20^th Sunday of Ordinary Time

Opening Prayer

Holy Father,

May I walk in the house of Lord,

        all of my days!

May I find a comfortable place

        to lay my head!

May I hear your voice clearly,

        despite the noise!

May I show gratitude to you,

        for the gifts you give!

Praise your name forever!

Journal/Reflection Questions

Isaiah 56:1,6-7                            

• How do you show mercy in your life? To whom do you show mercy? How does it compare to God’s boundless mercy?
• How might the world be different if we truly lived life knowing God’s grace and mercy were endless?
• Is it possible to not give God enough praise or thanks? Can you give God too much? Explain.

Romans 11:13-15,29-32

• What makes you feel accepted by God? What do you think makes you unworthy of God’s blessing?
• In what ways do you disobey God? How does the Sacrament of Reconciliation help you feel accepted?

Matthew 15:2-28

• What surprises you about this scripture passage? How does this fall in line with or go against who you know Jesus to be?
• What does the phrase, “even the dogs eat the scraps that fall from the table of their masters” mean? What exactly was the woman saying?
• When has Jesus shown you the same mercy as he shows the Canaanite woman?

General Questions for Journaling

• Share examples of ways people honor God.
• What feelings or emotions do you feel knowing God will never stop loving you? 
• Has there ever been an occasion when you felt excluded within your faith community? What was it that made you feel separated? How might the scriptures this week help you heal?
• Describe the power of mercy. What does it offer? How do we receive it? Where does it come from? Who can have it?
• How do you receive your messages from God? Do you have voicemail or do God’s messages get right through?
• How would you judge a woman begging at the feet of Jesus? Have you ever done the same thing?
• Where in your life should you be more persistent? In prayer? Good works? Self-discipline? Encouragement?
• Does your love have limits? Explain. How can the scriptures help you overcome the things that limit your love? Be specific.
• Where does mercy come from? What are some examples of mercy? 

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Lord, I am blessed

ALL:  Let it show on my face!

Leader:  Lord, I am blessed

ALL:  Let it be heard in my words!

Leader:  Lord, I am blessed

ALL:  Let it be seen by my actions!

Leader:  Lord, I am blessed

ALL:  Let it be felt through my compassion!

Leader:  Lord, I am blessed

ALL:  Let it be acknowledged in my prayers!

Leader:  Lord, I am blessed

ALL:   Let it be shared with others!   

Challenge for the Week:  We can learn so much from this Canaanite woman.  She doesn’t back down, she remains calm and she kneels before Jesus and asks for help.  How often do we just nonchalantly ask Jesus to help us with something in prayer?  Are the things you pray for simply a list of wants and needs or are they true desires?  Do you pray with persistence and fervor?  When you attend Mass or Sunday Worship listen intently to the prayers of the faithful, the petitions of the community.  Set your mind to faithfully listen and put emotion and feeling into the prayer intentions so that you pray them with your whole being. 

19^th Sunday of Ordinary Time

 

Opening Prayer

Jesus

When you call to me…

Do I look up?  How do I respond?

Can I recognize you immediately?

Am I cautious and question?

Bring me into a relationship

where I know YOU!

Allow me to surrender to your voice

and listen to your Word!

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

1Kings 19:9a, 11-13a

• Identify a “great wind” or an “earthquake” in your life. How was God present in this moment?
• When have you stood at the opening of a cave in your life? What kept you from going in? What motivated you to run into the darkness?
• What causes you to want to hide your face from God?

 Romans 9:1-5

• Are there some in your family whom cause you “great sorrow” or “constant anguish” because of their belief or unbelief? What can you learn from St Paul in this scripture that might help?
• Are there some people whom you need to separate or be “cut off” from in order to be a better follower of Christ? How can you relate to St Paul in this scripture?

 Matthew 14:22-33

• Is your faith on a solid rock or on sinking sand? What can you learn from Peter to help you stay steady? How does this look in your everyday life?
• How does Jesus’ example motivate you to reach out to others?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• How do you feel when you are cut off from someone? Do you try to re-connect? Do you let it go?
• What keeps you connected to God? Is it a good connection? Have you ever been cut-off?
• What causes you to sink in your faith? Name some of the weights that drag you down.
• What obstacles hinder you from reaching out to God fully?
• Can God calm your fears or worries like He calm’s the sea? When have you experienced God’s calming power?
• Would you describe your faith as strong? Would you be able to stand back up like Peter?
• Jesus went up the mountain to pray. Do you have a sacred place where you like to go to pray? What makes it sacred?
• How does God invite you to step out of the boat?
• Are you able to distinguish when God is in the wind, the fire and the earthquake and when He is not? How close do you think you need to be in order to know the difference?
• What forces work against you in building your faith? What do you struggle with in order to keep the faith?
• Share an example in your life which shows how you trust Jesus.
• Are there times in your life when you find it easier to listen to God?
• Are there times in your life when it is difficult to listen to God?
• What happens to God’s promises when you walk away from worship? How can you carry the feeling of security with you?

 

Closing Prayer

Leader:  When I am feeling lost and alone…

 ALL:  Fix my eyes on Jesus!

 Leader:  When I don’t know which way to turn…

 ALL:  Fix my eyes on Jesus!

 Leader:  When I stumble and fall and sink…

 ALL:  Fix my eyes on Jesus!

 Leader:  When I am so full of joy I overflow…

 ALL:  Fix my eyes on Jesus!

 Leader:  When I feel fulfilled and satisfied…

 ALL:  Fix my eyes on Jesus!

 Leader:  When I stand up for what I believe…

 ALL:  Fix my eyes on Jesus!

 

Challenge for the Week:  Many people live in the “in between” of faith where they believe but don’t practice their beliefs with intention OR they practice so hard they are frustrated with the results.  We need to seek to find a healthy balance of living out and practicing the beliefs.  When scripture says we must love our neighbor and pray for our enemies, it sounds beautiful and practical.  However, how many believers actually put the words into practice?  Do we love everyone, even those who hurt us or persecute others?  When a tragedy happens do we immediately begin to pray for the victims and not the perpetrators?  Consider where your faith and your belief intersect.

18^th Sunday of Ordinary Time

 

Opening Prayer

Creator God

You give us a hunger and a thirst

only YOU can satisfy.

May we come to understand

how YOUR Word is what we need.

Fill us with YOUR mercy and grace;

complete us and make us whole.

Our searching is over!

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Isaiah 55:1-3

• What picture does this scripture paint? What images show abundance?
• When have you felt satisfied? Describe the feeling.

 Romans 8:35,37-39

• What keeps you away from God? How do you support the relationship?  How do you hurt the relationship?
• How do you remain close to those you love? Those on earth?  Those in heaven?

 Matthew 14:13-21

• Where is God in this scripture? In what ways?
• How are you called to be like the crowd? What do you have to share with others?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• What do you thirst for? What do you hunger for?
• What does your soul ache for? Have you ever felt so strongly about something or needed something so much you ached?
• God satisfies. How many ways can you list?
• What is your definition of riches? How does God provide you with riches in your life?
• Describe the most satisfying meal you’ve ever eaten. What made it satisfying?
• How do you communicate with God? How does God communicate back?
• How does working on your relationship with God differ from your other relationships? How is it similar?
• Make a list of at least 10 ways you can show love to God.
• Make a list of at least 10 ways you can show love to others.
• Can you have too much of a good thing? Why or why not?
• What is your definition of the promises of Christ?
• Identify moments in your life when you felt full, not from food. Is there a common thread in these experiences?

 

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Let all who thirst…

ALL:  come to the Lord!

Leader:  Let all who hunger…

 ALL:  come to the Lord!

Leader:  Let all who have nothing…

ALL:  come to the Lord!

Leader:  Let all who seek…

ALL:  come to the Lord!

Leader:  Let all who are weary…

ALL:  come to the Lord!

Leader:  Let all who need rest…

ALL:  come to the Lord!

Leader:  Let all who are burdened…

ALL:  come to the Lord!

Leader:  For the Lord is near…

ALL:  all who call upon him!

 

Challenge for the Week:  In the summer, many of us are guests or host a potluck or picnic where everyone brings something to contribute to the meal.  Part of the fun of a potluck is to see what others bring, make a favorite dish or to have the chance to try out a new recipe.  Even if there are several types of salads or duplicate dishes, there is always plenty of food and no one is left hungry.  There is also always plenty leftover.  Imagine how this is similar to the feeding of the 5,000.  They weren’t invited to a potluck but they attended one.  We hear the story of the boy with some fish and bread who was generous enough to step forward with the little he had to share with the crowd but I believe it was because of his example others contributed what they had too.  We must realize that even though we think what we have to give is not enough, when we allow God into our lives and have the courage to step out in faith, He satisfies and completes us.  Show generosity in some way this week by sharing with someone what you have to give.  Bring more than simply a food dish with you to the next potluck, bring a generous heart full of the love of Jesus and see what miracles happen!

17^th Sunday of Ordinary Time

Opening Prayer

Heavenly Father,

You give me more than I deserve.

You see me as a treasure

while I see my mistakes and flaws.

Your Word tells me I am precious,

with a heart of gold and infinite wealth.

Thank you, for teaching me to see as you see!

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

1Kings 3:5,7-12

• King Solomon is noted as being a very wise person, how does his wisdom show through in this scripture?
• How does this scripture passage model prayer for you? Does Solomon do all of the talking? How does God respond? How is this similar or different to how you pray?

 Romans 8:28-30

• Have you seen evidence of the phrase “all things work together for good” and did you also see God’s presence in the experience? Share specifics.
• Does this scripture mean God is not there when bad things happen? Explain what you think the scripture is saying to those who have experienced darkness, abandonment or loss.

 Matthew 13:24-43

• Imagine yourself as the person who finds treasure, the merchant who seeks pearls and the fisherman casting the net. How do you relate to each scenario? What lesson is to be learned from each example?
• What treasures do you possess? Do you use these treasures to point to God? Do you think you have treasures which are still buried?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• How do you allow God to show you right and wrong?
• What do your prayers say about your relationship with God?
• The word understanding in Hebrew means obedient. How do you define the words understanding and obedient? How are the definitions similar and how are they different?
• Have you ever felt called by God? How old were you when you first recall hearing God call you and what did he call you to do?
• How do you hear God speaking to you? Is it a whisper? A shout? How do you respond?
• What have you given up or what do you need to sacrifice in order to conform to the will of God in your life? It is a one-time sacrifice or do you need to continue to give things up in order to follow God?
• Have you experienced a time when your instincts have conflicted with what you believe God wanted? Share.
• Do you think wisdom is something you learn or something you have? What does age have to do with wisdom, anything?
• Is youth an age group or a frame of mind? Explain.
• Identify some obstacles which help you be your true self.
• What do you treasure? Be specific.
• What does God treasure? Where can you find evidence of your answer?
• Do you sometimes feel like you are playing hide and seek with
  God? Who is hiding? Where do you hide?
• What confirmation do you have that you are living the life calls you to live?

 

Closing Prayer

Leader:  I want to walk in the way of the Lord,

ALL:  teach me to seek your heart!

Leader:  I want to walk in the way of the Lord,

 ALL:  teach me to know your precepts!

Leader:  I want to walk in the way of the Lord,

ALL:  teach me to observe your commandments!

Leader:  I want to walk in the way of the Lord,

ALL:  teach me to walk with justice!

Leader:  I want to walk in the way of the Lord,

ALL:  teach me to listen to and live out your Word!

Leader:  I want to walk in the way of the Lord,

ALL:  teach me to spread kindness and mercy!

Leader:  I want to walk in the way of the Lord,

ALL:  teach me to treasure your promise!

 

Challenge for the Week:  Discern what it means to have an understanding heart.  Do you know anyone who has one?  What qualities do they have which cause you to believe this?  What would change in the world if more people had an understanding heart?  Spend time this week to work to have a more understanding heart and determine ways you can help others do the same.

Solomon’s Prayer: Therefore give to your servant and understanding heart to judge your people, that I may discern between good and evil.

16^th Sunday of Ordinary Time

 

Opening Prayer

God of great patience!

May we learn from Your Word

how to be more tolerant of our failings

and the faults of others!

Your Word tells us that when we seek You,

the Holy Spirit fills us with what we lack

so we can be better examples of You!

Lord, make us whole in YOU!

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Wisdom 12:13, 16-19

• Where do you see your sin in this scripture? Do you condemn others?  Are you unjust?  Do you seek power?  Do you “lord” over others?  Do you hold others prisoner with rules and regulations?
• Is there someone you know who is need of justice or mercy? How does this scripture encourage you to act out to help them find it?

 Romans 8:26-27

• What does this scripture tell you about the nature of the Spirit?
• Can you recall a time when the Holy Spirit came to your aid? What was the situation?  How did you know it was the Holy Spirit who helped you?

 Matthew 13:24-43

• How does this scripture challenge or affirm your understanding of love?
• Share an example of how removing weeds from a person’s life, it could cause more harm to them than good?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• Share an example of God’s humility.
• What do you have hope for right now?
• Do you believe the world is basically good or basically bad? Why?
• Do you identify yourself by your actions or by your emotions? What words would you use to identify yourself (not by your role or job but as a person)?
• Where can you see kindness right now? Is it difficult or easy to find?
• What does it mean to repent? How can you repent?  Is there a limit?
• Is there someone whom you need to seek forgiveness because you have been unkind or unjust to them?
• When did you first learn how to pray?
• How has your prayer life developed over time? What has changed over the years?  Create a timeline to show the progress of your prayer life.
• When have you stood up for someone who couldn’t stand up for themselves? What was the situation and what inspired you to step in?
• Are there people in your life or in the community whom need you to stand up for / with them? What is a specific action step you can take to do so?
• How are the mustard seed and yeast similar? How are they different?
• A mustard seed and yeast are described as a metaphor for heaven. What other relatable image(s) would you use to describe heaven?

 

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Father, search my heart…

ALL:  for goodness and kindness.

Leader:  Father, search my heart…

 ALL:  for a sense of longing.

Leader:  Father, search my heart…

ALL:  for acceptance and mercy.

Leader:  Father, search my heart…

ALL:  for compassion for others.

Leader:  Father, search my heart…

ALL:  for love and forgiveness.

Leader:  Father, search my heart…

ALL:  for the strength to endure.

Leader:  Father, search my heart…

ALL:  and find it full of you!

 

Challenge for the Week:  This scripture suggests we “try and try again.”  When we fail, we turn to God to repent and then continue to press on.  This is difficult to do when we are faced with adversity.  Good athletes practice for hours to perfect their skills to become better.  Take a lesson from them and choose a new practice to help you get rid of the weeds in your life and be diligent about it.  Make a decision to create a new/good habit.  Don’t focus on trying to get of a bad one, simply plant a good one and cultivate it.  Put all of your focus on the new habit.  Don’t feel guilty if you mess up or skip a day, repent and try again!  Keep putting forth the effort to grow and in time the consistent attention will form the new habit so much that it will weed out the bad one!

15^th Sunday of Ordinary Time

 

Opening Prayer

God of all creation;

Make us good rich soil for planting

so your Word may settle in and grow!

May we find You in each experience

even when we must face rocky ground or thorny bushes!

Help us reach and stretch each new day

to put forth great fruit, worthy of the kingdom!

AMEN!

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Isaiah 55:10-11

• What is the purpose of fertile ground? What elements are needed in order to make the ground fertile?
• Explain how this scripture can be a metaphor for God’s purpose for you.

 Romans 8:18-23

• Share an example of how good can come from suffering.
• How do you live in expectation of God? What can you do to be more open to the present instead of the past or the future?

 Matthew 13:1-23

• Who are you in the parable? The flower?  The sun?  The rain?  The one who tramples?  The one who chokes?  The one who scorches?  The birds?  The thorn?  The rocks?  The one who blocks the roots?  The one who plants the seed?  The fruit?  (Consider reflecting on when you’ve been all of them)
• Are there things in your life right now which choke or prick at you, causing you to not grow? Are there rocks on the path, which you are unable to navigate around?  Where do you see weeds pop up in your life?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• Have you ever contemplated the changing of the seasons? What never ceases to astonish you each time a new season passes into another?
• Compare the cycle of rain to the cycle of life. How do they differ?  How are they similar?
• Share a time when you experienced the feeling of freedom in the beauty of nature.
• Is it possible to avoid suffering and pain? What are the benefits of avoiding it? What are the benefits of living through it?
• Where do you see growing pains in the world?
• Is it possible to prepare for pain? Why or why not?
• How do you cultivate the goals in your life? How do you fertilize them?
• What is the significance of rain, sun, soil for the success of a seed? How does this compare to the success of your own life?
• If you heart was a garden, what would it look like? What would be growing there?  Consider the types of flowers, bushes, trees, fruit, vegetables that your heart would grow and why.
• When was the last time you listened to your heart? What does it sound like?  How do you know what your heart desires?
• Do you think God is concerned about quality or quantity? Give a reason for your answer.

 

Closing Prayer

Leader:  God of heaven…

ALL:  conquer my fears.

Leader:  God of earth…

 ALL:  make straight the path.

Leader:  Jesus, human…

ALL:  teach me to love.

Leader:  Jesus, divine…

ALL:  wash away my sins.

Leader:  Spirit of life…

ALL:  bring comfort and strength.

Leader:  Almighty Spirit…

ALL:  tend to my weary soul.

Leader:  Holy Trinity…

ALL:  be mine forevermore!

 

Challenge for the Week:  God put so much thought into the changing of the season and perfected the dying and rising of each element of nature.  Spend time this week meditating on Summer, Fall, Winter and Spring; they are very different but also very similar.  How do you relate to each of the seasons and why?  What emotions does each season evoke in you and why?  What significance do the seasons have in your life?  Do you identify with one season more than another?  Which one and why?  What do you think God intended for us to learn from the seasons?  What can they teach you about God?

14^th Sunday of Ordinary Time

Opening Prayer

Christ within me,

How I struggle!

I move forward, but leave you behind.

I trip and fall, then cry out to you.

My heart knows you are with me.

My will says I can do it alone.

It is a constant battle!

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Zechariah 9:9-10

• The scripture describes a king riding in on a donkey…how do these things go together (King and Donkey)? Where do you see these together in the New Testament?  Share how the two passages are similar and different?
• Share a time when God won a victory for you. What was the battle?  What did you struggle with and how did God help you overcome the obstacle?

 Romans 8:9,11-13

• What burdens/benefits come from being human vs. divine?
• If the Holy Spirit dwells in you, how does this change your perspective of yourself? What about if it dwells in others?  Does it affect your perception of them?  How and why?

 Matthew 11:25-30

• What does it mean that God’s yoke is easy?
• Describe what it feels like to ‘rest’ in God. What does it look like, smell like, taste like, sound like?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• How did Jesus show humility? Share specific examples for us to follow.
• Is humility a leadership quality? Why or why not?
• Do your actions towards others show your love for God? Share a recent example.
• How can you tell if the Holy Spirit dwells in you? In others?
• When might it be necessary to ‘banish’ someone from your life? What actions could be taken to do this?
• Have your actions ever caused division between you and another person? How did your relationship with God help or hinder the situation?
• What actions can be taken to overcome the temptations of the flesh? Have you experienced the rewards described in scriptures for doing so?
• When have you felt the most burdened? How do you overcome it?  What helps to lighten the load?
• What characteristics of the ‘flesh’ do you wish to shed?
• What characteristics of the ‘spirit’ do you wish to take on?
• Imagine a time when you were exhausted and didn’t have any strength to continue. Describe this feeling.  Where did you find strength to carry on?
• What burdens do you carry? Are there burdens you allow others to carry for you?  Are there burdens you carry which are the responsibility of others?
• Explain how the Father, Son and Spirit work together.

 

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Come, dwell in me…

ALL:  let me know meekness.

Leader:  Come, dwell in me…

 ALL:  let me know humility.

Leader:  Come, dwell in me…

ALL:  let me know weakness.

Leader:  Come, dwell in me…

ALL:  let me know burdens.

Leader:  Come, dwell in me…

ALL:  let me know hunger and thirst.

Leader:  Come, dwell in me…

ALL:  let me know hurt.

Leader:  Come, dwell in me…

ALL:  so I may find rest!

Challenge for the Week:  Come to me all who are burdened and worried, I will give them rest.  Imagine a parent saying this to a child whose bedtime is quickly approaching and is showing signs of restlessness and weariness.  These words call out to the child just like they call out to us in order to soothe our spirit.  The restlessness melts away when the child is swept up into the secure arms of their parent; they know they are safe, taken care of and loved.  This is what Jesus wants for us too.  God wants us to let go and relinquish the stress and strain of the day so we can fall into his arms and let him minister to us.  Identify the things in your life which keep you from experiencing this peace of resting in God.  What can you do to move the obstacles which stand in the way of this kind of rest?

“O Jesus!  Yoke us to yourself.  When we too hunger, give us food.  When we too thirst, or tire, or falsely witness, just let us learn to find you and to find ourselves in you!” – from a sermon by St. Augustine

13^th Sunday of Ordinary Time

 

Opening Prayer

Jesus

Through your death, you gave me life;

I am blessed in each new day.

You are steadfast in love and grace;

at times I feel unworthy.

I am in awe of all the gifts before me;

teach me, guide me, use me.

I am indebted to you and rejoice in it!

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

2Kings 4:8-11,14-16a

• Does this example of hospitality inspire you? In what way?
• Is there expectation from Elisha or the woman for something in return? Should there be?  Why or why not?
• This scripture shows an example of someone seeing a need and fulfilling it. Is there a need you see which you can fill to bring comfort or offer aid to another person?

 Romans 6:3-4,8-11

• How does this scripture impact your understanding/belief of life and death?
• What does it mean to be born in Christ through Baptism?
• What does it mean to be born in to Christ’s death?

 Matthew 10:37-42

• What specifically about this scripture is troublesome for you to achieve? What makes it difficult?  Be specific.
• Do you know what cross you bear? How can knowing and accepting the struggles and obstacles you face help you to overcome them?
• How does this scripture tie back into the first reading?
• What message is God giving you through the scripture?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• God shows up for you; how have you shown up for God?
• Are there people whom pray for you? How does it make you feel?  Do you acknowledge their prayers?
• Whom do you pray for and have you seen evidence of your prayers for them? Share an example of the good that has come from your prayers for others.
• Identify an act of kindness. Have you ever expressed one?
• Have you ever received an act of kindness?
• Share an example of how you died to a sinful behavior.
• Are there people, places or things that draw you into sinful behavior?
• Do you monitor these relationships? Are they relationships which could harm you?
• What helps you shed sin from your life? Is there a specific practice or person?
• How are you a blessing?
• What does it mean to be a righteous person? Do you know any?
• How is being righteous different than being conceded?

 

Closing Prayer

Leader:  You are in my heart,

ALL:  may my heart be holy.

Leader:  You are in my thoughts,

 ALL:  may my thoughts be holy.

Leader:  You are in my prayers,

ALL:  may my prayers be holy.

Leader:  You are in my deeds,

ALL:  may my deeds be holy.

Leader:  You are in my home,

ALL:  may my home be holy.

Leader:  You are in my soul,

ALL:  may my soul be holy.

 

Challenge for the Week:  The first reading shares the importance of hospitality.  These recent days of shelter in place restrictions have certainly put limitations upon how we show hospitality to others but we still can.  The meaning of hospitality is to welcome someone generously.  This doesn’t have to be done within close proximity.  To welcome someone generously can be done in a conversation over the phone.  The scripture shows how someone paid attention to a routine and sought to find a solution to make Elisha’s routine more comfortable and accommodating.  The Woman wanted to let Elisha know he was welcome.  God’s intention is for us to reach out to others to help make them feel loved, cared for and welcomed.  Through this example in scripture, and others, God is giving us examples of how we should live.  I think God loves it so much when we reach out and show hospitality to others which is why when we do, we feel so good!  Who in your life or community needs to feel loved, cared for and welcomed?  What do you think God wants you to do about it?  Perhaps, you are the one in need of hospitality; what do you think God would say to you about making you feel loved, cared for and welcomed?

12^th Sunday of Ordinary Time

 

Opening Prayer

Lord

Like a mighty champion,

you come to my rescue!

I hide in darkness but

you bring me into the light!

Great is your mercy and

bounteous is your kindness!

My heart is revived by

your gracious gift of grace!

I am so full of love

that it overflows to others!

Praise your Holy Name, Jesus!

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Jeremiah 20:10-13

• Where do you see God prevail as “mighty champion”?
• Where do you see evidence of God rescuing the “life of the poor”?
• What is your definition of “life of the poor”?

 Romans 5:12-15

• Where do you see evidence of sin in your life? In the world?  How do you find forgiveness for this sin?
• What can you do to multiply God’s gift of grace in your life, family, community? Share examples.

 Matthew 10:26-33

• Do you find comfort or discomfort in the scripture, “nothing is concealed that will not be revealed nor secret that will not be known.”
• What has God whispered to you? Did you proclaim what you heard?  Why or why not?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• Have you ever felt trapped by “evil” or “sin”?
• When have you stumbled in the face of adversity?
• Describe suffering. What does it look like, sound like, smell like, feel like?
• How have you trespassed against God this week? How is it/can it be resolved?
• How have you trespassed against your neighbor this week? How is it/can it be resolved?
• How have you trespassed against yourself this week? How is it/can it be resolved?
• Can good come from resentment? Why or why not?
• What are you afraid of and how do you deal with/calm the fear?
• Is there sin you keep from God and are afraid to let go?
• Are there secrets you keep from others, how does keeping these secrets affect the relationship?
• How do you acknowledge yourself as a child of God?
• Have you ever suffered for being a Christian? Have you been ridiculed because you go to Church? Share.
• In what ways is your faith still in the darkness? How can you bring light to it?

 

Closing Prayer

Leader:  When I have obstacles in my path

 ALL:  I praise the Lord!

Leader:  When I am the target of slander

ALL:  I praise the Lord!

Leader:  When I feel buried in doubt

 ALL:  I praise the Lord!

Leader:  When I am drowning in sorrow

ALL:  I praise the Lord!

Leader:  When I have a mountain to climb

ALL:  I praise the Lord!

Leader: When I feel walls caving in

ALL:  I praise the Lord!

Leader:  When I call out to my Lord,

ALL:  I am ready for anything!

 

 Challenge for the Week:  John 15:26b says, “The Spirit of Truth will testify.”  It’s like if you have to testify in court, they ask you to swear on a Bible to tell the truth.  Truth is valuable but not always very easy to come by.  At an early age, “the truth” becomes subjective based on our experience, perspective, and whether telling it is going to get us into trouble.  As adults, avoiding the truth is done sometimes to avoid causing others pain and other times to protect ourselves from pain.  At the beginning of time, Adam and Eve had to speak up and tell the truth about their sinful act. God already knew what they had done…this is still true today with your sin because the “Spirit of Truth” will testify to identify it!  Consider this week the number of people whom you trust enough to tell the truth.  Can you identify ten?  Would that be easy or difficult?  What would you say are the criteria of the relationship which make you trust them with the truth?  Take time to let them know how you feel about them and that they can count on you to be truthful and trustworthy.

Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ

 

Opening Prayer

Jesus

You are the bread of life!

You are the manna sent from heaven!

Without you, we are empty!

Fill us, nourish us, and sustain us!

We will have our fill and never go hungry!

You are our daily bread!

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Deuteronomy 8:2-3, 14b-16a

• God sent manna from heaven, how is this still true?
• One cannot live on bread alone, how does this apply to your life? What is the “bread” you live on?
• What does this scripture teach you about faith in God?

 1Corinthians 10:16-17

• One cannot live on bread alone, when you receive communion, how do you feel changed? Do you feel the same when you read God’s word?
• What cup of blessing do you hold today? How can you let this blessing overflow and be a blessing to others?

 John 6:51-58

• The sacrifice made by Jesus on the cross is the foundation of the Eucharist. What do you sacrifice when you come to the altar to receive Jesus’ Body and Blood?
• Describe how partaking in Jesus’ Body and Blood sustains you? What does it mean to you?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• What is the symbolism of the “hunger” we have in our lives in relation to God?
• How has God delivered you from slavery? What are you still a slave to in your life?  How can God help you become free?
• When you receive communion, you become a living tabernacle. How do others see Christ in you?
• What does God provide you in order to continue on the path of discipleship? What more do you need on your journey of faith?
• Which commandments are easy to follow? Which are difficult?  Why?
• Have you had desert experiences in your life? Can you look back and see God “feeding” you in those times?
• Identify a time when you were “parched”. How did this experience affect your faith?
• How do you see yourself as a part of the Body of Christ?
• What is your definition of Communion?
• What feelings or emotions are associated with hunger? How are they different than the emotions and feelings of being satisfied?
• How do the scriptures help you see how God feeds you? What can you do to be more aware of the food God supplies for your life?
• The Word Eucharist means Thanksgiving, how is the celebration of Mass like the Thanksgiving holiday?
• It is said, you are what you eat. What are some bad food choices you make?  How can God help you to make better choices?
• What are some good food choices you make? How do they improve your spirit?

 

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Christ before me…

 ALL:  I praise YOU!

Leader:  Christ around me…

ALL:  I give you thanks!

Leader:  Christ beside me…

 ALL:  I am at peace!

Leader:  Christ within me…

ALL:  I am filled with joy!

Leader:  I am Christ to others…

ALL:  Let the feast begin!

 

 Challenge for the Week:  In the Catholic Church, the Mass is separated into two parts, the Liturgy of the WORD, reading the scripture and the Liturgy of the EUCHARIST, celebrating the Body and Blood of Jesus.  In both cases, we are consuming Christ.  During this time of COVID restrictions while churches were closed, we’ve had restricted access to the Body and Blood of Christ.  Though we can participate in the celebration of Mass virtually, we’ve not consumed the actual Body and Blood of Christ.  This is a time when we need to dive deeper into the WORD of God, the scriptures, the WORD made flesh in Jesus.  There are several ways to connect more deeply to the Scriptures on a daily basis to be filled.  You can read and meditate on a daily prayer book, get scripture verses sent to via text or email and you can journal or pray the rosary or a dozen other practices to help you connect and feel the abundance of Christ within you.  When you spend time reading, praying and allowing the WORD to marinate your soul, then you will know what it means to be filled with God’s WORD and be satisfied!