1st Sunday of Lent

 

Opening Prayer

Lord,

Empty me this Lent.

Take from me the things which draw me from you.

Remove from my thoughts all that causes me to sin.

I surrender myself to you.

I am YOURS!

Journal/Reflection Questions

Genesis 9:8-15

• What does the rainbow mean to you? How do you share this with others?
• What did it mean to Noah and his family? Does it have the same value to you today?

 

1Peter 3:18-22

• How would you say your baptism has formed or changed you? What can you do to get in touch with the waters of baptism washing you clean?
• During Lent we are to imagine ourselves living in the desert; without water. Have you ever felt parched or thirsty for Jesus, the living water?

 

Mark 1:12-15

• What are the things which tempt you in the desert place?
• How have the angels of God ministered to you when you have been in the desert?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• If you were in charge of giving meaning to the rainbow, how would you explain the shape? The color?  The timing of it’s being visible?
• What do you feel when you see a rainbow? Is there any other feeling you would compare it to?
• Has God used another symbol to express His promises to you? What is it and how is it shared?
• Are there signs of promise you share within your family or with friends? What is it and is it valued like the rainbow?
• What lesson can you learn from the story of Noah? What can you take away from the 40 days or of the dove and fig leave?  How is this story relevant today?
• Imagine a baptism. What thoughts or feelings do you experience?  What do you think God thinks or feels?
• What does water do for you on a daily basis? Clean you?  Quench your thirst?  How does it cleanse and satisfy your soul?
• Can you make time this Lent to spend uninterrupted time with God? What demons do you need to face?  Where does God want you to go to minister to others?
• What conversion do you feel called to this Lent?
• Where is God in the desert you experience?

Closing Prayer

Leader:  A sign of covenant in a rainbow after a hard rain…

ALL:  YOU lead us out of the desert places, let our souls rejoice!

Leader:  A sign of courage in a slingshot facing a giant…

ALL:  YOU lead us out of the desert places, let our souls rejoice!

Leader:  A sign of hope in a star over Bethlehem…

ALL:  YOU lead us out of the desert places, let our souls rejoice!

Leader:  A sign of forgiveness on the cross at Calvary…

ALL:  YOU lead us out of the desert places, let our souls rejoice!

Challenge for the Week:   Lent is a time for us to make a promise to be a better person, a better friend, a better disciple.  God’s promise to love and protect us is symbolized with a rainbow and with a cross.  Spend time this week, as you enter into the Lenten season, thinking about a sign or symbol you can use to show God you are committed to fulfilling your Lenten promise of fasting, alms giving, and praying.  Find a sign or symbol which will help you stay focused on keeping your promise and to remind you God is always with you.

6th Sunday of Ordinary Time

 

Opening Prayer

Compassionate God

YOU silence every cry, YOU wipe away every tear.

Each of us are bound, bruised and broken,

but throughout history Lord,

everything YOU touch is made whole.

You are the healer and perfector of all creation.

Comfort us, Almighty Father.

Hold us in your arms…forever!

Journal/Reflection Questions

Leviticus 13:1-2, 44-46

• Do you know a leper? Is there someone in your workplace or community whom others have outcast or deemed “unclean”?
• What if your sins showed on your skin like the sores of leprosy?

 

1Corinthians 10:31-11:1

• Do you give thanks to God each time you eat and drink? Consider how many hands your food passed through in order to get to you and provide you with the nourishment you need.
• When do you give thanks to God? How many times on average do you give thanks to God?

 

Mark 1:40-45

• How can your hurt help others?
• Jesus was moved with pity by the leper. What has moved you with pity into action?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• Have you ever been outcast because of a physical ailment?
• Imagine how quickly a disease can spread. What can stop it?
• Do you have a physical feature which you try to hide or cover? What is it?  How could God use it?  How can you show God’s glory through this thing you try to hide?
• Can the glory of God spread by touch like the disease of leprosy? Why or why not?
• Are there times when it is easier to give thanks to God? Make a list of times when it is easy and another list of times when it is hard.
• How do you show God glory at dinner? Watching TV?  At work?
• Define “pity”. What is it, who has it and where does it come from?
• Is there something or someone within your grasp that needs a healing touch? What can you do?
• When have you experienced the healing touch of God in your life?

Closing Prayer – Inspired by Psalm 32

Leader:  When my thoughts, feelings and ideas are tossed aside as if

they were nothing but garbage.

ALL:  In times of trouble, fill me with the joy of salvation

Leader: When I am judged unfairly or accused of doing or saying things

I did not do or say.

ALL:  In times of trouble, fill me with the joy of salvation

Leader:  When I am beaten or abused by others words and there is no

where to turn for support.

ALL:  In times of trouble, fill me with the joy of salvation

Leader:  When I run to YOU with my troubled heart and broken spirit.

ALL:  In times of trouble, fill me with the joy of salvation

Leader:  When I confess all of my sins and YOU take away my guilt and

shame.

ALL:  In times of trouble, YOU fill me with the joy of salvation!

Challenge for the Week:   How do you show God glory each day?  Is in your morning or evening prayer enough?  Is praying before your meals sufficient?  Consider all of the “everyday” things you do such as brushing your teeth, driving or doing the laundry.  Make a list of all of the “everyday” things you do and then think of a way to do that same task for the “GLORY OF GOD”.  Then do it!

5th Sunday of Ordinary Time

 

Opening Prayer

Lord

At times the ways of this world consume our thoughts.

Help us so we may not become overwhelmed or weary

rather, let us follow you; for YOU alone can save.

Let us run to you when we are weak, restless and suffering.

We know your grace, mercy and love never ends;

but how we forget; let us cling to YOUR word to remind us!!!

Journal/Reflection Questions

Job 7:1-4, 6-7

• How can you identify with Job? Have you been in his shoes?  What were your circumstances and how were you able to come out of it?
• Compare Job’s description of his life on earth to how you describe your time on earth. How are the descriptions similar?  How do they differ?

1Corinthians 9:16-19, 22-23

• Saint Paul speaks of sacrifice for the sake of the Gospel. What are you willing to give up or sacrifice?  How is this shown in your life?
• Saint Paul says it is our obligation as a follower of Jesus to speak the Gospel. How do you fulfil this obligation?

Mark 1:29-39

• Imagine yourself as Jesus in this Gospel. What are you thinking?  Feeling?  How do you process all that happens?
• Jesus asked the people to not talk about the miracles which occurred. Would you be able to keep quiet about a miracle you witnessed?  What do you think is the purpose of keeping quiet?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• How do you respond when you hear, “How can you believe in God if He allows such suffering in the world?”
• Have you suffered through something recently which you have found fruitful in retrospect?
• What kind of hope can you offer someone who is in the midst of trials or suffering? What are some things you can say or do?
• How do you live your life as a “slave to the Gospel”? What can you do to live a life more in line with what the Gospel teaches?
• What are you passionate about? What drives your actions?  Do your actions follow your passions?  Why or why not?
• On a scale of 1-10 how much energy do you use to further the kingdom of God? How much energy do you use spreading the Gospel message?
• Is there some you need Jesus to heal? Write down what you are in need of healing and place it in your bible.  Let Jesus begin to heal you!

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Our humanness causes us to complain like Job;

ALL:  help us to show gratitude even in our suffering.

Leader:  Our humanness causes us to boast when we do good;

ALL:  help us to serve God out of obligation like St. Paul.

Leader:  Our humanness causes us to overpower others;

ALL:  help us to become companions to others like St. Paul.

Leader:  Our humanness causes us to be blind to God’s healing power.

ALL:  help us to make with God to be restored like Jesus!

Challenge for the Week:   Put yourself in the Gospel as Jesus.  Write down what you think Jesus prayed when he went away.  What do you imagine was the conversation between Jesus and God?  Spend time this week having this same conversation with God.  Remember to take time to listen to God’s response and consider how you may move forward with the mission which God has entrusted you with in your life.

AND

Jesus performed many miracles and healed many people in the Gospel, then went off to pray and restored himself.  Imagine yourself as a “fuel tank” or a “bank account”…how often do you run on empty?  What can you do to be more like Jesus?  Be intentional about scheduling time to revive yourself!

4th Sunday of Ordinary Time

 

Opening Prayer

Glory and Praise to You!

You surround us with goodness!

You clear our minds of things which weigh us down;

and rid us of the anxiety that can often steal our peace!

You call out the unclean spirits from our souls;

so we may rejoice in your Word!

Journal/Reflection Questions

Deuteronomy 18:15-20

• Identify the characteristics of a prophet of God. Do you have some of them?
• Do you believe there are prophets who exist today? Who are they and are they guides for you?

 

1Corinthians 7:32-35

• What causes you to be anxious? Spend some time reflecting to determine if it is all one thing or if there are several things.
• Name the distractions in your life which cause you to not be as close to God/Jesus/Holy Spirit as you desire. Consider what you can do to lessen the distractions that keep you from this relationship.

 

Mark 1:21-28

• The people in the temple where amazed by Jesus’ action. What causes you to be amazed by God?
• Jesus was teaching with authority. What are you comfortable speaking about with authority?
• How can you, like Jesus, speak truth to draw out the demons in a situation or in a relationship?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• Are there people in your life which you know to speak only truth?
• Can you identify people whom you believe are or where prophets of their time? Who are people who have created a great uproar in their community or in the world?  For what purpose?
• Where have your created a “mess” as Pope Francis called the young church to do? What do you make “noise” about?
• What can you do to avoid anxiety or worry? Are there steps to help you lessen your anxiety or worry?  What do you need to do?
• Can things other than human beings experience anxiety or worry? What could those things be?  Is there anything you can do to help lessen the anxiety or worry?
• Have you ever rebuked something? Why?  Was it for selfish reasons or for God?
• Has a new thought, process, or idea ever challenged you to change your ways?

Closing Prayer

Leader:  YOU bring us out of darkness;

ALL:  WE ARE FREE!

Leader:  YOU lead us out of the desert;

ALL:  WE ARE FREE!

Leader:  YOU call us out of our selfishness;

ALL:  WE ARE FREE!

Leader:  YOU free us from our sins;

ALL:  WE ARE FREE!

Leader:  Lord, with YOU

ALL:  WE ARE FREE!

Challenge for the Week:   It can be difficult at times to really know if we are doing the right thing in the right way; doing enough for God, the Church or others.  This can cause us much worry and anxiety.  Saint Paul tells us in the second reading that we need to let go of the anxiety because it is not of God, it is of the world.  Spend time this week, instead of worrying about whether you are doing enough in faith, rather focusing on how you are putting God first in your thoughts, words and actions.  Are you speaking and acting in faith to honor God or are your words and actions a reflection of your devotion to the world and its ways?  Be careful however, when we act in this way, we might stir up some trouble, cause an uproar and perhaps make a mess!

3rd Sunday of Ordinary Time

 

Opening Prayer

Lord,

Your call should be the one we follow;

teach us not to turn our backs and go the other way.

Let us follow where you lead;

help us overcome the obstacles on the path.

Strip away our fears and the things we cling to,

so we may complete the task you created us to complete.

Come, Lord Jesus, guide us!

Journal/Reflection Questions

Jonah 3:1-5, 10

• Share a time when you were like Jonah and didn’t want to do what God was asking you to do. What was the situation?  What was the outcome?
• What change was God looking for from the people of Nineveh? What change do you think God is looking for in you?

1Corinthians 7:29-31

• How has your view of the world changed over the past 5, 10, 15, 20 years? Do you still value the same things?  Do the same things still bring you joy and make you happy?
• Are there times when you act as though you are not a child of God?

Mark 1:14-20

• What is your idea or definition of the “time of fulfillment”? What does this look like to you?
• How can you live like a disciple called to be a “fisher of men”? What can you do to “catch people” for God?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• Reflect on the past week; are any of your actions in need of repentance? How would God answer the same question about you?
• Make a list of things of this world you would like to have disappear. What would your life be like without those things?
• How can you help the next generation to detach from material things?
• Do you believe there is a recipe for happiness which could be true for all people? What would it look like?
• How has technology positively affected you? How has technology negatively affected you?
• Do you act as if you believe God loves you despite your shortfalls? If God can love you, what can you do to show love to yourself?
• What were the credentials needed to be one of Jesus’ disciples?

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Jesus, you know what is good for me;

ALL:  Push me Lord to do what is right and just.

Leader:  Jesus, help me fill my time doing your will for me;

ALL:  Pull me Lord away from the things that steal my time.

Leader:  Jesus, you call me out of my comfort zone;

ALL:  Stretch me Lord to follow your ways.

Leader:  Jesus, when I start to go in the wrong direction;

ALL:  Turn me Lord onto the path to the kingdom.

Leader:  When I am on the edge and I fear what may be below;

ALL:  Lord, may I learn to love you enough to JUMP!

Challenge for the Week:   Sometimes people think they need to go someplace like Haiti or Guatemala or Calcutta to make a difference in the lives of others.  Other times, people think of “those in need” as people who are holding up a sign on the corner.  Yes, this is true and helping them is a part of what Jesus calls us to do.  However, when we reach out it doesn’t have to be in some BIG, GRAND way.  Like Mother Teresa said, “Do little things with great love”.  Throw your net wide within your family, your community and your church to see how you can be a disciple, catching people for God through your kindness and generosity.  Then trust God’s love will make a BIG, GRAND difference in their lives!

2^nd Sunday of Ordinary Time

 

Opening Prayer

Lord God,

YOU call us by name, to new life each day.

YOU guide us down the path, walking with us each step.

YOU continue to invite us, even when we neglect and forget.

YOU patiently wait for us to come and see…YOU!

Journal/Reflection Questions

Isaiah 55:1-11

• How many times does God call Samuel? What can you learn about God’s character? How can this apply to your life?
• Do you hear God’s call in your life? How does it come to you?

1John 5:1-9

• Identify ways your body is like a temple. Commit to treating yourself better; how can you show yourself reverence?
• Who are some of the people whom you show reverence to in your life? Could your attitude about some people change if you honored the Holy Spirit within?

Mark 1:7-11

• How would you answer the question, “What are you looking for?” if God asked you?
• Where does God dwell? Do you allow Him to dwell in your home?  In your relationship with your significant other?  With your children?  Grandchildren?  Does God dwell in your friendships?  Your co-workers?  In your workplace?  Is God in your free-time?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• How do you hear God calling you? What does God sound like?
• Is there something you thought you were called to which turned out badly?
• Is there a young person in your life which you can talk to about God’s call in their life? Start the conversation.
• Have you ignored a call from God? What would cause someone to ignore God’s call in their life?
• All baptized persons have answered God’s call; how do you live out your baptism?
• Have you experienced a time when you asked God for something and you received it? What was your reaction to this?
• Where do you go to seek guidance? Is it a person?  It is always the same person?  What causes you to go to that person or those people?  Is there a better advocate?
• What is worth you changing your plans to go and do? What is worth dropping everything to go and see?

Closing Prayer

Leader: Come and see

ALL:  the teacher, teach.

Leader:  Come and see

ALL:  the healer, heal.

Leader:  Come and see

ALL:  the Word, made flesh.

Leader:  Come and See

ALL:  the promise, fulfilled.

Challenge for the Week:   Some of us like Samuel will come to hear God’s call at a young age; others will be like Abram and hear God’s call when they are older.  Some might hear the call and not answer it because we fear we are not ready and others of us will drop everything and follow right away.  Hearing God’s call and then following it is what life is essentially about.  However we aren’t asked to figure it out on our own.  We have been given one another to guide and direct each other along the way, to help us open our ears to God’s call.  Who are the people who help you find the path God has called you to follow?  How often do you talk with those people to help keep you on track?  Don’t know how God is calling you?  Don’t have a friend or a few who you can talk to about God’s call in your life?  It might be time to start listening more intently to God’s directions for you.

Baptism of our Lord

 

Opening Prayer

On the banks for the river we stand;

Ready to encounter YOU!  Ready to accept YOU!

Ready to be filled with YOU!  Ready to be engulfed by YOU!

May our own baptism be renewed;

Each time we embrace grace!  Each time we share mercy!

Each time we speak YOUR name!  Each time we study YOUR WORD!

Journal/Reflection Questions

Isaiah 55:1-11

• How would you explain, “God’s ways are not our ways” to a child or a non-Christian believer?
• What should we learn from David’s steadfast loyalty? Why does God use David as the witness of God’s everlasting covenant?

1John 5:1-9

• How do you explain that following the commandments are not burdensome if you follow Jesus?
• Would you say you are born of water and blood? What makes you say yes or no?  Why?

Mark 1:7-11

• Imagine yourself as John the Baptist in this scripture. What would you think and feel?  What do you think you would do next?
• Read the scripture and insert your name in the passage, image you are the one being baptized…what keeps you from believing God says these words to you?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• What is one thing you can do to help you begin to see things more like God sees? Reflect and find one habit, attitude or obstacle which you can focus on seeing it how God sees it.
• What is your image of heaven? Spend time reflecting and write a poem or draw a picture of what you see, hear, feel, taste and touch.
• Have you ever been asked to testify for something or someone? How did you feel?  What were the circumstances?  How did your testimony affect the outcome?  What was your specific purpose?  Where was God in the situation?
• Imagine a child you know. What words would you use to describe the love you have for that child?
• How do you feel when you hear the word, commandment?
• How strong would you say your faith is? Is it strong enough to conquer the world?  What would you say your faith is strong enough to conquer?
• How can you allow God to use you like he did for John the Baptist?
• Where have you seen God use you in the past year, month, week?
• What can you do to be more open to allowing God to use you?

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Lord, YOU ARE LOVE and

ALL:  I am YOUR BELOVED!

Leader:  YOU know MY HEART and MY SOUL and

ALL:  with ME YOU are well pleased!

Leader:  I am created by God in YOUR image and

ALL:  I am filled with the HOLY SPIRIT!

ALL:  I am BAPTIZED!

Challenge for the Week:   As children we couldn’t wait to play in the sprinkler or dive into the deep-end of the pool.  However, as adults, we tend to only go in when necessary either to help little children or for exercise.  Why are we seen sitting on the side of the pool simply watching instead of getting in and participating?  What happens to us that keep us from capturing the joy we had as children when we were submersed, surrounded by water, splashing and giggling?  Are these same things that keep us out of the pool the same things that keep us from going deeper in our relationship with God?  Spend time reflecting on why you don’t dive in.

Epiphany of our Lord

 

Opening Prayer

Lord

You shine like a star for all to see

You bring light to the dark places

You pour out your goodness

You fill us until we overflow

Help us to radiate in this world, like YOU!

Journal/Reflection Questions

Isaiah 60:1-6

• Would you say you are able to see God’s Glory even through the dark times of your life? Reflect on a specific time.
• Can you see God working in your life right now or only when you look back do see God at work? How does God show up in your life?

Ephesians 3:2-3a, 5-6

• What is the “commission” God has called you to? How are you living it out?  What can you do to better complete the mission you are called to?
• How can you treat others as “co-heirs” of the promises of Christ? What is Saint Paul trying to remind us of in this reading?

Matthew 2:2-12

• What caused the magi to drop everything and travel from foreign lands? What is important enough for you to stop everything and travel a great distance?
• What lesson(s) can you learn from the magi? What do they receive in return for the gifts they bring?
• What can you learn about Jesus and the entire Holy Family from their choices and actions in this scripture?
• Spend time role playing. Imagine yourself as each of the characters in the Gospel reading.  What are you thinking, feeling?  What motivates you?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• Would you describe yourself as a “star” which shines light onto others? How does the light of Christ shine through you to draw people to Christ?
• Name some of the people you are drawn to. What draws you to them?  What characteristics or qualities make them appealing?
• Who are people in this world who are worth following? What makes them worth following?  Are there people whom you follow who are not worth following?  How can you tell the difference?
• Reflect on the shape of the star. Describe how it is important to you and your beliefs; why is it a symbol of your faith?
• Is there something in your life which brings joy to others but you are hurt, disgusted or jealous by it or of it? What is it and what can you do to act out in love instead of in rage?
• Would you say you are the “star” of your own life or do you let others take the lead? How does God appear in your life story?  Do you allow God to shine through you or are you eclipsed by God?

Closing Prayer

Leader:  When we get discouraged and feel we have lost our way…

ALL:  May we rejoice greatly in Your splendor Lord!

Leader:  When we become jealous and blind to what is right…

ALL:  May we rejoice greatly in Your splendor Lord!

Leader:  When we find ourselves in darkness and only see a glimmer of light…

ALL:  May we rejoice greatly in Your splendor Lord!

Leader:  When evil turns us from what is good and pure…

ALL:  May we rejoice greatly in Your splendor Lord!

Leader:  We KNOW the King of Glory WILL save us…

ALL:  May we rejoice greatly in Your splendor Lord!

Challenge for the Week:   Innocence.  This seems to get lost in the news stories we hear on a daily basis.  Consider the innocence lost when you hear about abortions or human trafficking or elementary aged children buying, selling and doing drugs.  When do we get to focus on the innocence, where is it in the world?  Spend time this week defining what innocence means to you and what you can do to preserve it in yourself and in those you love.  Try to seek innocence out and shine light on it, bring it to the forefront so others can be reminded of the need for innocence.

The Holy Family: Jesus, Mary and Joseph

 

Opening Prayer

Rejoice in the Lord, Rejoice!

Give thanks to God in all things!

His wondrous deeds never cease!

Sing shouts of JOY throughout the earth!

God’s love reigns forever!

Journal/Reflection Questions

Sirach 3:2-6, 12-14

• What does this scripture say about the love of a mother and a father?
• Take time to imagine what this scripture looks like and draw a picture to express your interpretation of it.

Colossians 3:12-21

• Saint Paul says to “let the peace of God control your heart”. This is a beautiful image but how is this possible?  How can you learn to allow God’s peace into your heart?
• Just as you would put on your Sunday best, Saint Paul tells us to “put on…heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience”. How can you wear these?  Is there a greater need for you to wear some of these with specific people?  Write a prayer to God asking Him to grow these gifts in you this Christmas.

Luke 2:22, 39-40 (full reading Luke 2:22-40)

• Even as a baby, Jesus was filled with the Holy Spirit. Describe how you feel when you see and especially get to hold a new born baby.
• List 3-5 qualities of Joseph. List 3-5 qualities of Mary.  Do you share any of these qualities?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• Reflect on your relationship with your father and mother, each individually. Consider the ways in which they showed love to you.
• Reflect on your role as a mother or father. What qualities of God do you express to your children?
• What season are you in with your parents or as a parent? What are some of the lessons God might want to teach through these different seasons?
• What is different about the Christmas holiday season compared to other holidays?
• Make a list of all of the holiday decorations, ie. lights, wreath and reflect on how each item is a reminder of Jesus.
• What is so appealing about Christmas music? Is it the words of the songs?  The feeling you feel?  The memories?  How can you make that peaceful, joyful feeling last longer than the Christmas season?
• Imagine the kind of parents Mary and Joseph were. Did Jesus ever need to be disciplined?  Do you think Mary scolded Jesus?  Consider what their everyday life looked like.  Write down your thoughts.

Closing Prayer – inspired by Psalm 105

Leader:  A holy promise for all ages…

ALL:  God’s covenant is faithful;

Leader:  Faithful through the fire and through the rain…

ALL:  God’s covenant is true;

Leader:  True as the morning sun and the stars at night…

ALL:  God’s covenant is strong;

Leader:  Strong and precious like silver and gold…

ALL:  God’s covenant is unbroken;

Leader:  Unbroken for generations, binding in everlasting love

ALL:  God’s covenant is forever!

Challenge for the Week:   A thing called the Baltimore Catechism was the old way of teaching the Catholic faith for everyone to know the “rules”.  Teaching the faith was about memorization instead of being an example…more about knowing the right answer than living it out.  There may or may not have been a person who modelled for you a strong faith but somehow you “caught” the faith otherwise you would not be reading this right now.  Matthew Kelly, a Catholic evangelist believes each faith-filled family requires a “prayer warrior”; someone who is a good model of a faithful person.  There are Christians who talk the talk but don’t walk the walk; it’s like memorizing the Baltimore Catechism but not putting what you know into action.  Your family and friends may not attend Sunday Services each week or spend time in prayer each day but when they think of you do they think of you as someone who is strong in their faith like Abraham?  Someone who is not wavered in what they believe and lives a life of virtue, committed to God and the promise of His love?  Instead of trying to “teach” the faith, model it for others by praying that God will make you a better example of a disciple so others can “catch” the faith from YOU!

Fourth Sunday of Advent

Opening Prayer

O Divine Master, You have taken notice of every detail

How beautiful are the changing of the seasons,

The way the night awakens into day; then fades into night again.

We are in awe of life and how we come to be in this world.

May we not take for granted the gift which you have given us;

The gift of your Son, JESUS!

Journal/Reflection Questions

2Samuel 7:1-5, 8b-12, 16

• What can you learn from David about what God wants for you? What mistake does David make which you can learn from?
• Look back on this past year; did God speak to you through another person like Nathan spoke to David? What was the scenario?  How did you respond to God?

Romans 16:25-27

• What is Saint Paul saying about God’s Plan? How do you see this at work?  Do you see evidence of it not working?
• How would you describe the “mystery of faith” to a non-Christian person or to a child?

Luke 1:26-38

• Mary’s life changed when she said “yes” to God. How has your life changed?  Have you truly said “yes” to God?
• What if there was no evidence of Jesus until he came on the scene at the age of 30. Why do you think God sent Jesus to earth through Mary?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• What gift did God give you this year? What gift has He promised you this Advent/Christmas?
• Reflect on a time when you gave more than you received in return. What did you feel?  How did you react?
• Reflect on a time when you received more than you gave. What did you feel?  How did you react?
• What does God reveal about Himself through the prophets of the Old Testament? What do you learn about God’s character through Jesus?
• What is your definition of love? What is your definition of forgiveness?  Can you have one without the other?
• What are the sounds you hear during this time of year? What images or memories come to mind when you hear them?  Where is God?
• What are some of the smells which come with the season? How do they make you feel?  Where is God?

Closing Prayer – Glory to God Prayer

Leader:  Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to people of good will.

ALL:  We praise you, we bless you, we adore you, we glorify you, we give you thanks for your great glory,

Leader:  Lord God, Heavenly King, O God, almighty Father.

ALL:  Lord Jesus Christ, Only Begotten Son,

Leader:  Lord God, Lamb of God, Son of the Father,

ALL:  You take away the sin of the world, have mercy on us;

Leader:  You take away the sin of the world, receive our prayer;

ALL:  You are seated at the right hand of the Father, have mercy on us.

Leader:  For you alone are the Holy One; you alone are the Lord.

ALL:  You alone are the Most High, Jesus Christ,

          with the Holy Spirit, in the glory of God, the Father.  Amen

Challenge for the Week:   The story of Mary visiting Elizabeth is known by each of us but there is one who is sometimes overlooked when we remember the story…Zachariah.  He is Elizabeth’s husband and became mute soon after Elizabeth became pregnant.  The challenge this week as we come into the final days of Advent and enter into Christmas is to take some time to be quiet.  Perhaps this looks like setting aside a specific amount of time to be silent, maybe you turn off the radio in the car or refrain from turning on the TV.  This could also take the shape of NOT saying something negative or judgmental to a friend or relative when you are at a holiday gathering…to keep your mouth shut.  Then while being quiet, try to take in what you witness; like Zachariah, you might be a part of a miracle!