Third Sunday of Advent

Opening Prayer

Jesus,

YOU come to bring good tidings to all

…so the deaf can hear and the blind can see.

…so those who are hurting can be healed.

…so those in the wilderness hear the message.

…so sinners can know forgiveness.

…so the brokenhearted can become whole.

May we see YOU in the light and in the darkness

May we feel YOUR embrace when we are troubled

And also when we are filled with joy!

Journal/Reflection Questions

Isaiah 61:1-2a, 10-11

• As an anointed child of God, how do you live out bringing good tidings to others or setting captives free?
• Imagine and describe what it feels like to be clothed in salvation and robed in justice.

1Thessalonians 5:16-24

• Is it possible “pray without ceasing”? What does that look like?
• How can your body, soul and spirit work together? Share an example a time when this happened or an example of how it would look.

John 1:6-8, 19-28

• You are called to testify to the light. How do you do this?  How often?  Where?
• John says, “there is one among you whom you do not recognize”; reflect on a time when you didn’t recognize someone you know. Make a list of things which would make someone “unrecognizable” (focus on the non-physical traits).

General Questions for Journaling

• How are you bearing witness to Christ this Advent season?
• How have you grown in faith over the past year? Reflect on the past year, how has God been working?
• Reflect on the things which “break your heart”. Is there something you can do to help heal that hurt?
• What “good tidings” did you hear in the past week, month or year? Why is it “good”?
• Describe how someone can find joy in suffering.
• Are you open to allowing the Holy Spirit to work in and through you? How do you know?
• How do you acknowledge God in your life? Do you allow God to make decisions for you or do you leave God out of the decision making process?

Closing Prayer

Leader:  When we encounter the lost and forgotten;

ALL:  Make us a witness of YOUR love!

Leader:  When we see the hurting and oppressed;

ALL:  Make us a witness of YOUR mercy!

Leader:  When we act out against injustice;

ALL:  Make us a witness of YOUR forgiveness!

Leader:  When we let your light shine through;

ALL:  Make us a witness of YOUR presence!

Challenge for the Week:   The holiday season is not always filled with JOY.  There are many whom have a hard time with the holidays because of the added stress of shopping or social gatherings.  Others struggle with the financial difficulty the holidays can bring.  While there are those who are grieving loved ones whom they shared many holiday memories and traditions.  When a person experiences any of these, the JOY of the season can be very hard to find.  Consider what you can do to help alleviate some of the stressors this holiday either for yourself or for others.  Are there people within your reach who are affected by any of the stressors of the holiday season?  What can you do to give them some relief? It might be someone in your immediate family or someone on another continent, either way make a plan to bring someone JOY this week!

Second Sunday of Advent

Opening Prayer

Lord,

YOU are always near; YOU never leave us.

YOU promise us grace and peace all the days of our lives.

May we seek YOU in the wilderness and in the harvest.

We will find YOU waiting!

Journal/Reflection Questions

Isaiah 40:1-5, 9-11

• What does it mean to make a highway for God? What would this look like?
• What does God do to smooth out the mountains in your path? What has God done to smooth out the mountains in your path?

2Peter 3:8-14

• Saint Paul says to conduct ourselves in holiness and devotion. What does this look like?
• Is it possible to be holy AND devoted? How can you be holy AND devoted?  What do your words and actions or your time say you are devoted to?

Mark 1:1-8

• How do you compare to John the Baptist? Name similarities and differences.  Are there qualities of John the Baptist which you would like you have?
• What is the significance of baptism to you? Do you live as if you have been baptized?  Or do you live as if you are baptized?

General Questions for Journaling

• How would you describe the road of life? What are some of the things which make the road rough?  What helps make the road smooth?
• How can you be a voice in the wilderness? Where are you called to share the Good News?
• If God makes our pathways straight, then what creates the obstacles we encounter or stumble over? How can we avoid these obstacles or how can we be better equipped to overcome them?
• What is one thing you know about God’s timing? How do you know this?
• What or who causes you to lose patience?
• What can you learn from God about patience? Is God the one whom you need to have patience with?
• Is there need for repentance in your life? In your community?  In your church?  What can you do to make things right?
• What makes us unblemished in the eyes of God? What keeps you from seeing yourself as God sees you?
• Are you filled with fear or joy when you reflect on “the coming of the Lord”?
• How do you “prepare the way” for the coming of Jesus? What preparations do you make for Christmas?  What preparations do you make for Advent?

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Lead US Lord…

ALL:  like a shepherd leads His sheep!

Leader:  Lead US Lord…

ALL:  like a teacher leads His pupils!

Leader:  Lead US Lord…

ALL:  like a King leads His people!

Leader:  Find US ready Lord…

ALL:  to follow where YOU lead!

Challenge for the Week:   John the Baptist is a wonderful example of someone who knows who he is in God.  He points to Jesus and understands that Jesus is God.  John knows that it is God who gives him the power and ability to baptize AND he knows that Jesus has the power to baptize with the Holy Spirit.  When we are baptized we are given the same power through the Holy Spirit to be like John and point to Jesus.  Many of us get caught up in thinking we are not good enough or smart enough to be like John.  We forget John was sort of a rebel living in the desert, eating locusts and honey, wearing camel hair for clothing…but people were drawn to him.  They were drawn to him because of his genuine love for God and his humility; he used his gifts to serve God.  Reflect this week on the reasons and excuses we don’t point to Jesus.  What gifts and talents has God given to you which you are not using to point to God?  This Advent season, be a voice in the wilderness and point to Jesus!

First Sunday of Advent

Opening Prayer

Lord, Creator of ALL

By YOUR firm hand,

shape us, mend us and mold us.

Help us accept YOUR guidance

in good times and in bad times.

Allowing your grace to open us

So YOUR will may be done in our lives.

Journal/Reflection Questions

Isaiah 63:16b-17, 19b; 64:2-7

• Compare yourself to a clay pot. What shape do you have?  What shade/color?  Do you have a large opening or small?  Are you tall or short?  How much volume do you have?  How fragile?
• Eye have not seen and ear have not heard, how can you demonstrate to others how much God has done for you?

1Corinthians 1:3-9

• Can you identify how your relationship with God/God’s presence in your life has made your life better?
• In the Spirit of Thanksgiving, what are some God given things in which you are thankful? Have you specifically thanked God for these things?
• As you shop for Christmas gifts, consider some of the spiritual gifts you can share as well.

Mark 13:33-37

• What is the difference between being watchful and aware VS. being worried and stressed? Where do you fall on a 1-10 scale?
• What is the definition of a gatekeeper? What responsibilities does a gatekeeper have?  Are you called to be a gatekeeper of faith?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• What have you done which you know was wrong but you did it anyways?
• Do you act differently when you know others are watching? How is the person God sees different than the one the world sees?
• Who are some of those people in your life whom you are glad you met? You might have only met them one time or you get to spend time with them often.  Where is God in that relationship?
• Who are the people you are glad God gave to you? How do you let them know they are special to you?
• As you prepare for Christmas, how do you keep Jesus at the forefront of your preparations?
• Have you ever tried to stay up all night in order to experience something great? Imagine as a child staying up to see Santa Claus or waiting for someone in labor or to arrive home after a long trip?  What helped to keep you alert and vigilant?
• Is it hard to wait for something? What is something you have had to wait for recently?  How did you cope with the waiting?
• Good things come to those who wait. Reflect on this statement and determine where in your life this has been true.
• Our society has conditioned us to expect “instant gratification” so that when we want something right now, we can almost always get it right now. Are there things you can’t wait for or have a hard time waiting for?

Closing Prayer

St. Francis de Sales wrote:

“Have patience with all things, but chiefly have patience with yourself. Do not lose courage in considering your own imperfections, but instantly set about remedying them–every day begin the tasks anew.”

ALL:  My dearest Jesus, teach me to be patient, when all day long my heart is troubled by little, but troublesome crosses.

Challenge for the Week:   In this season of Advent, Christians are called to slow down and take time to “seek” God…think of the traditional Advent Calendar which you open a “door” each day seeking Jesus (or the chocolate candy inside).  Are there people in your life which help you see God more clearly?  Is there someone who has taught you about God’s love, mercy, forgiveness?  When you think of “seeking” God, think about some of the non-traditional places you can find Him.  This week consider writing a note to someone who has helped you seek God or write a prayer or poem about how and where you seek and find God in your life or in the world. 

34^th Sunday of Ordinary Time – Christ the King!

Opening Prayer

Our Lord and Shepherd,

You shelter us and keep us safe from harm;

You tend to our hurts and heal our wounds;

You lead us in ways which may seem rough, but you NEVER leave us!

Though evil may lurk in the shadows; YOU protect us!

May we learn from your example and care for others with love and compassion.

Journal/Reflection Questions

Ezekiel 34:11-12, 15-17

• How can you relate God to a shepherd? In what ways does God shelter you?  Tend to your needs?  Heal your wounds?
• Where do you see God “scattered among the sheep”? What image(s) come to mind?

1Corinthians 15:20-26, 28

• What does this scripture mean by the phrase “destroy death”? How did Jesus destroy death?  How do you or could you help to make this statement true in your life?
• Have you seen examples of “enemies under foot”? Reflect on how God might want you to use these examples to show how He conquers death.

Matthew 25:31-46

• Imagine yourself in this scripture. Where do you see yourself?  Reflect back on the past year and identify times when you had the opportunity to do these things; did you do them?
• How does this scripture make you feel? What does it tell you about God?
• Why does the Catholic Church celebrate Christ the King (Solemnity of Jesus) the last Sunday of the Liturgical Year (this weekend)? What significance does it hold?  Why would this particular Gospel be the reading for this celebration each and every year?  What might this motivate you to do?  Are there “new year’s resolutions” you might work on for this coming year?

General Questions for Journaling

• How are you like a shepherd? A leader?  How do you lead?
• What qualities of a shepherd do you emulate? Which ones would you like to work on?
• How can serious illness or death challenge your faith?
• Have you experienced a restoration of life? What is needed to restore life?  Where do you see the need for life to be restored?
• Why would Jesus come, not as a King but as a Servant?
• Can you relate better to the poor and suffering or the rich and powerful? Share how it is easy or difficult to relate to both.
• When was the last time you gave to another? How did this experience affect you?
• Consider how you could make time to volunteer in a big or small way. Set a goal to volunteer a couple days a year, a few hours a month or more regularly.

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Christ Jesus, you show your strength by giving to the weak;

ALL:  YOU alone are power!

Leader:  Christ Jesus, you shine your light through our darkness;

ALL:  YOU alone are splendor!

Leader:  Christ Jesus, you direct our path to salvation;

ALL:  YOU alone are righteous!

Leader:Christ Jesus, you bore a crown of thorns & have a cross for a throne;

ALL:  YOU alone are KING!

Challenge for the Week:   Sheep rely on their sense of smell to stay close to the flock.  Reflect this week on how you should do the same.  Are those you are close to faithful to their walk with Jesus and work to live out the Corporal Works of Mercy listed in the Gospel?  Can you identify some goats mixed in among your flock?  Are you deceived by some wolves in sheep’s clothing; one who might smell like a sheep and look like a sheep on the outside but truly doesn’t live out Christian values?  Could you be a goat or a wolf?  Also consider how the ninety-nine sheep whom are left behind know what to do while the shepherd goes in search of the one he lost.  Jesus knows these sheep will not go astray while He is gone because they have one another.  If you believe you are one of the ninety-nine, what keeps you from going astray?  Could you be the one He seeks?  Have you lost your sense of smell?

33^rd Sunday of Ordinary Time

Opening Prayer

We humbly pray…

May we boldly give our lives in service to others

so your love will be shown through our actions.

May we meet the needs of others with love and compassion

just as you have modeled for us with your life.

May we not be afraid of the gifts we have been given

and share them unselfishly with everyone we encounter.

We ask all of this through Christ our Lord.

Journal/Reflection Questions

Proverbs 31:10-13, 19-20, 30-31

• How might this woman be judged by the standards in today’s society? How was she judged during her time?  How do they compare and contrast?
• What is the woman’s return investment? What is it worth?

1Thessalonians 5:1-6

• What emotions are conjured up within you when you hear this reading?
• Describe the behaviors which indicate a person who lives in the light vs one who lives in the darkness. What about someone who lives in the shadows?  Is the shadow light or dark?

Matthew 25:14-30

• Imagine yourself in this scripture. Where do you see yourself?  As the landowner?  One of the servants?  What examples can you give to support your answer?
• Are there talents you still have hidden? Do you have talents you no longer use but used at a different time in your life?  How did you discover the talents you have?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• List ways a person can show “fear of the Lord” or “wonder and awe” of God. Are any of these ways woven into your daily routine?
• How does one become holy? Is it through word?  Is it through action?  Is there a recipe to follow for someone to become holy?
• Are you fearful God will come to take you before you are ready? How does someone prepare to die?
• What are some reasons you might bury your talents?
• Are you a risk-taker? On a 1-10 scale how would you rate yourself?
• Name some of the places in your life where risks might be necessary for growth? (identify specific places where you took a risk to grow in faith, grow in love or grow in trust)
• God takes a risk on us by giving us all of His love, grace and mercy. What do we risk for God in return?
• Which voice inside do you listen to when determining decisions? Do you respond out of obligation or fear?

Closing Prayer

Leader:  You gave us the gift of life, created in your image.

ALL:  All we have is because you loved us first.

Leader:  You gave us the gift of grace, to wipe away our sin.

ALL:  All we have is because you gave us your Son.

Leader:  You gave us the gift of salvation, promise of eternal life.

ALL:  All we have is because Jesus died for us.

Leader:  You gave us the gift of humility, so we may serve you.

ALL:  All we have is because you served us first.

Challenge for the Week:  Imagine you hear your doorbell ring as you are preparing to sit down for dinner with your family.  You are at a climatic point in the preparation and you hesitate answering the door.  Despite your desire to ignore the doorbell, you go to answer it.  When you open the door, you see Jesus standing there, looking just as you had always imagined.  He calls you by name, extends his hand and says, “Are you ready to go?”  How would you respond to Jesus if he came to your door?  Would you tell him to wait?  What things would you need to do before you would be ready to go?  Are there things you would want to take with you?  People you would need to forgive?  Others you need to apologize to?  We do not know the day, we do not know the hour but like a thief in the night we can be gone.  Are you ready?

Feast of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica in Rome

Opening Prayer

Lord,

Let YOUR concerns be our FIRST concerns.

Let YOUR actions be our FIRST actions.

Let YOUR ways be our ONLY WAY!

May we hear YOUR Word

and follow with courage and understanding

Please fill us with YOUR Spirit

so we know which way to go!

Journal/Reflection Questions

Ezekiel 47:1-2, 8-9, 12

• What symbolism can be drawn from the “directions” given in this reading? What does the water represent?
• How does the water change or transform what it encounters? Does the water you come in contact with on a daily basis contain the same ability?

1Corinthians 3:9c-11, 16-17

• What would you say is the foundation of your faith?
• How do you know the Holy Spirit is within you?

John 2:13-22

• What do you think caused Jesus’ reaction to those selling items for sacrifice outside the temple?
• What do you think causes Jesus to act this way?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• Reflect on the many uses for water. Is all water created equally?  What is the source of the water you use?  How does water improve your quality of life?
• Can you see God building something in your life? Can you feel God building something in your life?
• Who are the people in your past who helped to solidify your foundation?
• Do you get a choice in who helps build your foundation? What can you do to help build your foundation?
• Who do you help build their foundations? Are you a solid example to help build a secure foundation?
• How does thinking of yourself as a temple, change your perception of yourself?
• If you are God’s temple, how well are you taking care of God’s temple? What can you do to improve how you care for your body, soul and mind?

Closing Prayer

Leader:  God of endless compassion,

ALL:  YOU meet us where we are, not matter how far away.

Leader:  Jesus, the ambassador of reconciliation,

ALL:  YOU heal us and make us whole.

Leader:  Spirit of unconditional love,

ALL:  YOU bring peace, grace and mercy to all.

Leader:  May we forever proclaim how

ALL:  YOU forgive, YOU restore and YOU strengthen!

Challenge for the Week:  The Gospel story tells us about how Jesus got angry because people had made the Temple (OUR Father’s House) into a Marketplace.  How often do we do the same?  How often do we rationalize how if we are obedient to going to services every week that God will give us something in return?  How often do we offer God our commitment if He would only answer one little prayer?  Did you recently offer an exchange of faithful behavior if God would remove a heavy burden from your life?  Is this really any different than those trading “goods” and “services” outside of the Temple?  Consider how Jesus feels about us bartering with Him instead of coming to Him in prayer, open to His will for us.  Jesus already gave us everything we need by giving His live and has laid the path before us to follow.  We show our distrust in God when we begin to treat our faith as a marketplace; being jealous of other people’s gifts, telling Him we will give more and be more if only He would give us what we want (as if God doesn’t already know what is best for us), or picking and choosing which commandments we will follow and which ones we don’t think are as important.  Something to ponder as we begin to prepare for the holiday season; reflecting on the things which we are thankful for at Thanksgiving and preparing for the GIFT of Jesus’ birth at Christmas; do we give all we can to God or are we still out there looking for a better deal?

Feast of All Souls

Opening Prayer

Father,

YOU call us out of darkness

to abide in your light.

YOU fill our hearts with love

to spark the light within.

YOU dwell in our souls

and shine through us.

Lord Jesus, THANK YOU for

being an example and

showing us how to live

as light in the darkness!

Journal/Reflection Questions

Wisdom 3:1-9

• Reflect on what it means to “shine and dart about as sparks through stubble. What images come to mind?  Are there any examples of you experiencing this in your life?
• Describe the process of refining. What happens to something when it is refined?  How does it change?  What do you see being refined in your life?

Romans 5:5-11

• What are you willing to die for? What are you living for?  Are they the same?
• What bring you hope? Is it a thing?  Is it a person?  Is there only one or are there several things which give you hope?  What is it about that thing or those things which make you hope-filled?

John 6:37-40

• What does it mean to have eternal life? Who gets to have it?  Is it something earned or given to anyone?
• Do you know what the “will of God” is in your life? How did you find out?  How can someone find out?  Once you know God’s will, is it easy or difficult to follow?

General Questions for Journaling

• Share an example of a sacrifice in your life. Do you sacrifice things daily?  What benefit comes from sacrifice?
• When was the last time you sacrificed something for someone? What was it?  Who was it for?  Did you expect anything in return for your sacrifice?
• When was the last time you sacrificed something for God? What was it?  Did you expect anything in return?
• How can you tell if a person is refined? Do you know anyone whom you would describe as defined?  (dead or alive)
• How does Jesus dying for you, give you hope?
• What role does hope play in your life? How do you share it?  How do you express it?

Closing Prayer

Leader:  For God the Father,

ALL:  We remember and pray…

Leader:  For God the Son,

ALL:  We remember and pray…

Leader:  For God the Spirit,

ALL:  We remember and pray…

Leader:  For all Holy Men and Women,

ALL:  We remember and pray…

Leader:  For the promise of eternal life,

ALL:  We remember and pray!!!

Challenge for the Week:  Pope Francis says the Feasts of All Saint and All Souls are days of hope.  Spend some time considering what he means for the faithful to learn from that statement about life and purpose.  This week as you experience the changing of the season from fall to winter, consider some of the parallels of what is happening in nature right now to what is happening in your life.  Reflect on where in our life are experiencing a “fall” season and how hope is showing through in the changing of the leaves that are falling.  Then take it a step further and allow this new insight to move you into action OR give you the strength to let nature take its course and believe in the promise of spring!

30^th Sunday of Ordinary Time

Opening Prayer

Lord

Help us to see like you see

Help us to hear like you hear

Help us to love like you love

Let us have hearts which open to others

so YOUR love may overflow onto all we meet.

Journal/Reflection Questions

Exodus 22:20-26

• How are we 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 is God calling you to do?

1Thessalonians 1:5c-10

• When have you felt this “joy” from the Holy Spirit St Paul is taking about? How can you channel this joy more often in your life?
• How can you “send forth” God’s message of love to others? Identify one person whom you know who sends forth God’s love.  Identify one person whom you will share God’s love with this week.

Matthew 22:34-40

• Where would you rate how you love your neighbor on a scale of 1-10? Explain why you would give yourself this rating.
• Reflect on the people in your family. Are there people whom you can give love to freely and others whom you feel it takes much effort to show or give love?  What is the difference?
• Jesus says the Greatest Commandment is LOVE. How do you show or express love to God?  Your neighbors?  Yourself?

General Questions for Journaling

• 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 define love? What does it look like?  Where does it come from?  What does it feel like?
• How do you show love? How do you receive love?
• Where do you see love in the world?
• How does God teach you to love? Where is God’s love needed?  What can you do to bring God’s love to where it is needed?
• Reflect on a time when someone showed you love. Did you welcome their love or reject it?  Why?
• Who taught you how to love?
• 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?
• Draw a picture of God’s love.

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:  God calls us His “Beloved” but what does beloved mean?  According to the Merriam Webster Dictionary it means “deeply loved” or “close to the heart”.  Do we as human beings even have the ability to understand what it means or how it feels to be close to the heart of Jesus?  YES!  God created us for the purpose to be loved by Him!  This week, the challenge is to seek out these moments when we feel we are God’s beloved.  If you aren’t sure what this looks like or how it feels, consider the two words within the word beloved… be-loved.  This is the simplicity of feeling God’s love.  We need to slow down enough to recognize and feel God’s love in our lives.  He is reaching out to us and we too often pass Him by.  Seek Jesus!  He is waiting to show YOU love, how will you let Him?!?!?

29^th Sunday of Ordinary Time

Opening Prayer

Creator of all things good,

You made us out of nothing, to live and be and breathe.

O, how can we repay you!

Make us blind to the promises of this world;

so we may live as you intended us to live.

Teach us to live from the inside out;

to give from the abundance you planted within!

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 and there is no explanation,” 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

• Name 10 ways you give to God what belongs to God.
• How do you think the Pharisees expected Jesus to respond to their question?

General Questions for Journaling

• Can you identify people who “breakdown” walls or free people from “bondage”? Who are these people?
• How much of the Word of God would you say you hear each week? How much do you put into action?
• How would someone act out of conviction? How do you know if you are convicted of something?
• What are characteristics of a person who is full of the conviction of the Holy Spirit?
• 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?
• 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.
• What have you given to God this week? Do you attempt to “hide” things away from God which you know He would not approve of and fool yourself into thinking you succeeded?

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!

28^th Sunday of Ordinary Time

Opening Prayer 

Generous Lord,

We are invited to the glorious banquet,

May we come to understand the value of this honor.

Let our words and actions reflect that it is YOU who covers us,

Who makes us worthy to clothe ourselves in Christ!

No matter our circumstances, all are welcome!

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?
• This scripture says God takes away all sorrow and tears, but people still experience sorrow and shed tears. What do you read in this scripture which can help you understand about the veil which separates people from God in times of sorrow, pain and loss?

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?
• Identify a struggle you face currently. Make a decision to pray this scripture each day as you face the challenge; then write down your thoughts and feelings about this struggle each day.

Matthew 22:1-14

• Imagine yourself as a guest at the banquet. How do you feel?  How do you interact with the other guests?
• 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?

General Questions for Journaling

• Identify a time when someone came to your aid. What kind of trouble where you in?  How did they help?
• How does God wipe away our tears and sorrows?
• 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?
• Are you open or closed to God’s invitation to join Him at the feast?
• 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?
• What would you serve if Jesus came to your house for a meal?
• Describe the feast God has prepared for you TODAY!

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Father, YOU are with us through our sorrow;

ALL:  We feel your loving arms surround us.

Leader:  Jesus, YOU console us when we need comfort;

ALL:  We feel your loving arms surround us.

Leader:  Holy Spirit, YOU wipe away the tears and lead us on;

ALL:  We feel your loving arms surround us.

Leader:  Holy Trinity, YOU are alive in us

ALL:  YOU satisfy every longing and give us all we need!

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?