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Sunday, October 25th Readings

30th Sunday of Ordinary Time

Opening Prayer

Lord

Teach me to see like you see

Teach me to hear like you hear

Teach me to love like you love

Teach me to have a heart

which opens without fear or judgement.

I want YOUR love overflow onto everyone I meet.

Journal/Reflection Questions

Exodus 22:20-26

  • How are you called, like the Israelites to repay God’s love? Identify 1-3 ways you show God love throughout the week.
  • Does this scripture inspire you to reach out to someone? Perhaps God has placed it on your heart to help someone and you have been holding back. What specifically is God calling you to do?

1Thessalonians 1:5c-10

  • Have you felt the “joy” from the Holy Spirit which Saint Paul is taking about? How can you channel this joy more often in your life?
  • What does the Holy Spirit offer you? 

Matthew 22:34-40

  • Jesus says the Greatest Commandment is LOVE. How do you show or express love to God? Your neighbors? Yourself?
  • Did Jesus answer the question he was being asked? Why or why not? 

General Questions for Journaling

  • Where is compassion found? Is it something taught (you can learn) or something you have naturally? How is it different than love?
  • Consider how you respond to others. How do you treat people you know? How do you treat people you don’t know? How is it similar? How is it different?
  • How do you show love? How do you receive love?
  • Where do you see love in the world?
  • Reflect on a time when someone showed you love. Did you welcome their love or reject it? Why?
  • What are human expressions of love? What are examples of how God expresses His love?
  • Does God put expectations on love? If yes, what are the expectations? If no, why not?
  • Identify how you feel about putting forth your love for God to others. Is it something you are comfortable doing? Are you hesitant or afraid?
  • Where would you rate how you love your neighbor on a scale of 1-10? Explain why you would give yourself this rating.
  • Identify examples of how you can love God with all your heart. Mind. Soul. Are there different examples for each or are they all the same? 
  • When have you recently felt God’s love for you? Explain the situation and how you know it was God.
  • Draw a picture of God’s love.
  • How does the Trinity help you to love your neighbor, even when they are difficult?

Closing Prayer – Poem by Elizabeth Barrett Browning

How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.

I love thee to the depth and breadth and height

My soul can reach, when feeling out of sight

For the ends of Being and ideal Grace.

I love thee to the level of every day’s

Most quiet need, by sun and candlelight.

I love thee freely, as men strive for Right;

I love thee purely, as they turn from Praise.

I love with a passion put to use

In my old griefs, and with my childhood’s faith.

I love thee with a love I seemed to lose

With my lost saints, I love thee with the breath,

Smiles, tears, of all my life! and, if God choose,

I shall but love thee better after death.

Challenge for the Week:  This week think about how God’s love has made your life better.  What is it about how God loves you that makes this happen?  Describe how God’s love feels and then write a prayer of thanksgiving or draw a picture to show appreciation for what God gives you.  THEN, consider how you may be the only example of God’s love in a person’s life today and make a commitment to show other’s God’s love more freely!

Sunday, October 18th Readings

29th Sunday of Ordinary Time

Opening Prayer

Creator of all things good,

You made me out of nothing,

to live and be and breathe.

Oh, how can we repay you!

Make me blind to the promises of this world;

        so I may more intentionally follow you Word.

Teach me to live from the inside out;    

        to give from the abundance you planted within me!

Journal/Reflection Questions

Isaiah 45 :1,4-6

  • Identify three ways God is showing His power in this scripture.
  • How do you make sense of the last line, “I am the Lord, there is no other,” how can you explain?

1Thessalonians 1:1-5b

  • St Paul is telling the Thessalonians that they have been chosen by God and so they must act in a way worthy. Share one way you acted worthy of the call this past week.
  • Explain the role of the Holy Spirit in this scripture passage.

Matthew 22:15-21

  • How do you think the Pharisees expected Jesus to respond to their question?
  • What were the Pharisees trying to get Jesus to say? What were they hoping would be the outcome?
  • What lesson is Jesus teaching here? How does His example speak to you?
  • Reflect on the Gospel message of giving to God what belongs to God and to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and identify parallels of what the world values still today.

General Questions for Journaling

  • What title do you give God?
  • Can you identify people who “breakdown” walls or free people from “bondage”? Who are these people? 
  • What are characteristics of a person who is full of the conviction of the Holy Spirit?
  • What role does the scripture say the Holy Spirit has in your life? On a scale from 1-10, how do you think the Holy Spirit is doing?
  • On a scale of 1-10, rate your ability to think before you speak. How often do you check with Jesus before you say something? How would your words be the same or different if you consulted Jesus before you spoke?
  • Describe how it felt/feels or describe how you imagine it would feel like to be chosen by God.  How does expectation compare to reality?
  • What has authority in your life? What rules your time? What dominates how your money is spent?
  • In what areas of your life do feel free? In what areas of your life do you feel oppressed?
  • How do you know when something is true? Where is truth learned? 
  • Is it possible to believe something as truth that is not actually true? Explain.
  • Have you ever been used in a relationship?
  • Have you entered a relationship with someone to gain something? Explain.
  • How can you tell if flattery is true or if someone is buttering you up?
  • Name 10 ways you give to God what belongs to God.

Closing Prayer

Leader:  You welcome the sinners, Jesus

ALL:  as though they are Saints!

Leader:  You walk with the angry and those full of doubt

ALL:  as well as the patient and joyful!

Leader:  You love us and forgive us

ALL:  even though we neglect you!

Leader:  May we know and understand

ALL:  that it is through Christ we are redeemed!

Challenge for the Week:  If we live our lives for Christ, then we become a new creation, not of this world.  This task is not for the faint of heart!  It requires us to learn how to balance the both/and of life.  We can get caught up in only following what God teaches and neglect our obligations of this life and separate ourselves from the realities of this world or we can put God on a shelf and visit Him on Sunday or occasionally throughout the week.  Finding balance helps us not become like the hypocrites who say one thing and do another.  Strive to live from the inside out, work on building up the Jesus within you and then there shouldn’t be any effort needed for His grace, mercy, love and forgiveness to overflow from you.  God wants us to live with mission and purpose, bringing Him into every aspect of our lives.  Work this week on bringing God into one or more of your daily tasks whether it be mowing the lawn, driving kids to school or at a meeting for work.  Focus on the Jesus within you and say a prayer to help you be aware of His presence within you…be open to listening to how He guides your thoughts and your words and allow HIM to come out!

Sunday, October 11th Readings

28th Sunday of Ordinary Time

Opening Prayer

Generous Lord,

I have received an invitation to a glorious banquet,

May grow to understand the value of this honor,

and reflect my gratitude through my words and actions.

It is you who wraps me in love, adorns me with grace,

and washes away all my sin; making me worthy.

All are welcome to the banquet of the Lord!

Journal/Reflection Questions

Isaiah 25 :6-10a

  • How does the idea of a banquet translate into how God calls you to live out your daily life? How is your daily life lived out as a banquet?
  • What is the veil Isaiah speaks of in this scripture? What is it that veils you from seeing God clearly?
  • Does this scripture help you understand about the veil which separates people from God in times of sorrow, pain and loss? Does it reassure you or scare you? Explain.

Philippians 4:12-14,19-20

  • God gives without measure. Can you say you give without measure? When you give, do you do it with expectation or out of obligation?
  • What reassurance do you have that God will supply you with all you need?
  • What is the secret of living in abundance with nothing? Does St Paul give you any indications how he does it? What suggestions would you give?

Matthew 22:1-4

  • Where do you find the parallels in this scripture and the kingdom of God?
  • How does this scripture change your perspective, knowing you are invited to attend the banquet? What can you do to get ready for the banquet?
  • Imagine yourself as a guest at the banquet. How do you feel? How do you interact with the other guests?

General Questions for Journaling

  • How has God been a hero in your life? Share a time when God swooped in and saved the day, wiped away tears and all rejoiced.
  • Make a list of 20 things that are worth celebrating. What makes them worthy of celebration? Are they only important to you or to others as well?
  • Identify a struggle you face currently. Pray this scripture each day as you face the challenge; then write down your thoughts and feelings about this struggle each day.
  • Share examples of times when human strength is not enough; only God’s strength can persevere.
  • What feelings are associated with an invitation? How do you feel when you send out an invitation? How do you feel when you receive an invitation?
  • When have you ignored an invitation? What were your reasons for not accepting?
  • Are you open or closed to God’s invitation to join Him at the feast? 
  • What is impressive about a banquet feast? Are there different rules for a banquet feast than for a typical meal? What would you wear to a banquet feast? How would act? What would be the topics of conversation?
  • How do you invite others to the feast God has prepared? Share a specific example.
  • What would you serve if Jesus came to your house for a meal?

Closing Prayer

Leader:  You have prepared a feast for me;

ALL:  I am humbled by your presence!

Leader: You have set the table with fine linen;

ALL:  I am humbled by your presence!

Leader:  You have killed the fatted calf;

ALL:  I am humbled by your presence!

Leader:  You have the finest wine;

ALL:  I am humbled by your presence!

Leader:  You have invited all to the feast;

ALL:  I am humbled by your presence!

Leader:  You have called me to be your beloved;

ALL:   I am humbled by your presence!

Challenge for the Week:  Whatever season of life you are in, there is “fasting” and “feasting” involved.  For example, a newlywed couple might be in a “fasting” season of time spent with friends or family because they are “feasting” on the new married life relationship.  They are focused on building their lives together as one and adjusting to the give and take of joining two households together.  Through this season, there are “personal” things they give up such as their bottle cap or stuffed animal collection to make room for “their” things and in turn “feast” in the joy of new memories made together.  Reflect this week on the things you “fast from” and “feast on” during the season of life you are currently in.  What drives the things you fast or feast from?  Do you have some kind of control over the things you fast from?  Are the things you feast on helping to build the kingdom of God in your midst?  Where is Christ in your fasting and feasting?

Sunday, October 4th Readings

27th Sunday of Ordinary Time

Opening Prayer

Heavenly Father,

Like the vineyard, my life need work.

Teach me to plant good things.

Allow me to be nourished.

Tended to me when I am weary.

I know there will be times when

        the weeds try to take over.

But I trust You are the ultimate Gardener,

        and you’ll help me produce good fruit!

Journal/Reflection Questions

Isaiah 5 :1-7

  • Compare the world to a vineyard. What do you imagine is growing; identify the weeds, the bugs and the different types of grapes. What are the fertilizers or the pesticides? What good is coming from the vineyard?
  • What can you learn from the vineyard owner, how does he work the field to produce a bounty? What kind of work do you do to produce good fruit?
  • What condition is your vineyard (spiritual life)? What are you doing to care for it? Prevent weeds? Sour grapes? Infestations? What can you do to help these things from taking over?

Philippians 4:6-9

  • Does this scripture bring comfort or frustration? Explain.
  • What does St. Paul say you need to do to guard you fears, worries and anxieties? How can this become a reality?

Matthew 21:33-43

  • How do you identify with the Gospel reading? Are there people or situations in your life which you visualize as you hear the Word spoken? How are you being called to change the situation?
  • The Gospel reading doesn’t sound too much different than what happens in the world today. How did God react to the wretched way people treat one another in the parable? How does Jesus’ response play out in today’s society?

General Questions for Journaling

  • Identify obstacles which keep you from being a better “keeper of the vineyard”? How can you avoid these obstacles?
  • Have you ever had a situation in your life that went wild and out of control? Why did it happen and what were you able to do about it?
  • What do you devote your time to? Does the way you spend your time accurately express your devotion?
  • Are there things in your life which cause you constant worry or anxiety? What is it about those things that you can’t let go of?
  • What advice can you give about letting go of anxiety?
  • Is there such a thing as worrying too much? What does it look like?
  • Can a person not worry enough? How does that look?
  • Is it hard or easy to find fault in yourself? Why or why not?
  • Is it hard or easy to find fault in others? Why or why not?
  • Are there things others believe are faults in you but you believe otherwise?
  • What does it mean to do what is honorable, just, lovely, pure, gracious? Do you think they are achievable?
  • Where do you find peace? How can you cultivate it? Is it possible to have peace all the time? Is it a fantasy?
  • Where do you see messengers of God’s peace? God’s love? Who might you consider to be one of God’s messengers?
  • Have you ever had a time when you felt you had done all you could but things still turned out badly?

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Lord, Grant me PEACE…

ALL:  when walls start to crumble.

Leader: Lord, Grant me PEACE…

ALL:  when confusion outweighs understanding.

Leader:  Lord, Grant me PEACE…

ALL:  when the world seems untamed.

Leader:  Lord, Grant me PEACE…

ALL:  when we feel alone and unsheltered.

Leader:  Lord, Grant me PEACE…

ALL:  when contempt and judgment take control.

Leader:  Lord, Grant me PEACE…

ALL:   and surround me with your love!

Challenge for the Week:  Draw a picture of either what you imagine anxiety looks like OR a picture of what you imagine your vineyard looks like.  Take out a blank piece of paper and with crayons, colored pencils/pens, or markers, set out to meditate and pray.  Don’t go into the activity anxious or telling yourself that it won’t turn out because you can’t draw.  Allow yourself at least 30 minutes and make it an act of prayer.

Sunday, September 27th Readings

26th Sunday of Ordinary Time

Opening Prayer

Saving Lord

Each step I take

whether I walk towards you or away from you

You are always with me!

You never leave.

Even when I turn away, YOU are near!

We are tied together eternally.

I am grateful for your presence.

Help me to be more mindful of the Holy Spirit in my life.

AMEN!

Journal/Reflection Questions

Ezekiel 18 :25-28

  • Reflect on a time this week when you turned away from wickedness. How did you recognize the wickedness? Did you turn to God instead?
  • What do you believe is not fair about following God?

Philippians 2:1-11

  • What encouragement do you hear in this scripture? What specifically is St Paul saying directly to you?
  • God’s joy is complete when we are of one mind with him. What can you do to work towards making God’s joy complete?

Matthew 21:28-32

  • Identify how this is a story about turning towards God. 
  • Consider how BOTH sons might work toward conversion.  How can you relate to each of them? 
  • How do the Elder’s change their ways because of Jesus’ words?  How are you called to change because of His words?

General Questions for Journaling

  • Is there something wicked in your life? Does it linger? Does it fester? Are you comforted by it? 
  • What helps you turn away from sin?
  • Are there things which tempt you that you need to seek help from others/from God to conquer?
  • Are there things you know are sins but you do them anyways? 
  • Are good words or good deeds better? Explain. Are you better at good words or good deeds?  Share examples of both.
  • Who are some of the people whose needs you put first, before your own? Reflect on these relationships, do you give too much? Too little? Are you able to meet your needs in addition?
  • Are there people in your life who put your needs before their own?  Reflect on the examples of when then this has happened…what is the relationship between you and the person who puts your needs ahead of their needs?
  • Consider some of the saints…reflect on one or two of them who put the needs of others before their own needs. What can you learn from their example and put into practice in your life?
  • What does it mean to you to be a “slave” to Christ? Share an example.
  • How would you say you resemble God? What qualities do you emulate? Which qualities do you wish to work on so you might be more like God?
  • Can you tell the difference between people who are doing good for their own glory and those who are doing good for the glory of God?
  • Is there an area in your life which needs conversion? Map out a plan on how you might achieve this, what you will do, who you will ask for assistance, be specific.

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Lord, change my heart

ALL:  help me reach out with compassion.

Leader: Lord, change my heart

ALL:  help me to be patient with others.

Leader:  Lord, change my heart

ALL:  help me care for my neighbor.

Leader:  Lord, change my heart

ALL:  help me to share my faith.

Leader:  Lord, change my heart

ALL:  help me to turn to you.

Leader:  Lord, change my heart

ALL:   and always follow your Word.

Challenge for the Week:  When was the last time you tried to something new?  Was it easy or difficult to learn the new skill?  What about learning a new way to do something?  How did it feel to do the task differently?  We can get stuck in our ways and routines and not really give a new way a chance.  God wants us to turn to him and we must change some of our ways to get closer to him.  We can get stubborn or find change too difficult and then give up, turning back to our own ways.  However, the scriptures this week clearly state that there is peace and joy waiting for us when we turn our lives over to God.  What steps are you willing to take to turn to God?

Sunday, September 20th Readings

25th Sunday of Ordinary Time

Opening Prayer

Lord,

Though I may grumble and complain

you continue to stay close to me.

Teach me to be more mindful of your presence

        in myself and especially in others.

Help me make a habit to look more deeply

        into the truth which is Your Word.

These practices should help me to see myself

        more in the way you see me.

AMEN!

Journal/Reflection Questions

Isaiah 55:6-9

  • How often do you see, here or feel God’s presence within a 24 hour period? How do you know God is near?
  • Identify your wicked thoughts, how does God help you let go of them?

Philippians 1:20c-24,27a

  • Identify at least one person in your life who magnifies God.  What qualities magnify God? How do you magnify God?
  • What work in your life produces good fruit? How do you engage in fruitful labor? Share an example.
  • What does St. Paul mean that “death is gain”? Share an example.

Matthew 20:1-16a

  • Where do you see yourself in the parable? Take time to reflect on each person’s perspective. Include the workers, the landowner and those who were not chosen to work.
  • How does this parable show justice/injustice?
  • What insight do you gain about God’s thoughts?

General Questions for Journaling

  • When do you feel God is more present in your life?
  • When do you feel God is less present in your life?
  • If God is always near, why do you need to seek Him? What make it hard to find Him sometimes?
  • Would God ever hold back mercy or forgiveness? Why or why not? 
  • Have you ever held back from giving or showing mercy or forgiveness? What was the situation? How can you grow and change from the experience?
  • When have you felt God’s mercy? Be specific.
  • How do you live your life according to the Gospel? What does this mean? Share an example of how a person can live out the Gospel.
  • Do you know people who live a life of generosity? How can you follow their example? 
  • Is generosity earned? How does one become worthy of being the recipient of a generous act?
  • How is grace given in the ways of the world?  What does grace look like in these terms?  How is it similar or different than the way God gives grace?
  • How do you respond when you feel something is unfair? How do you respond when you feel something is in your favor?
  • How can you teach a child to understand God’s definition of fair? Who makes the rules of fair and unfair?

Closing Prayer

Leader:  I am a laborer in God’s vineyard…

ALL:  let me show others mercy!

Leader: I am a laborer in God’s vineyard…

ALL:  let me show others generosity!

Leader:  I am a laborer in God’s vineyard…

ALL:  let me show others forgiveness!

Leader:  I am a laborer in God’s vineyard…

ALL:  let me show others love!

Leader:  I am a laborer in God’s vineyard…

ALL:  let me show others justice!

Leader:  I am a laborer in God’s vineyard…

ALL:   let me show others CHRIST!

Challenge for the Week:  How you live your life today matters.  The decisions you make sometimes may seem simple but those are the decisions that form and shape your life.  What is the message that you want to leave when your life if over?  What do you want people to remember?  God created you for a purpose and called you to love Him and love others.  When your decisions each day are made through the focus of loving God and loving others, then that love will shine through and be what people remember when you are gone.  Is this the legacy you are leaving behind?  God is right there, waiting to take the lead, soften your heart and let Him.

Sunday, September 13th Readings

24th Sunday of Ordinary Time

Opening Prayer

Father God,

You created me out of love

        so I could love others.

How do I love someone

        Who hurts me?

        Who lies to me?

        Who sins against me?

Teach me to forgive

        and allow me to heal us!

I am incapable of love or forgiveness

        without your example.

Thank you for both!  AMEN!

Journal/Reflection Questions

Sirach 27:30-28:7

  • Do you hold onto anger or does it hold onto you?
  • What makes it hard to forgive others? What makes it hard to forgive yourself? What makes it hard to forgive God?

Romans 14:7-9

  • How do you live your life for God? How do you live your life for others?  How do these differ? How are they similar?
  • Explain how you carry those who have died with you? Identify a specific way a loved one who has died impacts your life today.

Matthew 18:21-35

  • Jesus shares the parable to show how he forgives; can you relate to the man in the parable who has been forgiven? How do you relate to the man in the parable who has not?
  • In this passage, Jesus says there is no limit to how many times you must forgive another person. Does he say how much time? What do you think Jesus would say to the question of how much time it should take you to forgive someone?

General Questions for Journaling

  • Who are the people/things that make you angry?
  • How often do you feel angry? How do you express it? What are the physical symptoms of your anger? Do you have tale-tale signs?
  • What is something that makes you really angry?
  • Do you believe forgiveness is a give and take? Explain.
  • How were you taught to forgive? Share your earliest memory.
  • What makes asking for forgiveness hard or easy?
  • What makes forgiving someone hard or easy?
  • Describe a time when you witnessed great forgiveness.
  • Is there a sin or hurt which is more difficult to forgive?
  • What is the first thing you think of in the morning? How does this reflect what and who we live for?
  • How have you lived for God today? Be specific.
  • When you weren’t living for God today, for whom were you living?
  • Identify some of the sins of the world. Is there anything you can do to help heal the hurt? Do you contribute to some of the sins of the world?
  • When Jesus forgives, he forgives without condition. Do you think this is possible? Why or why not? Share an example.
  • What gift of the Holy Spirit do you need to help you be able to forgive yourself and forgive others better?

Closing Prayer

Leader:  When we are called to forgive…

ALL:  teach us your ways, Lord!

Leader:  When we are hard on another…

ALL:  soften our hearts, Lord!

Leader:  When our words are ice cold…

ALL:  melt away judgment, Lord!

Leader:  When we only see hurt…

ALL:  open our minds, Lord!

Leader:  When cannot see a solution…

ALL:  give us understanding, Lord!

Leader:  When we forgive as you do…

ALL:   you make us whole, Lord!

Challenge for the Week:  If you were to die today, who would you want see or talk to before you died?  What would you want to say?  Are there people who you would want to avoid?  Why?  Spend time this week thinking of the unspoken things which need to be spoken and make a plan to have those conversations.  Do the ones you love, know how much you really love them?  Are there people you have hurt, who are in need of some kind words from you?  Do you hold a grudge from a past hurt that is keeping you from having a more meaningful relationship with someone?  Live today like there is no tomorrow and seek God’s assistance!

Sunday, September 6th Readings

23rd Sunday of Ordinary Time

Opening Prayer

Father

How can I care for others

        like you care for me?

Help me to see more like you,

        so I might be more giving.

Give me a heart like you,

        so I can love and show mercy.

Open my ears and my arms,

        to hear the cry and give comfort.

You ask nothing more than for us

        to love you and love others;

Let us pray together and heal the world!

Journal/Reflection Questions

Ezekiel 33:7-9

  • Who has God appointed you watchman over? What are your responsibilities as watchman? 
  • How will God hold us accountable for our sins? How will He hold us accountable for the sins of others?

Romans 13:8-10

  • God asks nothing but to love one another; how well do you show love to others?
  • What obstacles hold you back from giving and showing love to your neighbor?
  • How do you define neighbor? Is it the same way God defines neighbor?

Matthew 18:15-20

  • What does this scripture tell you about the power of prayer? What does it tell you about the power of community? Share a personal experience when you saw this power firsthand.
  • How have you testified/How can you testify to the power of prayer?
  • When have you seen/heard someone testify to the power of prayer?

General Questions for Journaling

  • When do you feel safe? Where are you? Who is with you?
  • Share a time when you did not feel safe. What caused you to feel this way? How did you overcome the feeling?
  • Are there places, people or situations you avoid because you fear them?
  • How do you think those who are put into the position of “watchman” in the community or world do in their role? Find a good example.
  • Who watches over you? How do they watch over you? Share an example.
  • Do you believe there are prophets today? Who do you identify as present-day prophet? What tells you they are a prophet?
  • How does your life bear witness to the goodness of God?
  • If you could give yourself a grade for how well you keep the commandments, what would your grade card say?
  • Make a list of the things you love about yourself. Is it easy or difficult to come up with 10 things?
  • Jesus said to love one another even when it is difficult. Are you shutting yourself off from a relationship or relationships for fear of getting hurt?
  • Is there a relationship you need to give some attention to this week? Something in need of repair?
  • Is it easy or difficult to take responsibility for your actions?
  • Share a time when you refused to listen to the thoughts of another person. What was the circumstance? Did you ever end up hearing their opinion?
  • How are you an advocate of your faith? In your family? In your workplace?

Closing Prayer

Leader:  I want to sing your praises all my days…

ALL:  let it be done, O Lord!

Leader:  I want to kneel before you in awe…

ALL:  let it be done, my God!

Leader:  I want to give thanks for your sacrifice…

ALL:  let it be done, my Savior!

Leader:  I want to spread your word to others…

ALL:  let it be done, Breath of Life!

Leader:  I want to give honor and glory to you…

ALL:  let it be done, my Creator!

Leader:  I want to hear your voice and listen…

ALL:   let it be done, God of all!

Challenge for the Week:  This week, look up the 5 Love Languages by Gary Chapman.  He has determined humans show love in five different ways.  Read through these and determine if you relate to one or more of them.  Do you agree with his assessment or do you think there are more or less ways to express love?  Which would you say is your preferred way to express love to others?  Which would you say is your preferred way to receive love from others?  How does God show love to you?  Does it fit into one of these five ways?  When you look at the way God loves and compare it to the way you love others, what can you do to love more like God? 

Sunday, August 30th Readings

22nd Sunday of Ordinary Time

Opening Prayer

Jesus,

You came to find the lost.

You came to rescue the imprisoned.

You came to save the sinner.

I am lost, imprisoned and a sinner.

May I allow myself to be found.

May I allow myself to be rescued.

May I allow myself to be saved.

I am found, rescued and saved.

Thank you Jesus, you are my Savior!

Journal/Reflection Questions

Jeremiah 20:7-9

  • Can you imagine being “duped” by God? What would (did) it look like? What was the purpose? 
  • Do you believe God wants us to be “duped”?
  • Describe what it feels like to feel something in your bones? Have you ever felt something so deep? Share the experience.

Romans 12:1-2

  • How does the study of scripture help you to transform your mind?  How does this transformation change your words and actions; be specific.
  • What does Saint Paul mean when he says, “don’t conform yourself to this age?”  How does this specifically speak to you?

Matthew 16:21-27

  • What cross are you called to pick up today? Are you able to pick it up?  Is your cross light or heavy?  Explain.
  • If God does not think the way that humans do, how is it you are able to understand what God wants for you?

General Questions for Journaling

  • Does oppression happen in this world? Who do you know is oppressed?  How do you know? What do you do about it? Do you suffer from oppression?
  • How do you know God is driving your actions or if you are following your own desire? How can you tell which way God is calling you to go?
  • How does it feel to lose something? Describe the process of letting go.
  • How do you feel when you find something? How would you describe the process of finding a place for the thing you found?
  • Are there injustices in the world which break your heart? Are there injustices which occur that cause your gut to ache? Is the Holy Spirit calling you to do something about it?
  • What was the last exciting news you shared and with whom did you share it? What was your purpose for sharing? Was it your news to share?
  • What was the last disappointing news you shared and with whom did you share it? What was your purpose for sharing? Was it your news to share?
  • Have you ever risked being made fun of to stand up for what you believe? Share the experience.
  • How can you give strength to another who is standing up for what they believe in, even if you don’t agree?
  • Have you ever been thankful for suffering?  What was the circumstance?  Why were you thankful?
  • What does it mean to “lose your life” according to God?  What does it mean to “lose your life” according to the world?

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Lord fill me…

ALL:  with reckless desire for you!

Leader:  Lord fill me…

ALL:  with unending compassion for others!

Leader:  Lord fill me…

ALL:  with raging fire for justice!

Leader:  Lord fill me

ALL:  with determination to do your will!

Leader:  Lord fill me

ALL:  with the ability to surrender,

Leader:  so I can be

ALL:   more like you each day!

Challenge for the Week:  In your life, you have positive and negative influences.  How do you determine which are the good ones and which are the bad ones?  They are not always clear.  There are times when there is a positive influence that you ignore because you are not in a good place yourself and other times when you are too close to a situation to see you are being influenced in a negative way.  How can you know?  When you turn to God for help and clarity, He can bring to light what is good and what is evil but are you willing to listen?  Spend time this week looking at the things which influence your life and prayerfully consider how the people and things you allow into our daily life affect you in a positive or negative way.  Summer is about to end and with the change of the season; you too should take time to change. 

Sunday, August 23rd Readings

21st Sunday of Ordinary Time

Opening Prayer

Father

Vast is your love for us,

        let me see it each day!

Endless are the gifts you give,

        let me show gratitude!

Abundant is the mercy you grant,

        let me share it with others!

You surround me with what I need

        and guide me through,

                my ups and downs.

Forever you are with me; 

        You are my all in all!

Journal/Reflection Questions

Isaiah 22:19-23                            

  • Imagine yourself as Eliakim. How does it feel to be called God’s servant? Can you see yourself being given a place of honor in God’ house? 
  • How does God show His authority in this reading? How can you allow God to have authority over your life? Who has authority now?

Romans 11:33-36

  • Describe what “riches” Saint Paul is referring to in this scripture. 
  • How might you seek to know what God is thinking? How does one “know God’s mind”?

Matthew 16:13-20

  • Explain why the disciples and others would compare Jesus to Jeremiah, Elijah and John the Baptist? 
  • Who do you say Jesus is? Do you tell him? Do you tell others?

General Questions for Journaling

  • Where do God’s blessings come from? Are they given on purpose or by accident? How do you know?
  • How does God inhabit your life?  Be specific.
  • What are the things you don’t understand about God? What are the things that you DO understand about God? How does the knowledge of these things affect your faith?
  • What experience(s) have taught you about the meaning of the words, eternal, everlasting, forever?  What have you learned?
  • How can faith help you to let go of past hurts, worries or tragedy?
  • Do you see God’s plan for you? What makes you know for sure this is the path God intends for you?
  • Is the work you do or the job you have one you choose or one you “fell into”? Could this have any bearing on your attitude toward it? 
  • Do you feel you are using the gifts God gave you to complete the tasks required of your job?
  • Are you fulfilling your vocation in the position you hold? Do you feel as though God choose you to do the work you do?
  • How does Jesus reveal himself to you?  Where are you?  What is the situation?  How do you carry the experience with you?
  • How is it that Jesus makes Peter the “ROCK” on which to build His church but Peter denies knowing Jesus three times? How does this make you feel?
  • What qualities of Peter make him the perfect example of a disciple?

Closing Prayer

Leader:  I am humbly in your presence…

ALL:  when I allow the silence to take over.

Leader:  I am humbly in your presence…

ALL:  as I pause to give thanks before a meal.

Leader:  I am humbly in your presence…

ALL:  when I look into the eyes of an innocent child.

Leader:  I am humbly in your presence…

ALL:  as hear the rumble of thunder and crack of lightening.

Leader:  I am humbly in your presence…

ALL:  when I see a couple holding hands.

Leader:  I am humbly in your presence…

ALL:   as I open my heart and mind to the wisdom of your Spirit!

Challenge for the Week:  When making a large purchase such as a washer and dryer or a car or a house, how long to do you spend researching it, looking it over, weighing out the pros and cons of the purchase?  Who are the people you might ask for advice or help in making such an important decision?  When it comes to our faith, whom do you turn to about important decisions, to whom do you ask the important questions?  Do you give it the same depth of attention, looking at where God is working in your life in every little detail?  Do you seek counsel from God when making decisions about what is happening in your life and listen to His response?  God doesn’t need to seek anyone’s counsel, but it would be wise for us to seek HIS!