Trinity Sunday

 

Opening Prayer

Creator God,

you fill the world with all things good.

Savior God,

you came to earth to live among us and die for our salvation.

Spirit God,

You dwell in us so we are forever with you.

Blessed Trinity, help us be more aware of your presence in our lives!

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Exodus 34:4b-6,8-9

• How do you humble yourself before God like Moses did in this scripture?
• What does God reveal about His character in this scripture?
• Moses asked God to pardon our sins…what do you have a hard time pardoning? Are there things of this world which are hard for you to forgive?

 2Corinthians 13:11-13

• What do you learn about God in this scripture? About Jesus?  About the Holy Spirit?
• How does this reading suggest we live our everyday lives? Is it impossible to live in this way?  Why or why not?

 John 3:16-18

• “For God so loved the world”, speaks of sacrifice. Do you sacrifice things for your faith?  For a relationship with God?
• Do you sacrifice for love? Whom in your life do you love enough to sacrifice things for?  Do you sacrifice freely or with expectation?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• What examples in your life confirm that God is slow to anger, rich in kindness and faithful?
• Describe God’s love. What does it look like? Feel like? Sound like?
• How do you think God finds favor in you? Identify at least 5 things about you which God would find favor.
• Describe a time when you were “stiff-necked and stubborn”.
• Would God find favor in the way you treat others who are “stuck in their ways”? How do you think God would treat them?
• What do you hold a grudge against? How can you begin to let love into that situation?
• What sin does God look past today in order to give you love? How has God shown his love already today?
• How do you know the Holy Spirit is with you? How can you tell when the Holy Spirit is with another person?
• How does God show you grace? How can you show grace to another person?
• Where do you see people being condemned today? Is there something you could do to bring peace?
• When have you felt condemned, what did you learn from the experience?
• Do you know a peaceful person? What qualities do they have that you would like to cultivate? Are we called to agree and get along with everyone, all of the time? What would you say are the “core” things we all should agree upon to make this world a better place?

 

Closing Prayer

Leader: O Holy is YOUR name…

 ALL:  Creator

Leader:  I AM

ALL:  God

Leader:  Emmanuel

 ALL:  Jesus

Leader:  Savior

ALL:  Living God

Leader:  Mighty wind

ALL:  Eternal breath

Leader: Counselor

ALL:  God with us

Leader:  Holy Trinity

ALL:  Father, Son and Holy Spirit!

 

Challenge for the Week:  Do you know someone you would describe as an encourager?  What makes them so?  Do they encourage you or others too?  Make a point this week to encourage someone new each day.  It may be helpful to take time to reflect on some of the people you see weekly and consider what you might do or say to encourage them.  Consider people you don’t see on a regular basis who might need some encouragement and write them a note, email or make a phone call.  Also, spend time thinking about those people in your life who have been and still are encouragers to you.  Do they know how much their support means to you and how it has affected your life?  Take time to let them know how you feel and who they are a gift to your life.

Pentecost Sunday

 

Opening Prayer

O Blessed Spirit,

When I feel alone, you are my comfort.

When I am surrounded by darkness, you bring light.

When I feel weak, you are my strength.

You are my guide on the path, which leads to heaven.

Breathe in me, fill my heart, and dwell in my soul, FOREVER!

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Acts 2:1-11

• Imagine you are there at Pentecost…what do you see, feel, smell, hear and say?
• What is changed about the apostles after they are visited in the upper room? What can we take from this experience? Imagine yourself there…how does it change your perspective?

1Corinthians 12:3b-7, 12-13

• Explain the difference of being baptized in the Spirit and being baptized in water. What lesson can you learn about differences from this scripture?
• Each person is given a different gift of the Holy Spirit. Can you identify the gift(s) you have been given? How are you using the gifts you’ve been given?

 John 20:19-23

• In the Old Testament, God “breathed” His breath into Adam. What significance does this word have here in this reading? What is the correlation between the two scriptures?
• When Jesus returned to the disciples, his first words were “peace be with you”. One cannot find peace within without the help of the Holy Spirit. Seek the Spirit and you will find peace. What do the disciples do to begin their journey of finding peace? How are they an example to us on how to live with the Holy Spirit?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• What can you do to build a closer relationship with the Holy Spirit? What action steps are needed for you to let the Spirit into your life and help you be filled?
• What excuses do you make to keep the Holy Spirit from entering into your being? What obstacles stand in your way of a meaningful relationship with the Holy Spirit?
• What qualities of the Holy Spirit do you possess? What qualities of the Holy Spirit would you like to fill you?
• In Galatians 5, St Paul tells us what it means to “live in the Spirit”, what can you do to cultivate these qualities in your life?
• Do you believe in miracles? Why or why not?
• Do think at Pentecost, they understood each other literally? Explain.
• What can you do to understand others better? How can the gifts of the Holy Spirit help?
• Are there people in your life whom are different and you appreciate their differences? How has the Spirit caused you to act differently?
• Are there people in your life whom are different and you are frustrated by their differences? How can the Spirit encourage you to act differently?
• What gift(s) do you hold back? What can you do to share your gifts more abundantly?
• Is peace easily found? Why or why not?
• Define a “peacemaker”. What qualities do you have? Where do you share God’s peace?

 

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Come Holy Spirit,

 ALL:  shine in our lives!

Leader:  Come Spirit of Truth,

ALL:  teach us the way!

Leader:  Come Advocate,

 ALL:  give us strength!

Leader:  Come Paraclete,

ALL:  bring us comfort!

Leader:  Come Presence of God,

ALL:  renew our faith!

Leader:  Come Holy Spirit,

ALL:  fill us joy everlasting!

 

Challenge for the Week:  The second reading from Saint Paul to the Corinthians is a call for us to see past the differences we too often use to divide us.  Saint Paul is reminding us that though may look different or have different abilities we are all baptized by the same God.  It would be an uninteresting life if everyone had the same abilities; it would be like a world of Storm-Troopers or Minions. Now sometimes, you might be jealous of one person’s gifts and wish you could do things the way they do but consider this…God will judge upon how you use the gift(s) you were given, not on the gift(s) you wish you had.  All gifts are equal in the eyes of God.  Let go of any jealousy you might cling to because someone else has a gift you would like to possess and give thanks for their gifts too!

Ascension Sunday

 

Opening Prayer

Heavenly Father,

When we look to the sky,

we are limited to what we see.

We can only imagine what is beyond.

Guide us in your Word,

so we have the faith to believe

and in what we cannot see.

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Acts 1:1-11

• What lesson has Jesus taught you that you would identify as the most important lesson?
• The disciples are looking intently to the sky, then are asked why they are standing there looking to the sky. What should they be doing instead?  Identify one way you can do this also.

 Ephesians 1:17-23

• Jesus leaves the Holy Spirit, HIS SPIRIT with us when he ascends into heaven. How does this fact affect your faith, your understanding of heaven and/or your understanding of death/dying?
• Where does hope come from? What is your definition of hope?

 Matthew 28:16-20

• Do you see, feel or hear this reading calling to you? What is God calling you to do?  Is it the same or different than what he calls the disciples to?
• How do you identify your call? Is it something you hear in the scripture or something you feel in your heart?  How do you know it is God’s call and not your own desire driving your towards your goal or passion?
• What can you “GO” and do for Christ this week?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• Have you ever received something back which you thought was lost? What did it feel like?  How would it feel to have it taken away again?  What can you learn from the disciples about this experience?
• How can you bring comfort to someone who has lost a job, has recently experienced the death of a loved one or has lost their sense of hope?
• What makes saying good-bye so difficult? What are some rituals you have or that you know of that could make saying good-bye a little easier?
• What are some ways you can honor the memory of a loved one?
• What is the importance of prayer and community in these times?
• Identify how you feel the Holy Spirit in your life right now.
• Are those you turn to for guidance and understanding filled with the Holy Spirit? Is it important for them to be?  Why or why not?
• Is it possible to avoid suffering? Why or why not?  What might be some consequences of avoiding suffering?
• Where do you go to get “full” spiritually? What are some ways you accomplish this?
• Do you believe it possible to live in the “fullness of Christ” all of the time?
• What does it mean to you that Jesus says he is with you always?

 

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Lord, I hear you call me,

ALL:  when I listen with my heart.

Leader:  Lord, I open myself to you,

ALL:  when I feel with my heart.

Leader:  Lord, I gain understanding from your Word,

ALL:  when I study with my heart.

Leader:  Lord, I comfort others and am comforted,

ALL:  when I embrace with my heart.

Leader:  Lord, I spread the Good News,

ALL:  when I love with my heart.

Leader:  Lord, I turn my eyes to heaven,

ALL:  when I believe with my heart.

 

Challenge for the Week:  Throughout the Easter Season, we have the privilege of seeing Jesus open up to us the mission of every baptized person.  We consistently hear about how the Holy Spirit will remain.  The Holy Spirit is also often referred to as our Advocate, which means the Holy Spirit is on our team, ready to support us with whatever it is we need.  Spend time this week reflecting on the gifts of the Holy Spirit (Knowledge, Understanding, Right Judgment, Reverence, Courage, Wisdom, Wonder and Awe) and identify ways these gifts have shown up for you in your life over the past 6-12 months.  These examples from your life of when the Holy Spirit was present are the stories you are to share with others to give them the hope of the resurrection!

OR

Spend time this week looking back on when Lent began twelve weeks ago with Ash Wednesday.  Since then we have walked with Jesus through several experiences.  We have been there when he fought off the devil, raised Lazarus from the dead, washed the Disciples feet, was arrested, and crucified.  That was all just before Easter when he escaped death and came back for an encore to share with the Disciples that he will always be there with them until the end of time.  What has been revealed to YOU through this journey?  How has walking through Jesus’ last days, his suffering, crucifixion, resurrection and ascension brought you understanding or comfort?  What has been revealed to you through these experiences?

Sixth Sunday of Easter

 

Opening Prayer

Praise and honor to YOU!

You understand what it feels like to be lonely;

so you promise to never leave us alone!

You bring us strength, knowledge and courage;

so we can fight temptation and self-doubt!

You leave with us and advocate and protector;

who is full of gifts we need to fulfill our mission!

We are made whole through the Father, Son and Holy Spirit!

AMEN!

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Acts 8:5-8,14-17

• What do you think drew people to come and listen to Phillip?
• Meditate on a time when you were “filled with great joy”. What were the circumstances? How can you duplicate joyful moments in your life on a daily basis?

 1Peter 3:15-18

• What do these words from Peter stir up within you? What is he pleading with you to do?
• Jesus suffered death for you so you might not have to suffer. How can you let go of the suffering in your life and live in the joy of Jesus died for?

 John 14:15-21

• Do you believe that following the commandments shows your love for God? Are there commandments that are easier to keep? Which ones? Which are the ones that are more difficult to keep? Share.
• How is the example of love shown in the Gospel reading evident in your daily life?
• Is there an example from your life where you have needed an “advocate”? Have you sought counsel, understanding, knowledge, wisdom, right judgment, wonder & awe and piety of the Holy Spirit? Explain.

 

General Questions for Journaling

• How does God catch your attention?
• What topics of conversation get your full attention? (Watch your body language when something of interest comes up, you sit up and lean in)
• Share an example of how you live out your baptism and share the joy of Christ with others?
• Where do you go to learn more about your faith? How do you learn more about God?
• What does the Holy Trinity mean to you?
• What inspires you? Be Specific. What do you hope for? Share. Who inspires you? How?
• How do you put sin to death? What do you need in order for this to happen?
• Share an example of a time when it was better for you to “suffer for doing good, that for doing evil”. What was the situation and what was the outcome?
• Share an example of an “everyday miracle” in your life.
• Where is there evidence of the presence of God in your life right now?
• What evidence do you see of the Holy Spirit in your life and in the world?
• Would you say you seek the Holy Spirit or that the Holy Spirit comes in search of you? Explain.
• When you see Jesus, you see the Father. When you love Jesus, you love the Father. How do others see the Father’s love when they see you? What ways of Jesus do you need to work on so others see the Father more clearly when they see you? (What words and/or actions do you think might need to change?)

 

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Father…

ALL:  I love you for the breath you give me.

Leader:  Jesus…

ALL:  I love you for the example you give me.

Leader:  Spirit…

ALL:  I love you for the guidance you give me.

Leader:  Father…

ALL:  in your creation, I see your love for me.

Leader:  Jesus…

ALL:  in your sacrifice, I see your love for me.

Leader:  Spirit…

ALL:  in your presence, I see your love for me.

 

Challenge for the Week:  How do you explain the Holy Spirit in relation to your life?  How does the Holy Spirit fin in?  How have you accepted the Holy Spirit into your life?  Take time this week to identify moments, or THE moment when you consciously accepted the Holy Spirit into your life.  Where were you?  Who was there?  Was it influenced by a person or an experience?  How have you continued to carry the Holy Spirit with you?  Share an example of the Holy Spirit at work in your life either in the past or right now.  How do you show gratitude to the Holy Spirit for this work?  Write your own prayer to the Holy Spirit to give thanks and praise for the gifts and presence in your life!

Fifth Sunday of Easter

 

Opening Prayer

Jesus

Open the scripture to me

so I may not neglect to see

the good God created.

Bring to life in me

the spirit of compassion and mercy

to continue the work you began.

AMEN!

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Acts 6:1-7

• Saint Peter tells the disciples to devote themselves to prayer; what is the purpose of this? What could happen if you devoted yourself to prayer?
• What do you think the definition of “reputable men” is at the time the scripture was written? How does the definition change to be relevant in today’s society?

 1Peter 2:4-9

• Scripture says a stone will make you stumble and a rock will make you fall. Share an example of a stone or a rock in the world today or in your own life.
• How does this scripture passage help you feel “chosen and precious”? Be specific.

 John 14:1-12

• What do you think Philip was thinking when Jesus said, “I am in the Father and the Father is in me”? They mystery of the Trinity was not known to the disciples at this time.  How could Philip make sense of what Jesus was telling them?
• How does God, Jesus, Holy Spirit dwell in you? Give a specific example of each.

 

General Questions for Journaling

• Are there people in the world/your community who are being neglected? Identify something specific you can do to help bring attention to them.
• Would you say you are obedient to the faith? Describe how a person is obedient to the faith.
• What do you do to grow faith within yourself? Within others?
• Do feel like God is listening to your prayer? Are you telling God what you want or are you allowing God into the conversation?  What is the difference?
• Would you say your relationship with God is the cornerstone of your life? Why or why not?
• How do you rely on your faith community to build you up? Share a specific example of a time when this happened.
• Where do you feel the most valued? When do you feel valued?  Who gives  you value?  What makes you feel valued?
• How is God’s love shown to you through this week’s scriptures? What specific words or phrases define God’s love to you?
• According to your answer to the previous question, where to you see God’s love played out in the world/your community/your life right now?
• Are there sacrifices you have made in your life which you regret? What can you do to let go of these feelings of resentment so you can live more fully?
• What sacrifices have been made on your behalf so you can live more fully? Have you expressed gratitude for these sacrifices?
• Where do you find hope in the scripture passages this week?

 

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Jesus, you are the WORD…

ALL:  give me the words to speak of your LOVE!

Leader:  Jesus, you are the STONE…

ALL:  give me the spirit to bring others FAITH!

Leader:  Jesus, you are the WAY…

ALL:  give me the direction to stay on the PATH!

Leader:  Jesus, you are the TRUTH…

ALL:  give me the obedience to find JUSTICE!

Leader:  Jesus, you are the LIFE…

ALL:  give me the compassion to do your WORKS!

Leader:  Jesus, you are the LORD…

ALL:  give me the fulfillment of eternal LIFE!

 

Challenge for the Week:  In the Second Reading, Saint Peter proclaims we are a “chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation.”  What is it he is trying to tell us?  Are these words supposed to be explanatory or defining?  In the Catholic Church, these specific words are a part of the ritual prayers prayed at Baptism.  Each person, whether they come to the sacrament as an infant or an adult, have these words prayed over them by the Priest during the ritual of Baptism. This means if you received your Baptism in the Catholic Church, you were brought into the faith committing to be priest, prophet and king.  What does this mean?  This means that as Baptized Christians there is an obligation to live out our baptism, believing it is something we are and not something that we experienced one time.  We are to live as though we were chosen and live with a purpose.  We are a part of a royal priesthood, created and chosen by God to make the world, the community, our family more holy.  This is your mission…have you accepted it?

Fourth Sunday of Easter

 

Opening Prayer

Shepherd

You give me what I need each day;

may I be grateful and have my fill.

You lead me on the path of goodness;

may I accept your mercy and follow.

You call my name to come to you;

may I listen to only Your voice in my life.

Amen

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Acts 2:14a,36-41

• What emotions do you feel as you read these words? Imagine being there.  How do your emotions change?
• Peter’s advice is to repent. Knowing Peter’s story, how do these words impact you coming from him?
• Peter is calling everyone to action. What do you feel called to do after hearing his words?

 1Peter 2:20b-25

• How does this reading remind you to seek God’s grace instead of revenge? How can this be applied to a situation your life right now?
• What do you learn about God’s love in this passage? How does it make you feel?  How can you help others see this type of love in your life?

 John 10:1-10

• Who in your life provides you the shelter and protection the Shepherd shows to the sheep in this passage? Who do you provide this depth of security for in your life?
• Are there people whom are need of some type of shelter (physical, emotional, spiritual) which you can help lead them to the shepherd?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• Define conversion. How does conversion work?  Is it a onetime thing or a lifelong thing?  What does it mean when applied to your life?  Have you undergone a conversion of some kind?  What was the result of it?  Do you need to undergo another conversion?  Why or why not?
• Where in your community do you see a need for a change? Is there something you can do to help make a change?
• Think of a time when you tried to do the right/just thing and your efforts were not rewarded in a positive way. Why do you think good people suffer?  Consider some of the reasons a person might have to go through suffering in order to bring about good.
• When confronted with violence, is violence ever the right response? How does your anger get in the way of following Jesus’ example not to retaliate?
• Jesus had no sin but suffered death to take sin away; write a prayer of thanksgiving to Jesus that your sin is wiped away through his death.
• Jesus already suffered for your sin, what sin(s) do you hold onto because you think you still need to suffer guilt and shame?
• When did you last testify to your faith? How did you?  Explain how you felt and how others reacted.
• Could you hold your tongue if you were falsely accused of something? Why or why not?  Are there circumstances which you could or shouldn’t? Explain.
• How does scripture restore you? How does it heal?
• What qualities does a shepherd have which you want? How will you develop these qualities?
• Are there people whom are need of some type of shelter (physical, emotional, spiritual) which you can help lead them to the shepherd?

 

Closing Prayer

Leader:  We stray like little sheep

ALL:  Lead us as we are to go.

Leader:  We wander around without direction

ALL:  Lead us as we are to go.

Leader:  We listen to the voices of the world

ALL:  Lead us as we are to go.

Leader:  You know our Spirit and still love us

ALL:  Lead us as we are to go.

Leader:  You are the gate which leads us to heaven

ALL:  Lead us as we are to go.

 

Challenge for the Week:  Imagine you take your child to Disney on Ice.  There are hundreds, thousands of people, parents and their kids as far as you can see.  You can hear the families talking, the kids crying and calling out to their mom and dad.  How are you able to tell when your child calls out to you?  What is your response when you hear their voice?  You don’t turn around each time you hear a child call “MOM” or “DAD”, rather, you turn around only when you hear your own child’s voice.  It is a voice which you are familiar; you know it no matter what because of the intimate relationship you have.  This is the same with your relationship with Jesus.  When you know Jesus, really know Him and spend time with Him, you know His voice above any other.  What can you do to hear Jesus more clearly?

Third Sunday of Easter

 

Opening Prayer

It is through Jesus’ birth we are given hope.

It is through Jesus’ miracles the world receives healing.

It is through Jesus’ sacrifice that we are nourished.

It is through Jesus’ resurrection that we have life everlasting.

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Acts 2:14,22-23

• Peter speaks to the disciples with such conviction. Where do you believe his strength comes from?  Remember, it was only days before when Peter denied Jesus three times.  What can you take away from this knowledge and how can it apply to a situation you are dealing with in your life right now?
• What evidence is there that Jesus rose? How does Peter verify the resurrection?

 1Peter 1:17-21

• Why might this reading be called the Sermon of hope? What gives you hope as you read it, listen to it or meditate on it?
• Jesus died in order to save. He gave His life in order for generations upon generations could live.  How do you live your life to show gratitude for the ransom paid?

 Luke 24:13-35

• What does it mean to have your heart burn within you? Have you ever experienced this feeling?  Revisit the memory.  Does reminiscing about the experience ignite the flame within you?
• Identify a person or people you are on the “road” with on your faith journey.
• What do you think Jesus was thinking as He walked along listening to the conversation? Do you think it made him mad they didn’t recognize Him?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• How does the resurrection of Jesus change your life, your faith, your attitude, your actions?
• What is the path of life? Is it the same or different for everyone?

• What opportunities do you have to break bread with Jesus?
• What in these readings give you a deeper understanding of Jesus’ existence BEFORE he walked on the earth?
• Is there anything that confuses you?  Who, what or where do you turn in order to set yourself straight?
• Are there people in your life with whom you love to spend time with?  How do you feel when you have to leave them?
• Where can be Jesus be found in your relationships?  With your spouse?  Your children?  Your peers?  A stranger?
• What do you hope for?  What do you have hope in?  Do you have anything in which you have lost hope?
• How do you feel when you run into an old friend you haven’t seen for a while?  Is there someone you should reach out to?
• What does the cross say to you? What emotions are attached to the cross?

• What obstacles of faith do you see in the world? What obstacles do you encounter?  What do/can you do?
• Share an “ah-ha” moment when you went from not seeing Jesus in a situation and then suddenly saw him. This could also be a moment when you saw a truth revealed about Jesus that you didn’t know or your perspective changed.

 

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Draw us near

 ALL:  to listen for your voice.

Leader:  Draw us near

ALL:  to follow your call.

Leader:  Draw us near

 ALL:  to the acceptance of your embrace.

Leader:  Draw us near

ALL:  to the promises of your love.

Leader:  Draw us near

ALL:  to your joyful presence.

Leader:  Draw us near

ALL:  to an intimate relationship with YOU!

 

Challenge for the Week:  The disciples didn’t recognize Jesus as He was walking and talking with them.  How often do we pass Jesus by without recognizing Him in our own lives?  This week, as you get ready for bed, spend time reflecting on your day and where Jesus was present.  Sometimes we can see Him working in others toward us or through us toward others.  As you reflect, really pay attention to the multiple things you saw, heard or felt throughout the day.  Dig deeper to find God not only on the surface but in the little things…God spends a lot of time on the small details!

Second Sunday of Easter/Sunday of Divine Mercy

 

Opening Prayer (Psalm 118)

Alleluia!  Alleluia!

Give thanks and praise to God!

For he is good and his love is everlasting!

Rejoice and be glad for our Savior lives!

Alleluia!  Alleluia!

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Acts 2:42-47

• What do you think is the “secret ingredient” in this scripture passage that makes it sound like utopia?
• The scripture passage says twice, “they devoted themselves to…”, is there something in your life right now which needs your devotion? How can devoting your time and attention to that project/person/situation bring peace and/or contentment?

 1Peter 1:3-9

• Share and example of how you know this scripture is true.
• This scripture are the words of Saint Peter, he who denied Jesus thrice before the crucifixion. How does this knowledge open up the scripture even more?  Choose one phrase of the scripture that most shouts of Peters new found confidence.

 John 20:19-31

• Can you relate to Thomas? Would you need to see and feel the nail marks in Jesus’ hands to believe?  What helps you believe today?
• Jesus brings peace and the Holy Spirit to the disciples. Identify where Jesus brings you peace and the Holy Spirit today.
• Jesus breathes on the disciples…where have you heard this before in the scripture? What do the passages have in common?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• Do you see signs and wonders in the world today? How do they point to God?
• Where do you see people working together? How does it inspire you and is there something you can do to support it?
• Describe what it feels like to have “favor” on someone or something from your own perspective. Then describe what is it like for someone to have “favor” or show “favor” to/on you.
• How do you know someone is acting out of sincerity?
• How do you feel safeguarded by God?
• Name a specific example of how Jesus’ resurrection affects your life right now.
• What do you love about Jesus? Be specific.  Can you name more than three things?
• What does ‘genuine’ faith look like? Do you know when you are being genuine in your faith vs. being fake?
• Are there things in your life right now which you find hard to believe because you haven’t see them? Does this unbelief cause division with your family or co-workers?
• How do you know when Jesus is in your midst? Describe the feeling.  How can you reproduce this feeling to last all day?  Is it possible?  Explain
• The “great commission” is said to happen at our baptism (MT 28:19-20) but these scripture readings have the same kind of commissioning feel. Choose one thing from the scriptures this week to take on as your task.

 

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Jesus, the doors were locked

ALL:  but you broke through!

Leader:  Jesus, you died and were buried

 ALL:  but you broke through!

Leader:  Jesus, you were nailed to a cross

 ALL:  but you broke through!

Leader:  Jesus, you were beaten and bleeding

ALL:  but you broke through!

Leader:  Jesus, you were a Carpenter’s son

ALL:  but you broke through!

Leader:  Jesus, you were born in a manger

ALL:  but you broke through!

 

Challenge for the Week:  Saint Peter in the second reading says “you rejoice with indescribable and glorious joy, as you attain the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls.” (1PT1:9)  Take time this week to map out the goal of your faith.  What are your goals?  Write them down so you can see them and then set out to achieve them.  Do you want to know Jesus more (not just know of him, but really know him).  Do you want to have a prayer space in your home?  Do you wish to learn more about the Saints?  Do you want to read more spiritual literature?  God doesn’t say we have to do anything to earn his love, grace or mercy but if you are like me, when someone does something unbelievably kind, I want to give back to them to show my gratitude!

Easter Sunday

 

Opening Prayer

Lord

You conquered death to make us new.

Let us work to die to the things of this world

so we may better reflect your love to others.

Help us to be renewed by the trials we face

so we proclaim Your Word through our lives.

Fill us with kindness, tenderness, peace, humility and joy.

Alleluia!

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Acts 10:34a, 37-43

• How do you define the word witness? Do you define it as a noun (person) or a verb (an action)?  What is the difference?
• What can you learn from Peter in this reading? What example does he set that we should learn to follow?

Colossians 3:1-4 OR 1Corinthians 5:6b-8

• How do you rise like Christ this Easter season?
• What does it mean to seek what is above? What does this look like?  Write three practical ways you can seek what is above this Easter Season.

 John 20:1-9

• Put yourself in the place of the women who came to anoint Jesus’ body. What are your reactions?  Would you feel fear?  Confusion?  What would you do?  Who would you tell?  What words would you use?
• What does this scripture reveal about Jesus? About his disciples?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• Has the journey of Lent helped to strengthen your faith? How?
• Did you gain a new perspective on a problem or struggle you have in your life right now through prayer, almsgiving and/or fasting?
• What brings you peace? Describe the feeling of peace/peacefulness.  Would you say peace is a state of mind or a feeling of the heart?  Is it something that is given to you or something you work for?
• Do you ever experience feelings of confusion? Have you ever been paralyzed by feelings of fear?  What was the circumstance and how were you able to overcome or get past these feelings?
• Are you carrying around “dead weight” such as hurt feelings or a burden that is not yours to carry?
• Do you hide Christ in your life? In your conversations?  In your home?  What can you do to reveal him?
• Jesus overcomes death on Easter. What do you believe will happen when you die?  What feelings do you have about death?
• How does Jesus live on? How can we find comfort in Jesus’ resurrection?
• Is there anything you are looking forward to during the Easter season?
• Are there things you can continue to work on (using prayer, almsgiving and fasting as your guide) for the next six weeks? Why do these Lenten practices have to only be practiced during Lent?
• Easter is a day of joy. Consider how you can share the joy of Easter with others.  How can you make the joy of Easter last longer than one day?

Closing Prayer

Leader:  What was hidden;

ALL:  has been revealed!

Leader:  What was broken;

 ALL:  has been healed!

Leader:  What was lost;

ALL:  has been found!

Leader:  What was sin;

ALL:  has been forgiven!

Leader:  What was buried;

ALL:  has come to life!

Leader:  What was crucified;

ALL:  has been resurrected!

 

Challenge for the Week:  Jesus was believed to be dead.  The disciples buried him in a tomb.  After three days his broken body was healed and he was radiant.  Imagine you could go away for three days and get away from any pressures, stress and obligations.  What would you do?  How would you spend your time?  How would you pamper yourself to relieve stress?  What conversations would you have with God about your life?  Take time for a mini retreat, even if it is only for 5 minutes to step away from your life and let the joy of Easter and Jesus’ resurrection spark a renewal within!

OR

Consider what moves you to feel compassion.  Is it when you see suffering?  When someone is sick or dying?  When you know someone is doing without or is lonely or alone?  Pope Francis calls us to act on our feelings of compassion and to go to the aid or service of others.  Make it a point this week to intentionally show compassion toward someone.  Go visit a shut-in, send a note to someone who may be feeling lonely, volunteer, help your neighbor who is need, the options are endless.  Go forth and show someone compassion; may they see the risen Christ in YOU!

Passion Sunday/Palm Sunday

 

Opening Prayer

Savior,

You brought us out of the desert,

gave us living water,

cured us of our blindness,

and called us from out of our graves into new life.

May we be fully aware of the sacrifice you have given,

so we may truly live,

the life you want us to live,

in joyful abundance!

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Isaiah 50:4-7

• How can you identify with this scripture? Are you feeling weary as the season of Lent comes to a close?
• Does this scripture give you any encouragement to keep on with your Lenten disciplines?

 Philippians 2:6-11

• Name qualities of a humble person. Do you have any of these qualities?  Do you know anyone who does?
• How do you show Jesus you love him? How does he show you he loves you?

 Matthew 26:14-27:66 (27:11-54)

• Choose an action from the Gospel reading that reflects something going on in your life right now.
• How have you rejected Jesus today? Yesterday?  This week?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• What gets in your way when you try to give your time to Jesus in prayer? What distracts you?
• If you don’t feel well, do you want others not to feel well along with you?
• Consider the conversations you’ve had in the last 24 hours…how many of them included a complaint by you or another person?
• How much of your prayer life is complaining or whining to God?
• What causes you to feel weary? Make a list of the things that drain you.
• How do you feel when you are accused of something you didn’t do?
• When have you felt rejected? Who rejected you?
• Have you experienced a time when you were able to turn your back to people or actions which had taken control over you? How were you able to overcome?  How can you continue to resist the temptation to give up or give in?
• How do you respond to people who question the existence of God because He allows suffering?
• Share a time when you have changed your perspective, like those in Jerusalem.(one day they are praising Jesus and another they are condemning him)
• What in your life is worth dying for? How do you determine worth?
• Do you know anyone who is selfless? What qualities do they have that you can model?

 

Closing Prayer

Leader:  May I be emptied…

ALL:  so I can be refilled with humility.

Leader:  May I be emptied…

 ALL:  so I can be refilled with obedience.

Leader:  May I be emptied…

 ALL:  so I can be refilled with hospitality.

Leader:  May I be emptied…

ALL:  so I can be refilled with forgiveness.

Leader:  May I be emptied…

ALL:  so I can be refilled with acceptance.

Leader:  May I be emptied…

ALL:  so I can be refilled with trust.

Leader:  May I be emptied…

ALL:  so I can be refilled with faith.

 

Challenge for the Week:  The Romans hung Jesus on the cross to bring attention to him, ridicule and humiliate.  Even in this state, Jesus was able to forgive those who had scourged, tortured and spat on him.  How do we act when someone lies to us, cheats or tells lies about us?  What do we do when people throw daggers at us with their words and actions?  How do we forgive those who hurt us?  On the flip side, what do our actions say?  Do we consistently treat others kindly or are we guilty of spreading rumors or gossiping?  Do we turn the other way when someone is being treated unjustly?  This week, take some time to really look at your actions; what are they really saying?  Do we look more like Jesus in these readings or like those condemning him?  Make a commitment to make a permanent change in how you treat others, even if it is a baby step.  Take the opportunity given to pray more intently this last week of Lent to make a positive change.