The Twenty-Fifth Sunday of Ordinary Time

Opening Prayer

Tend to my heart…

Scatter mercy and joy like weeds

Sow peace where there is turmoil

Sprinkle truth where there is confusion

Spread seeds which take root in YOU

Cultivate in me a pure heart!

Journal/Reflection Questions

Wisdom 2:12, 17-20

• How does this scripture paint the wicked? What do they lack?
• Where does Jesus say someone should prove themselves worthy? How does this scripture contradict what Jesus teaches?

James 3:16-4:3

• How do people become people of power and influence?
• What qualities does one need to be successful? What qualities should they have to make the greatest impact?

Mark 9:30-37

• Explain Jesus’ actions in this scripture. Actions speak louder than words so what is He saying here when He takes the child into His arms?
• Share examples of how Jesus modelled for the world how to be “servant of all”.

 

General Questions for Journaling

• Does wickedness exist in the world today? Where?  What feeds it?
• Where do you see evil in the world? What is being done to keep it from growing?
• Think of a time when you acted out of anger or frustration…what were you angry or frustrated about? How did your anger or frustration help or hurt the situation?
• How do conflicts arise between people?
• What causes conflict?
• Do you treat children differently than you do adults? Why or why not?
• What do you do when you don’t understand something? How does it change your attitude?

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Do to others as God calls us to…

ALL:  Cradle and console a crying baby.

Leader:  Do to others as God calls us to…

ALL:  Hold the hand of a toddler as he takes his first steps.

Leader:  Do to others as God calls us to…

ALL:  Kiss the scraped elbow of a child.

Leader:  Do to others as God calls us to…

ALL:  Lend an ear for a confused teenager.

Leader: Do to others as God calls us to…

ALL:  Celebrate with a college graduate or newly engaged couple.

Leader: Do to others as God calls us to…

ALL:  Reach out to others and share our gifts and talents.

Leader: Do to others as God calls us to… 

ALL:  Care for an elderly woman as she takes her last breath.

Leader: Do to others as God does to you!

 

Challenge for the Week:   There are things in life which are hard for us to let go or give up such as a family heirloom or cherished gift.  There may also be words or actions which we feel are so hurtful it seems we can never forgive them.  There are many families who end up in feuds over such things and don’t talk to each other for days, weeks, months or even years.  You may or may not have an item with such sentimental value nor have you experienced unforgiveable words or actions thrown in your direction but there could still be something which causes you hurt or frustration in the world, your community or possibly within your own family.  Jesus is teaching us in the scriptures this weekend how to approach conflict and how to deal with misunderstanding.  Take time…make time…this week to reflect on one or more of these things.  Take inventory of what you are holding onto which is causing hurt in your life because of the actions of another BUT ALSO consider how your words or actions have cast out pain onto another.  After you have given it ample thought and prayer, allow God to wrap you into His arms like a child…let that hurt and pain be washed away with mercy and forgiveness.  Allow God to work in you to create a pure heart!

The Twenty-Fourth Sunday of Ordinary Time

Opening Prayer

Lord

Teach us to know

when to walk away

and when to stand up.

Let us have the strength

to do what you call us to do.

Give us the conviction

to know your will for us!

Journal/Reflection Questions

Isaiah 50:5-9a

• This scripture gives birth to the phrase, if God is for me, who can be against me? Which line of scripture gives you the most strength and understanding of this fact?
• How does this scripture tell us to face turmoil or trouble? What attitude must we have when facing opposition?
• Is this attitude strictly for when people oppose your faith or believes or can it be true when facing any conflict?

James 2:14-18

• What does this scripture say about how we should treat others? Is it easy to follow?  Why or why not?
• Look closely at yourself. Draw a diagram or chart to map out how your faith and works compare over the past week, month or year.  Are there trends?  Are there obstacles which deterred them from coming together?  Or on the positive side, are there situations which cultivated them to overlap?

Mark 8:27-35

• The cross Jesus bore was made of wood, full of the sins of those He loved. What is your cross made of?  What do you carry?
• Have you, like Jesus in this scripture, ever been misunderstood by faithful companion(s)? What happened?  How was the misunderstanding resolved?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• Consider a time when you lived out the first scripture. What was the situation?  How do you know God was on your side?
• Imagine the first scripture playing out in a movie or play. What emotions would you feel to witness someone turning the other cheek?  How are those feelings different if you were the one who turned your face for another blow?
• What in the first scripture lets you know you are not supposed to simply let people abuse you or trample you under foot? Is it a fine line or a wide divide between what the scripture teaches and physical, mental or emotional abuse?
• Can you identify the “satan” in your life? What is it that consistently causes you to step backwards instead of leaping forward?
• What does it truly mean to “deny one’s self”? Is it like saying no to a fourth piece of pizza or skipping dessert?  Why or why not?

Closing Prayer

Leader:  May we not turn our backs on a person in need.

ALL:  Open our hearts to YOUR love!

Leader:  May we not be quick to judge a person or situation.

ALL:  Open our hearts to YOUR love!

Leader:  May we not rely on what the world says is truth.

ALL:  Open our hearts to YOUR love!

Leader:  May we not use words to strike out and cause harm.

ALL:  Open our hearts to YOUR love!

Leader: Empty us Lord so we may be made new…

ALL:  Open our hearts to YOUR love!

 

Challenge for the Week:   Make of list of well-meaning phrases which mean nothing without love.  If you are paying attention, it is easy to see through body language or hear through tone of voice if someone truly wishes you to have a “good” morning or if they are just saying the words to fill the quiet.  It means much more to you that someone says Happy Birthday to you, even if it is a day late, than a “oh, it’s your birthday? Happy Birthday…”  This is not to say you can’t tell someone Happy Birthday without giving them a gift, but you should give them Christ’s joy.  You are God’s messenger, how are you getting the message of love across to your neighbor?  This goes for “have a nice day” or actually stopping to listen when you ask someone “how are you doing”.  Being Christ’s love in the world is a tough job…are you willing to work to put this into practice at least once a day each day this week?  Who knows it might catch on!

The Twenty-Third Sunday of Ordinary Time

Opening Prayer

Lord,

Help us to recognize

the hunger within is for YOU alone;

May we know

the thirst which only YOU can quench;

Let us listen

to YOUR Word with our hearts and act on it!

Journal/Reflection Questions

Isaiah 35:4-7a

• What phrase from this scripture gives you hope?
• Draw a picture of what this scripture looks like to you.

James 2:1-5

• What does this scripture say about how we should treat others? Is it easy to follow?  Why or why not?
• Are there people or groups of people whom you have trouble treating with respect? What keeps you from doing so?

Mark 7:31-37

• What is the reaction of the people in this scripture? How do you think you would react if you had been there?
• For what reason do you believe Jesus told the people to be quiet? Why do you think they disobeyed this order?
• Why do you think Jesus “groaned” before he healed the deaf man?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• How do you celebrate the coming of Christ? What does it look like in your life?
• What do you need to Jesus to heal? Are you in need of healing?  In what way?
• How do you prepare for Jesus to come into your life?
• Is there something you need to be rescued from right now? How do you speak to God about it?
• Has God rescued you from something in the past? How do you show gratitude?
• Does God show favoritism? Why or why not?  If so, to whom?
• Do you think you treat everyone equally? Why or why not?  How?
• Why does having money automatically demand respect in our society?
• Identify the poverty in your life…what has God already done in response to it?

Closing Prayer

Leader:  May we recognize the TRUTH when we hear it…

ALL:  Let our ears be opened!

Leader:  May we see the NEED around us and act on it…

ALL:  Let our eyes be opened!

Leader:  May we act out of LOVE toward our neighbor…

ALL:  Let our hearts be opened!

Leader:  May we speak of ACCEPTANCE and FORGIVENESS…

ALL:  Let our arms be opened!

Leader: May our actions speak of PEACE and JUSTICE…

ALL:  Let our lives be open to YOUR Word!

 

Challenge for the Week:   The Gospel reading says, “He has done all things well.”  What do you do well?  Are these things done in God’s name?  What would others say you do well?  Ask…you might be surprised!!!

The Twenty-Second Sunday of Ordinary Time

Opening Prayer

Lord,

Let us be grateful in knowing you are with us…

When we stumble and fall, you are there.

When we celebrate good news, you are there.

May we remember always your presence…

And reach out for you when we are lonely.

And hold you close when we are overcome with joy.

Lord, you want to be one with us, let us be open to you!

Journal/Reflection Questions

Deuteronomy 4:1-2, 6-8

• Moses tells the people the laws are simple; observe the commandments and God will be with you. What causes them to trip up?  Can you relate?
• Which of the laws God has set before you do you have trouble accepting? What makes them so difficult to abide?

James 1:17-18, 21b-22, 27

• If God is speaking about you in this reading (and He is…) what might be some of the fruits that have come from your faith?
• Saint James says to let the Word give us birth. What does this mean?  How can this happen?  Share from experience if you can.

Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23

• What point is Jesus making by referencing Isaiah? How have politics changed or not changed?
• Are there laws that go against your faith? What are they and what do you do about them?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• Are there laws or rules which cause you to scratch your head in bewilderment? What might have caused that law or rule to exist?
• In society do you have the choice to follow or not follow a law? What would be the consequence if you disobeyed the law?  What consequence is there if you disobey God’s law?
• What characteristics would a “doer of faith” have? How would you be able to identify a “doer of faith”?
• Is there a difference between faith that is in your mind and faith that is in your heart?
• How much of what you do outside of church supports what you do inside? Where are there contradictions?
• Do you agree or disagree with “garbage in, garbage out”? Why?
• What makes people think all Christians are hypocrites? Could your actions cause someone to call you a hypocrite?

Closing Prayer

Leader:  We are taught to observe your decrees…

ALL:  May we hear your Word and act on it!

Leader:  to live in your love and love one another…

ALL:  May we hear your Word and act on it!

Leader:  to walk humbly and live justly…

ALL:  May we hear your Word and act on it!

Leader:  to be rooted in you and bear good fruit…

ALL:  May we hear your Word and act on it!

Leader: to follow your ways; not the ways of the world…

ALL:  May we hear your Word and act on it!

 

Challenge for the Week:   Consider this challenge one you can do each day for the rest of your life.  Listen for God throughout the day, perhaps in an action, feeling or word.  It can come from anywhere or anyone but listen for it.  Once you’ve heard it, let it rest inside of you until it becomes a part of you.  Listening for these words, feelings and actions help you see, hear and feel God more closely.  It is a conversation.  God calls you each day but are you listening to what He is saying?  When you are listening and truly hear God speak then you begin to hear what He says more clearly, day after day.  The more you hear, the more your faith grows and you are filled with what you need to go out and DO whatever it is God called you to do.  Don’t just listen and let the Word go in one ear and out the other…don’t let God’s plan for you go undone…put your faith into action!

The Twenty-First Sunday of Ordinary Time

Opening Prayer

Good and Gracious Father,

Each day YOU give us life,

we are faced with choices to make.

YOUR Word gives us guidance,

to teach us how to live, love and pray.

May we continue to seek YOUR ways,

so we may please YOU with our choices.

Journal/Reflection Questions

Joshua 24:1-2a, 15-17, 18b

• When have you experienced good fortune when choosing to serve the Lord? Have you ever been punished for serving the Lord?
• Did you, like the Israelites free choose your faith/religion? Why or why not?  How do you take ownership of it today?

Ephesians 5:21-32 (or Ephesians 2a, 25-32)

• In what ways do you see the relationship of the Church & Jesus similar to the marriage relationship? How has it been similar or different in your personal experience?
• What do you think Saint Paul would tell us to do about the current discussions about marriage today?
• What do you think he would say about picking and choosing what one believes or doesn’t believe about the Church? What point is he trying to make to us?

John 6:60-69

• What about the church is hard for you to accept?
• What do you have difficulty accepting or agreeing with…a belief of the church or church law?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• How do you feel when you come out of a church service? What emotions are present?  Be honest.
• What can you do to sustain the “joy of the Lord” throughout the week?
• On a scale of 1-10 would you say you are a good decision maker?
• Is it easy or difficult for you to make choices?
• Do you make a choice and live with it, despite the consequences or outcome or do you change your mind often? How does this affect your spirituality/relationship with Jesus?
• How does choosing God affect your other decisions in relationship with your spouse, your job, your hobbies, etc.
• When entering into a relationship with a friend or potential spouse, how much emphasis did you, do you put onto faith compatibility?
• Have you ever wanted to leave the church, give up faith? What caused you to want to leave it behind?
• How would your life be different if you left your faith behind?

Closing Prayer

Leader:  How can we forget how you created us from nothing?

ALL:  Lead us Lord, we choose YOU!

Leader:  How can we forget how you provide for all of our needs?

ALL:  Lead us Lord, we choose YOU!

Leader:  How can we forget how you wipe away our iniquities?

ALL:  Lead us Lord, we choose YOU!

Leader:  How can we forget how you heal us and make us whole?

ALL:  Lead us Lord, we choose YOU!

Leader: How can we forget how you died so we might have eternal live?

ALL:  Lead us Lord, we choose YOU!

Leader:  How can we forget how you love us and choose us each day?

ALL:  Lead us Lord, we choose YOU!

 

Challenge for the Week:   We can get bogged down with daily responsibilities or consumed with the negative news we hear about around the world.  This week seek out places where you see good things happening.  Create a list of news stories or positive things you witness in your daily routine.  Open your eyes to others around you who are “serving the Lord” with their kind words or generous actions.  Sometimes we get caught up in what someone looks like or external circumstances and we don’t really see the goodness within them.  Good things are happening all around us…take notice and celebrate them! 

The Twentieth Sunday of Ordinary Time

Opening Prayer

Let us give thanks

for the feast you have laid before us.

We are filled

with your generosity and love.

Lord, you provide for our every need

every moment of everyday.

May we be open to accepting

all you have to offer.

Journal/Reflection Questions

Proverbs 9:1-6

• What do you learn about hospitality from this reading?
• How might you advance in the way of understanding?

 

Ephesians 5:15-20

• Do you know a wise person? Does wisdom come naturally or is it something learned?
• How can you address others with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs without being thought of as a bit crazy?

John 6:51-58

• What can you do to remain in God?
• What does Jesus mean by “eat my flesh and drink my blood”? How do you “feed” on Jesus?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• God created us with a hunger. How do you fill your hunger?
• What is your favorite meal? How often do you eat it?  Who makes it?  Why is it your favorite?
• What emotions do you have when you gather for a meal with family and friends? How does it compare to the feast you have when you come to communion?
• Describe a time when you acted foolish. What were the circumstances?
• When was the last time you prepared a meal/feast for someone? What were the circumstances?  How did you feel?  Did you take your time and pay attention to detail?
• What does it mean to you to have “fullness of life”?
• Make a list of as many ways as you can think of to “eat the bread” which Jesus provides.

Closing Prayer

Leader:  When we are baptized in water and Spirit…

ALL:  You call us to the FEAST!

Leader:  When we gather as community…

ALL:  You call us to the FEAST!

Leader:  When we share a meal…

ALL:  You call us to the FEAST!

Leader:  When we come together to celebrate…

ALL:  You call us to the FEAST!

Leader:  Jesus, YOUR death is our invitation;

ALL:  to the eternal FEAST!

Leader:  Praise to YOU, Lord Jesus Christ!

ALL:  AMEN!

 

Challenge for the Week:   God says to give thanks always, in all ways and in everything give thanks.  However, there are so many bad things that happen in our lives and we sometimes find ourselves blaming God for those things.  When we start blaming God for things that make us mad, irritate us or cause us pain, we distance ourselves from Him.  We separate ourselves from accepting the nourishment God lays out in front of us…we push it aside, stomp on it and let it rot…but He continues to provide.  This week, acknowledge God in everything…good and bad, comfortable and uncomfortable…let Him know you are grateful for what He gives to you in your life, even the tough stuff.  Tell God THANK YOU!!!

The Nineteenth Sunday of Ordinary Time

Opening Prayer

Lord

Even when we are weary; YOU give us strength.

YOU are there to care for us and give us what we need to go on.

We are blessed because YOU love us!

Journal/Reflection Questions

1Kings 19:4-8

• Is there a time in your life when you were like Elijah…tired of walking around in the desert seeking rest?
• Share a time when you sought refuge and God came to your aid.

 

Ephesians 4:30-5:2

• Saint Paul says we must remove all bitterness, fury, anger, shouting, reviling and malice from our lives; how do these emotions change you?
• Does your live have an aroma? What fragrance would you say you project?

John 6:41-51

• What caused the crowd to doubt Jesus? What causes us to doubt others?
• What does Jesus mean when He says “I will give my flesh for the life of the world”? How is this fulfilled in His life?  How do we do the same with our lives since we are called to be imitators of Christ?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• Are there people in your life who are in need of a shade tree? How can you give them strength to continue on?
• When have you cried out to God? What were you feeling?  What did you want God to do?  How were your feelings changed?  Did God answer your plea?
• Reflect on a time when you simply had “enough”. How did you overcome?  Where was God?
• How would the world be different if we all acted as imitators of God?
• What causes people to doubt who Jesus/God/Holy Spirit is today? Where do they find validation?  Where do you find validation for what you believe?
• Are there people in your life whom you doubt or have a hard time believing? Politicians?  Boss?  Co-worker?  Family member?  How do you deal with it?  What do you think Jesus need for you to do?

Closing Prayer

Leader:  YOU are there in the quiet of the morning as we prepare for the day ahead…

ALL:  be our comfort; be our strength

Leader:  YOU are there in the doctor’s office as we wait for the test results…

ALL:  be our comfort; be our strength

Leader:  YOU are there in the shady times of our lives filling us with encouragement to continue on…

ALL:  be our comfort; be our strength

Leader:  YOU are there when we sacrifice our wants and needs for the sake of another…

ALL:  be our comfort; be our strength

Leader:  YOU are there when trust is broken in a relationship and we are left with broken pieces…

ALL:  be our comfort; be our strength

Leader:  YOU are there with open arms to receive us into our eternal home…

ALL:  be our comfort; be our strength

 

Challenge for the Week:   Are there relationships in your life which feed on or breed bitterness, fury, anger, shouting, reviling or malice?  What change can or needs to happen in order for these emotions, feelings or actions to disappear?  Make a plan to rely on God to help you through this hard work of cutting out the negative in your relationships and creating space for something more.  This type of change will require forgiveness and some sacrifice of self in order to heal.  It can be a long process too so call on the Holy Spirit to help guide you on the path to a better, healthier relationship.  You will need God’s help as you discern if the relationship simply needs to be severed in order for you to grow.

The Eighteenth Sunday of Ordinary Time

Opening Prayer

Bread of Life

Help us become more aware,

of the things which consume us.

Help us see what takes up space in our lives,

so we can make more room for YOU!

Lead us to the things of this world,

which brings us satisfaction.

Lead us, Lord to YOU!

Journal/Reflection Questions

Exodus 16:2-4, 12-15

• God provided each with their “daily bread” and each was to take their “daily portion.” How can you practice this in your life right now?
• Take time to reflect on a situation where you find (or previously found) yourself grumbling to God. What is God providing you with which you are taking, not taking or taking too much?

Ephesians 4:17, 20-24

• Saint Paul speaks of hearing and learning about Christ…where did you first hear about Jesus? What were some of the first things you taught?  Do these truths still ring true?  How?
• What are practices of renewal? What are the things we must renew?  How do you renew your mind?  Your relationships?  Your spirit?  When was the last time you felt renewed in your faith?

John 6:24-35

• How does the Eucharist feed you? How would you explain it to someone who has never received?
• What is the bread from heaven which you receive today? How does it feed you in your life?

 

General Questions for Journaling 

• When do you call on God? When you are afraid?  When you are in need?  When you are in trouble?
• If you were God, how would you feel about someone only coming to you when you need something?
• When was the last time you thanked God for giving you something you asked for or He met a need you had without you asking?
• Have you ever made a change in your spiritual life so drastic that people took notice? What was it?  What was the reaction of others?
• Is change always difficult? Consider ways change can be good.
• Consider a time when a painful transition in your life became helpful for another person. When was it, who was the person and how did it change or affect both of you?

Closing Prayer

Leader:  When given the opportunity to help…

ALL:  Guide us on the path of goodness!

Leader:  When we can’t decide what is right or wrong…

ALL:  Guide us on the path of righteousness!

Leader:  When we feel restless and unsatisfied…

ALL:  Guide us on the path of fulfillment!

Leader:  When we search for meaning and validation…

ALL:  Guide us on the path of truth!

Leader:  When we let go of our plans and follow you…

ALL:  Guide us on the path of holiness!

 

Challenge for the Week:   Saint Paul is telling us not to live and act and think out of our minds; rather to renew our minds and live, act and think out of the holiness of truth.  This is easier said than done.  When we are baptized, some of us as children, we are unaware of this commitment of the daily conversion.  It is as though we are like a snake which sheds its skin as it grows where we as committed Disciples of Christ must also shed old thoughts, habits and attitudes.  This is how we are able to overcome and defeat those things which hold us back from a perfect relationship with God.  When we seek the truth, we come to find ourselves growing in holiness because when we seek the truth we find God.  What can you do this week to grow?  Where in your daily, weekly routines have you not sought after the truth and you feel as though you are suffocating (because of deceit and corruption) and you need to shed the skin of your old self?  It is time to be renewed!

The Seventeenth Sunday of Ordinary Time

Opening Prayer

Lord

YOU never cease to amaze;

we are filled with wonder and awe at YOUR creation

YOU set the moon and the stars into motion;

and breathed life into each of us.

YOU provide for our every need;

sometimes through miraculous works of mercy or kindness.

Many are the gifts which YOU provide

for all of YOUR children.

YOU bless us, YOU love us, YOU provide for us

YOU are the bread of life!

Journal/Reflection Questions

2Kings 4:42-44

• Why do you think there was enough for all to eat and still some leftover?
• On a scale from 1-10, how much do you trust God to provide for your needs? How would you rate your willingness to take a leap of faith?

Ephesians 4:1-6

• What does Saint Paul mean when he says to “preserve the unity of the spirit, through the bond of peace”? How could you explain this to a new believer?
• How does your life show you believe that there is “one God…who is over all and through all and in all”?

John 6:1-15

• What would you tell a child about the distribution of food resources around the world? What do you believe God tells us to do about it through this Gospel?
• Reflect on a time when you had to give more than you had to give. What was the situation?  How did it work out?  Where was God in the situation/outcome?

General Questions for Journaling

• Have you ever been without enough food to eat? What did you do?  Did you trust you would have food again?
• Share a time when God provided you with what you needed at the time it was required. What did you have to do for it to happen?  How do you know God was involved?
• How does ones attitude affect their faith?
• Have you ever witnessed what can only be described as a miracle? What was it?  How did it affect you?
• What would you describe to be a miracle?
• Can peace and unity exist at the same time? What is required for both to happen and for it to be maintained?
• How would your actions say you act; do you work for peace or unity more? What is the difference?

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Through the work of our hands…

ALL:  May we find fulfillment in YOU, Lord!

Leader:  Through the words we speak…

ALL:  May we find fulfillment in YOU, Lord!

Leader:  Through the prayers we pray…

ALL:  May we find fulfillment in YOU, Lord!

Leader:  Through our gratitude and humility…

ALL:  May we find fulfillment in YOU, Lord!

Leader:  Through the bread and wine…

ALL:  May we find fulfillment in YOU, Lord!

 

Challenge for the Week:   Elisha trusted God and acted to feed those who needed food; Jesus did the same.  Saint Paul tells the Ephesians that we are to live in a manner worthy of God and reach out in love to one another.  Put the scriptures into action by feeding others in some way.  Perhaps it is taking a friend who has been through a hard time lately out for lunch…your treat.  It might be to make a donation (one time or monthly) to an organization who feeds people such as Harvesters, Feed the Hungry or many more.  You may even donate food to an organization or have time to give to volunteer in a food pantry or serve a meal at soup kitchen.  Be a part of the miracle!

 

The Sixteenth Sunday of Ordinary Time

Opening Prayer

YOU are our Shepherd

The one who calls our name

The one who directs our path

The one who saves us

The one who comforts us;

Let us lead others to you through your example!

Journal/Reflection Questions

Jeremiah 23:1-6

• What do you believe makes a “bad shepherd”? What does God say will be done to those who mislead or do not care for the flock?
• Where can you be a “good shepherd” to help aid and lead others to safety? What can you do?

 

Ephesians 2:13-18

• Reflect on some of the walls which divide people today. Which ones are evident in your life, your family, your community?  What can be done to start to break down the walls that divide those around you?
• Recall a story from the news or from your own life where you witnessed a dividing wall tumbling down. Share that story of restoration with three people this week.

 

Mark 6:30-34

• Jesus was moved with pity for the crowds gathered…why? Can you think of an example from today where Jesus would also be moved with pity for those gathered?
• How would you react if you were in this Gospel reading? Imagine having just come back from a long trip and you are taking a break to regain your energy.  However, just as you are about to really relax, you are faced with having to go out again.  What would you do?  Could you show mercy for these people and give them what they need and sacrifice what you need?  Would you instead ask them for mercy to allow you to get the rest you need?  How often are you asked to give more than you have for the benefit of others?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• How would you explain that God is just? What helps you to know God is just?  Are there examples?
• Can you be a shepherd and be a sheep as well? How is this possible?  Identify situations where you are one or the other or both.
• What is it about shepherds that God values? What are some of the characteristics needed to make a good shepherd?
• Where do you see injustice happening in the world today? Who are the “shepherds” leading the flock?
• Would you say fear is a major cause or contributor to injustice? Why or why not?
• Is there someone in your life whom you feel sorry for? What is the situation?  What do or can you do for them?
• So many people live without purpose…what can you do to help lead them to the shepherd?

Closing Prayer

Leader:  When the world seems cold and lonely…

ALL:  Lord, let us flee to YOU!

Leader:  When the only news we hear is bad news…

ALL:  Lord, let us flee to YOU!

Leader:  When conflict and chaos becomes the norm…

ALL:  Lord, let us flee to YOU!

Leader:  When natural disasters consume more than we can save…

ALL:  Lord, let us flee to YOU!

Leader:  When the wall which divides appears unbreakable…

ALL:  Lord, let us flee to YOU!

 

Challenge for the Week:   There are many “divides” among people.  It could be political, religious, racial, economical and the list goes on.  These divides can seem deep where many people fall in between the cracks, while others seem so high to climb that it is deemed impossible to meet in the middle.  To bridge the divide might even seem like a waste of time and energy especially if you don’t have an opinion putting you on one side or the other.  However, there are other walls which divide people that are not so commonly spoken about…the wall we build to keep people out because of our own prejudices or in order to protect us in some way.  As individuals we build up walls in our relationships to keep people from hurting us, we get defensive and build roadblocks at work in order to achieve success, and we even put stumbling blocks in our own paths to keep us from being in right relationship with our God and Savior.  Spend time this week thinking about the walls you have built up around you, the roadblocks you have secured which have caused you to detour and the stumbling blocks you have tripped over; many of which we blame others for but really need to accept responsibility for creating.  If it helps get a pen/pencil and a piece of paper to draw a diagram of these things so you can get a visual of just how many obstacles there are and if there is a pathway around these things.  Make the decision to choose one of these things to “break down” and clear the path.  Remember to seek God, our Shepherd to help make the pathway straight!