Fifth Sunday of Lent

 

Opening Prayer

Lord

Let me die so I might live

Let me let go of my needs

and let you give me what I need.

Let me give up the things I want

so you can show me more than I image.

Let me live in you

so I will die with you!

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Ezekiel 37:12-14

• God promises the Israelite’s He will bring them out of darkness, when has God fulfilled this promise to you?
• Where is the Holy Spirit working in your life? Do you see it daily or just occasionally?

 Romans 8:8-11

• Share an example of when you called out to God. How did He answer?
• What tells you that you belong to Christ? How do you know?
• Is there a temptation of the flesh of which you struggle? Write a prayer to pray when you are faced with the temptation.

 John 11:1-45

• How can you relate to Jesus in this scripture? What experience(s) has/have caused you to be able to relate?
• The phrase, “Jesus wept” occurs only twice in the Bible. Do you think these were the only times Jesus cried?  What do you believe brought Jesus to tears?  What do you believe brings Jesus to tears today?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• What areas in your life are “asleep”? Do they need be awaken?
• Are there things in your life that have been brought back to life this Lenten season?
• Are there people who have died whom you still talk to? What are these conversations like?
• What is the value of speaking to those who have passed?
• Death is a part of life, so why is it so difficult for us to accept? What can we take from the readings this week to help us deal and cope with the death we deal with in our lives?
• What does it feel like to have God settle in your soul?
• What do you believe the Holy Spirit does?
• Can you or have you called on the Holy Spirit to help you? Explain.
• How do others know God’s Spirit is within you?
• What sin keeps you from a complete relationship with God?
• If Christ dwells in you, where does He dwell? How do you know?
• Where you see righteousness today?
• What do you believe happens to those who die here on earth?
• Have you ever walked into a situation where you knew people were against you? What was the situation?
• Is there a situation in your life that happened in the past which needs your attention? What can you do to help mend a past hurt?
• How can looking at the situation with a different perspective help you now?

 

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Lord, uncover my ears so I can hear…

ALL:  Awaken me, bring me to life!

Leader:  Lord, unveil my eyes so I can see…

 ALL:  Awaken me, bring me to life!

Leader:  Lord, unbind my hands so I can touch…

 ALL:  Awaken me, bring me to life!

Leader:  Lord, unfasten my feet so I can go…

ALL:  Awaken me, bring me to life!

Leader:  Lord, soften my heart so I can love…

ALL:  Awaken me, bring me to life!

Leader:  Lord, ignite my soul so I can believe…

ALL:  Awaken me, bring me to life!

 

Challenge for the Week:  Scripture tells us, Lazarus was Jesus’ best friend.  Throughout our lives, we have friends come in and out of our lives.  Take some time this week to think about the friendships you have and have had over the years.  Are there friendships we’d like to “resurrect”?  Do we have friendships which require some healing?  Do we have friends who lead us into temptation and away from God?  Identify the friends who fill you with the Holy Spirit and help lead you to live in God’s glory.  Make a point to connect with these friends on a more regular basis.

Fourth Sunday of Lent

 

Opening Prayer

Lord

Help me to remember,

my life will be muddy at times

and I will not be able to see.

Let me turn to you,

so you can wash me clean

and I can live like you live!

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

1 Samuel 16:1b, 6-7, 10-13a

• David was working in the field when God called upon him; where were you when you first felt God call you?
• Have you ever questioned how God handled something? What can we learn from Samuel’s doubt of God choosing David to be King about our own doubt?

 Ephesians 5:8-14

• Share an example of how being rooted in Christ produces “good fruit”.
• Share an example of how being disconnected from Christ causes darkness.
• Do you see Christ’s light in the world today?

 John 9:1-41

• The Blind Man is thrown out of the synagogue for defending Jesus, have you ever been thrown out because of your belief? What caused this division?  How did you react?  Was it resolved?
• Reflect on how Jesus used clay to cover the Blind Man’s eyes to heal them. What in your life has Jesus covered with clay or mud in order for you to transform?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• How do you feel anointed by God this Lent?
• Compare how it feels to be chosen by a person verses how it feels to be chosen by God.
• Consider the next big decision you need to make. Try to think of the situation through God’s eyes.  What would Jesus do?  Is there a story in the Bible which can help you see how God sees the situation?
• Can you decline a call from God?
• What are characteristics of a person who has a good heart?
• What is the difference between the way people see others and the way God sees others?
• What is the difference between the way people see situations and the way God sees situations?
• What are you trying to “die to” this Lent? What “light” comes from you letting go?
• Are you hiding anything in the dark which needs to be brought to light in a relationship?
• Share an example of how God’s light shines on you today.
• Are there sins you carry around that hold you back?
• Are there sins you carry around that are not yours?
• Describe how you feel when you are washed clean from sin.

 

Closing Prayer

Leader: May I see what you see

ALL:  when you see a newborn baby.

Leader:  May I see what you see

 ALL:  when you see a hungry child.

Leader:  May I see what you see

 ALL:  when you see flower in bloom.

Leader:  May I see what you see

ALL:  when you see a woman on welfare.

Leader:  May I see what you see

ALL:  when you watch the sunset.

Leader:  May I see what you see

ALL:  when you see me.

 

Challenge for the Week:  In the Gospel we hear the story of a man born blind.  Take time this week to think about the life of this man.  Prior to meeting Jesus, what do you think a typical day looked like for him?  When he met Jesus, he listened to Jesus and followed what Jesus told him to do.  Then the people in the village saw that the blind man had changed and the blind man told everyone about Jesus.  He even stood strong in his belief when faced with opposition from the Pharisees who criticized Jesus and doubted the blind man, trying to discredit his character publicly.  After being ridiculed and pushed aside, Jesus came to give comfort.  What lessons can you learn from the blind man?  Is there a particular area in which you have trouble…meeting Jesus, listening to Jesus, following Jesus, telling others about Jesus, standing up for Jesus, allowing Jesus to comfort you?  Let the blind man’s story give you strength, guidance and wisdom as you continue your journey through Lent.

Third Sunday of Lent

 

Opening Prayer

Father,

You put a thirst in us that only You can quench.

You lead us through rocky and desert places

to a wellspring with the water of life.

May the Word we read today satisfy our desire

and fill us with Your Spirit so we may overflow!

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Exodus 17:3-7

• Can you relate to this feeling of thirst? Have you ever been “dying of thirst”?  How does this translate into ones spiritual life?
• Why was Moses afraid? When have you felt like Moses?  Where was God?  How did God help you?

 Romans 5:1-2, 5-8

• An agreement made between two people requires each side to give something. God gave us His Son, Jesus gave us His life and the Holy Spirit gave us the Bible.  What are you being called to give?
• Could you give up your life for another person? Anyone or just specific people?  How does this differ from giving up your life for God?  Or giving your life to God?

John 4:5-42

• What does Jesus ask for and then offer in return? Imagine Jesus asking you the same thing.  How might you respond, how have you already responded?  What has He asked for in return, what do you give?
• Have you ever, like the disciples, wondered what God was doing?
• Define “living water”.

 

General Questions for Journaling

• Have you ever grumbled at God? Have you ever grumbled against God?
• What causes you to grumble to other people?
• Have you ever felt like everyone was against you? What did you do?
• How do you hold your ground when you are against opposition? What keeps you strong?  How does it feel to be in opposition of another person?
• It is said that “faith makes you stronger”; explain how this is true or not true.
• How do you boast about your faith? Give a specific example.
• Have you ever been disappointed by love?
• Are there things about you that you wish God didn’t know? How does your behavior/attitude change, knowing God knows all of your secrets?
• In what way does your faith “fill” you? Describe the feeling.  Does faith fill you once and for all or do you lose the fullness you feel?  How do you re-fill?
• Do you thirst for things in your life? Take time to be honest with yourself and reflect on things you thirst for each day.  Are these things life giving or do they drain life from you?
• What do you think the woman at the well was feeling when Jesus told her all of the things of her past. How would it make you feel if a stranger did the same to you?  How does it feel to know Jesus does know your past?
• Put yourself in the Gospel story as one of the villagers. How would you react when the woman came back to share what had just happened at the well?  Would you believe her?  Would the encounter change how you felt about her?
• How does the story of the woman at the well, help give you encouragement to continue to work on your Lenten sacrifices?

 

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Make me a well-spring…

ALL:  of your peace!

Leader:  Make me a well-spring…

 ALL:  of your comfort!

Leader:  Make me a well-spring…

 ALL:  of your joy!

Leader:  Make me a well-spring…

ALL:  of your compassion!

Leader:  Make me a well-spring…

ALL:  of your goodness!

Leader:  Make me a well-spring…

ALL:  of your love!

 

Challenge for the Week:  Consider all of the ways we use water every day.  It is one of life’s necessities.  As Americans, we often take for granted how much we use water.  We use water when we flush the toilet, take a shower, brush our teeth all just to get “ready” in the morning.  Water is needed to brew coffee or tea and to prepare or cook our food.  If you have ever had to turn off the water to your house or gone camping in a primitive spot then you might begin to be able to understand what was like for the Israelite’s.  Despite all of our advances, there are still people in the world who live without clean water to drink, cook or wash.  It is also important to drink plenty of water for our bodies to run better because water for our bodies is like oil for our car.  The challenge this week is to be more aware of the water we use and why we use it.  Say a prayer of thanksgiving each time you use water, pray for those who don’t have clean water, ask God to help you trust in him to provide for you just like you rely on the water to come out of your faucet.  Also try to drink the recommended amount of water and pray each time you go to fill up your cup.  At first, drinking so much water will cause extra trips to the bathroom to use more water, but then our bodies adjust; but the extra water equates to more time spent in prayer and perhaps we will adjust to having Christ with us more often too!

Second Sunday of Lent

 

Opening Prayer

Generous Lord

Let me remember

that each day is a blessing

And within each day

there are thousands of blessings

It’s a blessing when the sun shines

and also a blessing when it rains

Teach me to be grateful and recognize

for all of the blessings you give me.

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Genesis 12:1-4a

• How are you being sent out this Lenten season? What mission do you have to be a witness of your faith?
• Abram has such an intimate relationship with God, how does your relationship with God compare?

 2Timothy 1:8b-10

• Identify the “hardships” of the Gospel. What are some of the things God asks us to do which we find difficult?
• What joy comes from Jesus dying on the cross? Put it into words so you are reminded of how the light overcomes the darkness.

 Matthew 17:1-9

• When have you been to a place where you were completely at peace? Did you want to set up a tent and stay forever?
• How does this scripture relate to a situation in your life? Are you standing still in a decision and need to get off the mountain?  Are you blinded by injustice or indifference and unable to move?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• What do you wish for in your life? What do you wish for the life of your children?  Your parents?  Your friends?  How are your wishes for them the same?  How are they different?
• What good does wishing do?
• How do you take God with you when you travel? Do you have a specific ritual?  A special prayer?
• Where has God been on your Lenten journey so far? Is He within reach or still far away?
• Describe what it feels like to be blessed by God? By others?
• Share your memories of being physically blessed (through sacrament or prayer).
• How have your words or actions shown God and others that you trust and follow in God’s ways? Share a specific example from the past week.
• When have you experienced grace this week? Did you receive it directly from God or through another person?
• Have you leaned on God for strength this week? For what reason?  Did you receive it?
• How has Jesus touched your life today?
• Are you open to allowing Jesus to use you to touch the life of another?

 

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Lord, come journey with me

ALL:  on the path before me;

Leader:  come journey with me

 ALL:  when the road gets rocky and steep;

Leader:  come journey with me

 ALL:  through fields of wildflowers;

Leader:  come journey with me

ALL:  across rivers, streams and oceans;

Leader:  come journey with me

ALL:  into the mud and muck;

Leader:  come journey with me

ALL:  to places indescribable;

Leader:  come journey with me

ALL:  and show me your amazing love!

 

Challenge for the Week:  The Gospel this week reminds me that God’s timing is perfect.  If we are given what we want at the exact time we want it, we are not prepared (physically, emotionally or spiritually) to receive it nor are we mature enough to understand it.  It is similar to when a couple finds out they are pregnant.  If the baby showed up at the moment of conception, they would not be prepared for that child.  They wouldn’t have the physical things a baby needs and even if they had been praying for a child, they wouldn’t be completely prepared to care for the child.  God gives us the time necessary for us to prepare for the blessings he has in store for us.  This Lenten season, God has blessings beyond measure in store for you, however, there are hardships we must encounter along the way, sacrifices made and we might even have to get a little uncomfortable (imagine being comfortable when you are 8 months pregnant).  This week instead of whining or complaining about a sacrifice are forced to make or something that didn’t go your way, remember that it is a blessing (not in disguise but a true blessing) and trust God will deliver when you are ready.

First Sunday of Lent

 

Opening Prayer

Abba Father

As we awake to each new day,

may we be aware of the breath we take.

Before we even open our eyes,

may we inhale deeply the life you give.

Despite the struggles or challenges,

let us count the blessings and

be fully aware of the love you have for us!

AMEN!

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Genesis 2:7-9; 3:1-7

• What is God telling you this Lenten season that you should not do?
• Is there a serpent in your life telling you untruths to keep you from fulfillment?

 Romans 5:12-19

• How have you sacrificed or given to another in order for them to have life?
• What transgressions keep you from relationship (or deeper relationship) with God?
• What transgressions keep you from relationship (or deeper relationship) with others?

 Matthew 4:1-11

• Jesus uses scripture to ward off the devil’s temptations. What scripture can you use to help give you strength to fight temptation?
• What desert places have you encountered?
• Are you in the desert now? How does the scripture give you courage to overcome?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• Name the things that tempt you. When you do so, does it change the way you look at them?
• Are there people in your life whom you have given you bad advice? Do you still ask them to help you make decisions?
• How do you know a relationship is of God? (meaning, the person has your best interests at heart)
• What faults are you hiding from the world?
• Are there things about you no other human person knows?
• Is there an experience you have had or can relate to that confirms for you that nothing is hidden from God?
• What do you desire? How do you know if it is good or bad?  By what do you measure?
• Jesus was willing to die for you; what are you giving up for him?
• How does sin weigh you down?
• What do you carry more of? The action of Sin? Or the guilt of Sin? Is there a difference?
• How are the 40 days of Lent like the 40 days Jesus spent in the desert?
• What symbol of Lent means the most to you? Why?  (choose a symbol to reflect on and help you through Lent)

 

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Let us remember…

ALL:  we are clay.

Leader:  As clay…

 ALL:  we can be hard and dry.

Leader:  As clay…

 ALL:  we must be molded.

Leader:  As clay…

ALL:  we can take on many forms.

Leader:  As clay…

ALL:  we are created perfectly.

Leader:  As clay…

ALL:  we withstand the fire.

Leader:  This Lent…

ALL:  we are clay!

 

Challenge for the Week:  Simple challenge.  Plant a seed TODAY.  Gather dirt into a plastic cup, a pot or whatever you can find.  Tend to it throughout the Lenten Season and continue to nurture it through the Easter Season too.  Each time you look at it, water it or spin it in the sunlight, Thank God for caring for you.

7^th Sunday of Ordinary Time

 

Opening Prayer

Almighty God,

You are the lover and creator of our soul;

from you come all things good.

Send Your Spirit to dwell in us;

so we may be holy, as you are holy.

Help us surrender to your grace;

that it may overflow in our lives.

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Leviticus 19:1-2, 17-18

• How is holiness described here? How is your personal holiness connected to others?
• To love others as Jesus loves is a tall order. Are there people in your life with which you hold a grudge?  Feel contempt toward?  Consider unworthy of your time or attention?

 1Corinthians 3:16-23

• How can others see “the Spirit of God” within you? How do your actions change when you act upon this truth?
• How do you treat the “temple of God”? What can you do to take better care of yourself knowing within you dwells God?

 Matthew 5:38-48

• Jesus said the “old” law was to seek justice, “an eye for an eye” but the “new” law says to “turn the other cheek.” This is easier said than done but have you done it?  Reflect on a time when you were able to “turn the other cheek”, how were you able to do this?
• Consider your actions toward someone who has hurt you. What are the feelings you feel when you are around that person or when you know you know you will need to interact with them?  What steps can you take to transform those negative feelings into more positive ones?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• What does it mean to be holy? How can you be holy like God is holy?  Where do you start?
• Where do you see God’s holiness in your life? What signs of heaven do you find here on earth?
• Imagine your heart is a garden, what condition is your garden in? What do you need to do so God can grow more abundantly in your heart?  What do we need to weed out?  What do we need to plant?
• Are there people in your life who have hurt you? Have you forgiven them for that hurt?  What did you do or what do you need to do in order to let go of the hurt and allow forgiveness to work?
• Identify where evil lurks in your life. How do you identify it?  How do you feed it?  What can you do to resist evil?
• One of the hardest things for humans to do is to let go and forgive. Is there someone who is in need of your forgiveness?  What can you do to begin to work on forgiving that person?
• Spend some time reflecting on how Jesus lived out this Gospel message in his final days on earth. What can you take from this example and apply to a situation you are experiencing at this time in your life?

 

Closing Prayer

Leader:  The Lord shows kindness and mercy…

ALL:  when we speak with gratitude.

Leader:  The Lord shows kindness and mercy…

 ALL:  when we forgive others. 

 Leader:  The Lord shows kindness and mercy…

 ALL:  when we show compassion.

 

Challenge for the Week:  Pray, Pray, Pray.  We pray for ourselves, we pray for those we love, we pray for friends and family who are sick or have asked for prayers but do we pray for those who have hurt us or who persecute us?  Perhaps we pray for those who hurt us to stop hurting us but this week, the challenge is to pray for their soul; pray for their conversion; pray their hurt may be healed; pray they seek God.  It is not easy to pray for good things for those who hurt us or persecute us, our human instinct is to wish them harm, though Jesus says in the Gospel this week we must love our enemies.  Consider also how we can show love toward those who hurt us.  What examples of Christ can we follow?

 

5^th Sunday of Ordinary Time

Opening Prayer

Come Lord Jesus,

Break through our hardened exterior.

Free us of the chains that bind us to this world.

Mold our thoughts and our understanding

so we may look beyond our own needs,

and be moved to be salt and light to others.

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

 Isaiah 58:7-10

• How can you re-word the phrase, “Then your light shall break forth like the dawn, and your wound shall be quickly healed” to have meaning in your spiritual life?
• Good can come from suffering; how can something you have suffered through be a benefit to another person?

 1Corinthians 2:1-5

• Reflect on a struggle you have right now. Consider the struggle from another person’s point of view.  How might God see the same struggle?  How can your faith give you a different perspective?
• When you look through human understanding, it doesn’t make sense that death on a cross gives eternal life. Faith says differently.  Is there anything you are anxious about or causes you worry that needs the power of God?

 Matthew 5:13-16

• Personify salt, light and a city on a mountain. What qualities would each of these have?  What qualities do you emulate?  Are there qualities you can cultivate into your life?
• You can have not enough salt or too much salt, or not enough light or too much light. How does this concept apply to your spiritual life?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• From the time Jesus was born, he was “light”. The Shepherds and Magi found him by following the star.  Simeon and Anna recognized the “light”.  Even the fishermen on the shore were drawn to the “light” so that they left everything behind to follow it.  How do you let the “light” of Jesus shine in your life?
• When did you last give bread to the hungry, clothe the naked and shelter to the homeless? How can you make this a more regular part of daily practice?
• The world has an “it’s all about ME” attitude but Jesus calls us to fill the needs of our neighbors. Consider your actions in the past week, when did you have an “it’s all about ME” attitude?  What could you have done differently to have an attitude of Christ?
• Make a list of 25 positive qualities you possess. How can these be put to use serving God?
• Do you hide a bad habit, negative behavior or addiction from others? You cannot hide your true-self from God.  Create a strategy to bring what you hide from others to light so God’s grace, mercy and forgiveness can help you overcome.
• Imagine God read all of your emails and text messages this past week, viewed all of the websites you viewed, and listened to the top 25 songs on your playlist. Would they reflect God’s love?
• When was the last time you put your own agenda aside in order to help another person? What was the outcome?  Where there any benefits or consequences to your action?

 

Closing Prayer – Matthew 5:5-6

Leader:  Blessed are those who mourn,

ALL:  for they shall be consoled.

 Leader:  Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,

 ALL:  for they shall have their fill. 

 

Challenge for the Week:  As baptized members of the Body of Christ, we should know our purpose.  Too often we follow the easy path or the crowd and don’t take time to talk to God about what direction we should be going.  We might look around at our life and wonder, “how did I get here?”  We need to take the time to get to know ourselves and “who we are in Christ”, what are our gifts and talents?  How can we use these gifts to glorify God?  Just like in the Gospel reading, salt is used to flavor and preserve and the purpose of a lamp is to provide light.  This week spend time reflecting on what you are called to do as a member of the Body of Christ?  What is your purpose?  How can you better reflect “whose you are”?

Presentation of the Lord

Opening Prayer

My God

There will be days when I cannot hear your voice

and days when I cannot feel you near

but never will the day come when I cannot see

your thumbprint on everything around me.

Mighty are your works oh Lord!

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Malachi 3:1-4

• What steps must be taken to purify silver? water? you?
• How do you show reverence to God?  Share examples of words and actions.

Hebrews 2:14-18

• Do you feel you are being tested?  What specifically is being tested?
• Explain how Jesus overpowered death and what it means to you.

Luke 2:22-40

• What is the purpose of Mary and Joseph taking Jesus to the temple?  Isn’t Jesus the son of God?  Explain.
• What had been revealed to Simeon according to the scripture?

General Questions for Reflection

• Are there messengers of God’s word today?  Who are they?
• What are some things a person will sacrifice to follow God?
• What value do you put on your relationship with God?  To what does it compare?
• How have you shown mercy towards someone recently?
• When did you last share your faith with someone new?
• Do you fear death?  Why or why not?
• What makes a person righteous?  What qualities do they posses?
• How do you explain something you’ve never seen?  Is it possible?
• Share a story from your childhood when you attended church.
• Does the Holy Spirit speak through people today?  Share an example.
• Has the Holy Spirit spoken through you?  How do you know?  What did it feel like?
• Can you keep a secret?  What makes it difficult or easy to do so?

Closing Prayer

LEADER:  Faith is not meant to be easy

ALL:  Lord, be my strength when it gets hard.

LEADER:  Mercy is not something to withhold

ALL:  Lord, give me with words to build others up.

LEADER:  Grace is not earned by what I do

ALL:  Lord, thank you for your endless gift

LEADER:  Hope is not lost or dead

ALL:  Lord, teach me to see hope through your eyes.

LEADER:  Love is not just a feeling

ALL:  Lord, show me what love is and who is love!

 

CHALLENGE FOR THE WEEK:  Jesus went to the temple with his parents to be presented to the elders.  This was a ritual of Mary and Joseph’s families and of their faith.  What rituals of your faith OR you family do you value?  What is your favorite family tradition?  Are there rituals or traditions you have lost and would like to bring back?  Are there ones you are not so fond of but go along with because it’s tradition?  Make a point to ask your family members about their favorites and spend time learning more about one another and what each of you value.