesus uses the widow woman to show how one gives from the heart, all they have to give.  This week, make a point to not just do the minimum needed or required of whatever task is in front of you.  Give a little more effort in preparing the meal for your family, take a bit more time enjoying the beauty of the colors of fall, and be more attentive when your spouse is telling you about the events of the day…whatever you have in front of you, give yourself completely.

All Saint Day

Opening Prayer

Lord,

You marked us for greatness

and washed us in the waters of baptism.

May we see to do your will

and act in a manner worthy of your love.

Reveal to us your ways

so we can show your love to others.

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Revelation 7:2-4, 9-14

• How are the people of the Old Testament similar and different from people of today?
• What saints are you familiar with whose lives revealed suffering as a pathway to reward? What do you learn from their experience?

1John 3:1-3

• What qualities of God/Jesus/Holy Spirit do you have in common?
• What qualities do you see in the saints that remind you of God? Jesus?  Holy Spirit?
• How well do you know God? Jesus?  Holy Spirit?  How do you describe the relationship you have with Him?

Matthew 5:1-12a

• Jesus goes to the top of the mountain just as Moses did to share a message. What similarities do you see in these two scriptures?  What value is found in comparing the two?
• Jesus tells us to rejoice in the suffering, how can this be achieved?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• Where do you see necessary suffering? Is that even possible?
• Is there suffering which you have grown indifferent to in your life?
• How do you define salvation?
• What does salvation promise?
• How do you wish to be remembered?
• Are you leaving a spiritual legacy behind? What is the message?
• Is there a saint or are there saints you wish to be more like? Whom would you want to be friends with and what keeps you from forming a relationship with them now?
• Which “blessed” do you most relate to at this time in your life? Why?
• How do you reward yourself on earth? What is the reward promised to you in heaven?

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Promises revealed…

ALL:  Blessed are we; your children!

Leader:  Prayers answered…

ALL:  Blessed are we; your children!

Leader:  Ransom paid…

ALL:  Blessed are we; your children!

Leader: Peace for all…

ALL:  Blessed are we; your children!

Leader: Sealed in love…

ALL:  Blessed are we; your children!

 

Challenge for the Week:   The beatitudes remind us that even in the bad times there is beauty; remember every rose has thorns.  Take time this week to write your own personal set of beatitudes about your life.  For example, “Blessed are the homemakers for they sacrifice themselves for the sake of their families” or “Blessed are Parents who give of themselves for the sake of their children; contentment will be yours.”  Write 5 or 6 of them to help gain a clear perspective of how your Christian perspective lives out though the things you value and what you are grateful for in your life.

The Thirtieth Sunday of Ordinary Time

Opening Prayer

Lord,

We shout for joy because you

heal us,

you protect us

and you provide for us!

Continue to lead us in your Word,

so we may learn your ways

and be Christ to others.  AMEN.

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Isaiah 31:7-9

• Who are the burdened and downtrodden in this scripture? How does God provide them with support?
• Where do you find security in this scripture? How is it or how can it be played out in your life?

Hebrews 5:1-6

• What can you learn from this scripture about dealing with people who try your patience?
• What does this scripture say about weakness? What are your weaknesses?

Mark 10:46-52

• What do you say when you cry out to Jesus?
• Are you persistent in making your desires known to God? What do you do about making your needs known and then acting on them?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• Where do you seek consolation?
• Who comes to you for support when they are weary? What do you offer?  Is it too much?  Is it not enough?  How do you know it is what they need?
• Have you ever felt the path you are on has too many curves or bumps? What can be done to level out the road a bit?  How can you help yourself with this task?  What can you do for others?
• When did you recently sacrifice something for another person’s good? When has someone done the same for you?  Has this happened with or without regret or expectation?
• Make a list of 5-10 good qualities you possess which would draw people to you.
• When someone comes to your for counsel, do you look for how you will benefit or how they will benefit? OR do you turn to the Holy Spirit for guidance in the counsel you give?  What does this look like?
• Jesus stood up for you and died for your sins; who do you stand up for? How do you let them know you stand up for them even in their weakness?
• Are there people who refuse to “be quiet” in your life or in the community? Do they stay on one topic or do they harp on many?  What do you think their goal is?
• Where do you see Jesus working today? What is He doing to shout out the message of forgiveness, mercy and healing?

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Jesus, have pity on me and restore my soul

ALL:  for I am weak.

Leader:  Jesus, have pity on me and restore my soul

ALL:  for I am blind.

Leader:  Jesus, have pity on me and restore my soul

ALL:  for I am crippled.

Leader: Jesus, have pity on me and restore my soul

ALL:  for I am ignorant.

Leader: Jesus, have pity on me and restore my soul

ALL:  for I am a sinner.

 

Challenge for the Week:   Take time this week to think about what it would be like to be blind.  How would you feel?  How might you be different?  How would you define the word see if you were blind, not having the experience of knowing what it truly was?  Then spend time considering what makes you “blind”?  What keeps you from seeing the positive in people or situations rather than the negative?  What things in your life or within yourself do you refuse to see and change?  How much time and effort do you spend trying to keep these things hidden from others, from God?  Pray…”Jesus, son of David, have pity on me.”

The Twenty-Ninth Sunday of Ordinary Time

Opening Prayer

Infinite God

You know us because you created us

You understand us because you became one of us

You have felt our pain,

You know what it feels like to weep,

You hold us dear to your heart despite our failings

YOU ARE LOVE!

Journal/Reflection Questions

Isaiah 53:10-11

• What good can come from suffering?
• Have you ever wanted to take the place of another person who was suffering? Why?  What was the situation?

 

Hebrews 4:14-16

• How does this scripture make you feel?
• When do you recall Jesus showing weakness? When did he suffer?  What makes you know Jesus understands us when we have done wrong?

 

Mark 10:35-45

• When have you been like the disciples and not understood what you were truly asking?
• How does Jesus try to explain? Do they come to understand?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• Consider a time when suffering with someone caused healing?
• How does suffering through something cause you to draw closer to God? How does it separate you?
• What miracles does God allow through suffering?
• When was the last time you felt you were being tested? Who was testing you?
• What does it mean to sympathize with someone?
• Do you know anyone who is good at showing sympathy? What does it look like?
• Why do you think it is fun to be “king of the mountain”? What do you think about when you are the one in charge?
• Who do you know is a good example of being a servant to others? Anyone in the community?  Your family?
• Are there things worth fighting for? Worth suffering for?

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Moses an abandoned child and Leader of the Israelites.

ALL:  Through suffering, YOU are light

Leader:  Joseph imprisoned and champion of dreams.

ALL:  Through suffering, YOU are light

Leader:  Jesus crucified and resurrected.

ALL:  Through suffering, YOU are light

Leader:  Peter denied and head of the Church.

ALL:  Through suffering, YOU are light

Leader: Destruction of the world and a brilliant sunrise.

ALL:  Through suffering, YOU are light

 

Challenge for the Week:   The corporate ladder coined the phrase to “one up” someone which meant to move up a rung of the ladder ahead of another.  This type of competition isn’t anything new to human nature, it happened with the disciples and even the sons of Adam and Eve!  There is always someone who thinks they are better or smarter or better looking; they believe they deserve the high praise and recognition but Jesus is saying the one who deserves to live in the kingdom is the one who suffers.  Since it is human nature for us to compare ourselves to one another, watch yourself this week.  When you think someone did a better job than you, tell them.  If there is someone who is having a good hair day, let them know.  Recognizing and acknowledging the good of others is a practice of humility and that can be pretty painful.  And remember, Jesus isn’t asking us to suffer alone…He knows how we feel, He has been there!

The Twenty-Eighth Sunday of Ordinary Time

Opening Prayer

Lord,

Break the chains which bind us

Defeat the giants which block our path

Overcome our fears and judgments

Wipe away our selfish thoughts

Soften our hard hearts

So we may better follow YOU

And share YOUR love with others!

Journal/Reflection Questions

Wisdom 7:7-11

• For what do you pray? How does God respond to your prayers?
• Can you identify with the emotion expressed in this scripture? To what could you compare it?

 

Hebrews 4:12-13

• This scripture reminds us God sees everything we do and knows everything we think…how does this change your daily prayer?
• Our instinct like Adam and Eve is to try to cover up our wrong doing. What might happen if you didn’t cover up what you did wrong?

 

Mark 10:17-30

• How do you relate to the Rich Man? When have you felt God ask you to do something you were not ready to do?
• Does this scripture tell us God wants us to REALLY give up everything to follow Him? What is the ultimate message here?
• Have you ever been discouraged like the Rich Man in the Gospel reading because you have been faithful but Jesus continues to ask for more from you?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• Reflect on your prayers; are they the same each day?
• Are your prayers specific or general?
• Do you plead with God only when you are in trouble?
• How are pleading and begging the same or different? Can you bargain with God?
• When did you last rejoice in God? How was your joy spread to others?
• What is your process for making decisions? Where does God fit into your discernment?
• Who can be saved? What does it mean to be saved?
• Do you think anyone can ever stop being good? Honest?  Faithful?
• How do you pass on your faith to others?

Closing Prayer

Leader:  May I seek out where YOU lead…

ALL:  Fill my spirit with WISDOM!

Leader:  May I be glad today and everyday…

ALL:  Fill my spirit with REJOICING!

Leader:  May I reach out to others…

ALL:  Fill my spirit with KINDNESS!

Leader:  May I sing YOUR praises…

ALL:  Fill my spirit with CELEBRATION!

Leader: May I follow YOUR heart…

ALL:  Fill my spirit with LOVE!

 

Challenge for the Week:   Identify one thing which is keeping you from giving yourself completely to Jesus?  What it is that you just can’t let go of or stands in your way of fully embracing the life God intended for you to live?  Jesus says to let go and follow me.  Consider how you feel when you don’t have someone’s full attention; perhaps a child when you are disciplining them or a spouse when you are sharing about the ups and downs of your day.  This must be how God feels when he is speaking to us and sharing His desires with us.  This week work on shedding ONE obstacle which causes you to not be in full communion with Jesus.  Work on breaking the habit and creating a new one which keeps you on the path toward a better relationship with God, the ultimate JOY!

The Twenty-Seventh Sunday of Ordinary Time

Opening Prayer

God

You created us man and woman

so we can share in the fullness of your love.

We are called to be in community

with one another and in communion with you.

May we not remove ourselves

from the blessing others can be to us

even though conflict may arise.

Let us seek you in others

and build up the kingdom together in love!

Journal/Reflection Questions

Genesis 2:18-24

• What does this scripture remind you about in terms of your role as a human being?
• Does this scripture cause you to think of a woman as an afterthought? Why or Why not?
• How do you rate in terms of being an environmentalist? Do you recycle? Care for animals? Tend to the earth?  What does this reading tell us about our responsibility?

Hebrews 2:9-11

• What does this scripture tell you about Jesus’ love?
• What is the one origin which this scripture refers to?

Mark 10:2-16

• If you read this scripture through the eyes of a child, what different thoughts or insights might you gather?
• This scripture tells us divorce is a man written law, what do you believe God thinks about divorce?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• God created man and woman to be partners. What obstacles does the world create to keep this from being true?
• Eve is created from Adam’s rib. Reflect on the beauty of marriage when the rib becomes reunited.
• Jesus came to be with us…identify how you feel the presence of God when you are alone.
• What can you do to find the Jesus in each person you meet? Is it possible to see Jesus in someone whom you don’t like or who doesn’t know Jesus?
• Would there be need for divorce if marriage was entered into with the understanding of the bond created at creation?

Closing Prayer

Leader:  As we awake and begin each morning…

ALL:  May we rejoice in your love!

Leader:  As we settle into the routine of our day…

ALL:  May we rejoice in your love!

Leader:  As we encounter struggles and stress…

ALL:  May we rejoice in your love!

Leader:  As we celebrate blessings and joys…

ALL:  May we rejoice in your love!

Leader: As we lay down to rest in your embrace…

ALL:  May we rejoice in your love!

 

Challenge for the Week:   Think of a married couple you know and reflect on their relationship through the lens of these readings.  How do they complement one another?  Can you see the partnership between the two of them?

The Twenty-Sixth Sunday of Ordinary Time

Opening Prayer

Jesus

You come to us, when we call on you.

You are at our side, each time we turn around.

Never do we have to seek to find you;

You are there.

You don’t turn your back on us;

even when we turn our back on you.

Teach us through your Word

to be a constant presence to others!

Journal/Reflection Questions

Numbers 11:25-29

• Have you ever experienced the Holy Spirit speaking through you?
• Can you identify the message God is sending to the people in this scripture? What do you think Moses is thinking or feeling?

James 5:1-6

• What does this scripture say about what the world says is “fair” and what God says is “fair”?
• What does this scripture say about earning a good wage?

Mark 9:38-43, 45, 47-48

• How do you speak out in the name of Jesus? What is the response when you do?
• Where do you see God revealed in a typical day, week, month, year?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• Where do you see the Holy Spirit working?
• Can you determine where it is truly the Holy Spirit and where it is someone “acting” as though the Spirit is speaking through them? How can you tell the difference?
• Identify the gifts you find in other faiths, including the one which you practice. What good things are happening?
• Have you ever tried to make something fair? What was the situation?  Did it work?
• Is it okay to take from the rich to help the poor or is it just as wrong as the rich withholding from those who need help?
• Is there a specific injustice you see in the world and feel called to do something about? What is stopping you?
• Have you ever been in an “exclusive” club or organization? A sorority or fraternity?  Hold a membership card where you receive benefits for being a member?  How does it make you feel when you receive the special benefits from being a member?  What would you do or feel if someone who didn’t do what you did still received the benefits without paying their “dues”?

Closing Prayer

Leader:  We come into this world with the blemish of original sin

ALL:  May you come and wash it away, Jesus!

Leader:  We grow to learn the power of money and fame

ALL:  May you come and wash it away, Jesus!

Leader:  We determine right from wrong based on what we read and see through the media

ALL:  May you come and wash it away, Jesus!

Leader:  We listen to the lies of those who say we are not enough

ALL:  May you come and wash it away, Jesus!

Leader: You give us all we need, let us surrender to your truth

ALL:  May we turn to you refreshed and clean!

 

Challenge for the Week:   How often do we pass judgment on another person simply because they worship or pray in the same way as we do?  What right do we have to judge if a person is good and holy based on the church they attend?  We do not have any right to judge another.  We need to ignore those human instincts to compare and look with the eyes of Jesus to the focus or the truth of what others do.  If they are working toward peace and justice, who cares if they are Jewish or Islam or another Christian denomination?  Just because someone doesn’t worship at the same location in the same way, doesn’t mean they are not serving the same God.  Sure we might have a few or even a lot of differences but when we are working toward the same goal of salvation, does it really matter?  Take time this week and start to break down any walls that have been built between you and another person or a group of people.  Let God’s truth come and tear those walls down so only love remains.