33rd Sunday of Ordinary Time

 

Opening Prayer

Precious Jesus

When we find ourselves

overwhelmed or stressed by

the events of the day;

Let us just say your name

and be comforted,

JESUS!

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Malachi 3:19-20a

• Does this God who sets fire to people sound like the God whom you know, trust and love? What is happening here?
• Are you quick to point out “evil doers”?

 2 Thessalonians 3:7-12

• How do you bring about God’s kingdom in your work?
• Who do you follow? Who do you model your life after?

 Luke 21:5-19

• How can you compare this scripture to what is happening in the world today? Does it cause fear?  Why or why not?
• What word or phrase from this scripture gives you hope during hard times?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• What does the name Jesus say to you?
• What do you feel when you hear the name Jesus?
• Is God the only person whom you allow to have power over you? Who else holds power over you?
• Define justice.
• Share an example of when you saw healing at the hand of justice.
• How do you define work? Does the work you do lift you up or drag you down?
• Do you pay more attention to the work of others than you do of the work you do?
• Have you ever told someone to mind their own business? Why?  What was the situation?
• Have you ever been told by someone to mind your own business? Why?  What was the situation?
• How do you know God will take cares of you and not let you suffer harm?
• Have you ever felt out of place for believing in God? When?  Where?  How did you deal with it?
• Have you ever felt like things in your life were going to fall apart? When?  What happened?  How did you overcome the feeling?

 

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Let us seek YOU Lord

ALL:  while we do our work.

Leader:  Let us seek YOU Lord

ALL:  as we spend time with family

Leader:  Let us seek YOU Lord

ALL: when we are running errands

Leader:  Let us seek YOU Lord

ALL:  in the good AND the bad

Leader:  May we not seek long

ALL:  before we feel you near!

 

 Challenge for the Week:  We all suffer at one time or another.  It might be suffering through waiting for test results or suffering from the loss of a loved one or perhaps even a physical ailment.  We also sometimes joke about the things we need to suffer through such as our child’s first band concert or all of the political ads for weeks before the election.  No matter what it is we suffer from or through, one thing remains the same, we turn to God for comfort.  We’ve all been there suffering through the physical or emotional pain of a situation, sometimes clinging to God with all of our strength looking for relief.  Our relief is found in the support we receive, the kind words we hear and the comfort of knowing we are not alone in the suffering.  We are the comfort.  We are the ones who can sit with a friend as they wait for test results.  We are the ones who can share our words of comfort with someone who has lost a loved one.  We are the ones who can help ease the suffering of another who suffers from physical or emotional pain with empathy and support.  We can even give comfort to others who suffer through the child’s concert and political ads by sharing the experience and knowing we are not alone.  God is there, though you.  This week, choose to be intentional about bringing comfort to someone you know who is suffering.

32nd Sunday of Ordinary Time

 

Opening Prayer

Resurrected Lord,

You gave your life

so we might know love.

Let us show you appreciation

through our good works.

Let our gratitude be expressed

in our prayers.

May we never cease to say

THANK YOU…

For the gift of life today and forever!

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

2 Maccabees 7: 1-2, 9-14

• What in this scripture reminds you there is more to life that this world?
• Share an example of why you believe in the resurrection.

 2 Thessalonians 2:6-3:5

• What is Saint Paul’s prayer for us? How are we actively pursuing his request/desire for us?
• Would you say your words and actions show you are confident in the promises of Christ? Why or why not?

 Luke 20:27-38

• When faced with adversaries trying to trap Him in the law, Jesus always takes the tangled web and lays it straight, what is the bottom line in this scripture?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• How do you feel about death?
• Write a list of 10 words which describe how you feel about death, then write a list of 10 words which describe how you feel about the resurrection.
• What reading(s) or song (s) bring you comfort when you think of losing a loved one?
• Is it possible to treat everyone equally? Loved ones vs Strangers?  Each of your children?  Your own siblings?
• What tips the balance and keeps you from treating each person the same?
• God loves us each the same, so why are we so quick to judge another?
• Who gives you encouragement? Whom do you encourage?
• Can you get the wrong kind of encouragement? Give examples.
• What makes you strong in the faith? How can you share this with others to strengthen their faith?
• Who was the last saint you read about in detail? Who is the next saint you will get to know?
• What image do you have of the Communion of Saints? How often to you carry the image with you?  Why is it good to remember?
• How do you remember those who have died? What traditions do you have in your faith?  In your family?

 

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Let us come to understand

ALL:  that your love is enough

Leader:  to hold us up

 ALL:  when we feel abandoned.

Leader:  Let us come to understand

 ALL: that your grace is enough

Leader:  to bring comfort

ALL:  when we don’t feel worthy.

Leader:  Let us come to understand

ALL:  that your death and resurrection

Leader:  is the promise

ALL:  of everlasting life!

 

Challenge for the Week:  We all know someone who can be difficult to be around or is hard to talk to for some reason or another.  Sometimes there is a quirk they have that drives us crazy or perhaps you have a difference of opinion about a specific topic and you just can’t seem to avoid bringing up your differences.  However, Jesus is always urging us to break down the walls of difference and injustice and love our neighbor as ourselves.  Spend time this week to consider that Jesus died for that difficult person and that person whom we don’t like to spend time with and loved them just as much as He loves each of us.  Is this person blind to the grace and mercy promised by Christ?  Do they deserve…NEED a loving embrace and forgiveness?  Then in your thoughts about finding some common ground in this relationship, ask yourself, if this person where to die today, would you want to be there?  Whether yes or no, spend time in those thoughts and feelings and allow God to direct you to what you need to do next.

31st Sunday of Ordinary Time

 

Opening Prayer

God of hospitality

You bring to us what we need

often before we know we need it.

Within our soul is a place for you to dwell

so you could be with us always.

When we awake each day

you know what lies ahead.

This journey can be long, rocky and can lose our way

but you are there with open arms.

You see us when we feel lost and alone

and welcome us in!

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Wisdom 11:22-12:2

• Draw a picture of this reading. What does it look like to you?  What images do you include?  What colors do you use?  What is the overall message you would sent with your picture?
• Is God dwelling in you? How do you know?  How would you explain God dwelling in you to another person?

 2 Thessalonians 1:11-2:2

• How has prayer brought fulfillment to you? How do you know prayer brings forth God’s grace?
• Saint Paul’s pep talk is for all of us! What needs to be “shaken out of your mind” for you to be a better witness of Christ’s love for you?

 Luke 19:1-10

• How would you react if Jesus came to your home for dinner? What would you serve?  Who might you invite?
• Like Zacchaeus, we climb the trees in different moments of our lives. Do we climb the tree to see Jesus more clearly or do we do it to be seen by others?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• What does God’s spirit look like? How do you know it is in you?  How do you know it is in your neighbor?
• If God created everything in balance, how come you can sometimes feel unstable? What can you do to feel more stable?
• When you make a meal, draw a picture, or create something else from scratch, how do you feel? Are you proud of your work or are you critical of the outcome?
• As a parent, can you look at your child with anything other than love? Why or why not?
• Is there a word, phrase or story which “shakes” you into action?
• What pulls at your heart strings to help another or give to another or calls you into action?
• When you pray for others, do you let them know? How do you think they would feel if they knew you were praying for them?
• How do these scriptures call you forth? What action(s) stir up in you?

 

Closing Prayer

Leader:  I welcome YOU Lord…

ALL:  in the still of the night and motion of the day!

Leader:  I welcome YOU Lord…

ALL:  as I head out each day; giving me direction!

Leader:  I welcome YOU Lord…

ALL: when I am alone and when I am with others!

Leader:  I welcome YOU Lord…

ALL:  even when you stretch me beyond my limits!

Leader:  I welcome YOU Lord…

ALL:  in my peaceful moments and in the chaos!

Leader:  I welcome YOU Lord…

ALL:  into my home with all of my heart!

 

 Challenge for the Week:  The First Reading says that each of us has been called forth by God and that He willed us to be created.  Spend time this week thinking about for what purpose God has called you forth, what gifts do you have that have been used to serve God?  How are you being called forth right now to serve God?  Is it the same purpose as before or different?  How do you feel when you are fulfilling this purpose?  Do you think God calls you forth for one purpose or many?  Is it possible to be called to more than one purpose at a time?  Also, consider God’s will for you…how do you determine what God’s will for you is?  What will you do or have you done to seek out God’s will for you?  Is it something you seek or do you believe God’s will, will come to you whether you want it or not?  You may be surprised by the answers you get!

29th Sunday of Ordinary Time

 

Opening Prayer

Generous God

You give us food from heaven

so we have the nourishment we need.

You give us a source of water

so we can be refreshed and clean.

You also give us friends

so we can be supported when

our load just seems to get to heavy.

Thank you Lord,

for providing all of our needs.

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Exodus 17:8-13

• Who or what keeps you persistent in your prayer?
• Where do you go when you are in need of help? Is help always given?

 2Timothy 3:14-4:2

• How is the Gospel/Word of God lived out in the world today? Is it hard or easy to find?  Is it easily recognizable or is it disguised?
• When has your faith been convenient? When has it been inconvenient?  What does Saint Paul say you should do about it?

 Luke 18:1-8

• When you pray are you ready to listen for the answer?
• Do you pray for those who judge you and for those whom you have judged?
• Why should we only pray petitions to God? Doesn’t He already know what we need?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• Reflect on a time when you wouldn’t have gotten through a situation (good or bad) without the help of others.
• What are some things you cannot do alone?
• When did you last receive help without asking for it? How did you feel?
• Have you ever given help to another without their request; simply because you saw a need?
• Who are the people in your life who have your back?
• How would you define a prayer warrior? Do you know people who fit the description?
• How is prayer a weapon? Have you seen it used as a weapon or only heard the comparison?
• Do you know any scripture passages by heart? If so, what?
• What is your favorite bible story? Why does this one stand out?
• Make a list of places you see scripture used.

 

Closing Prayer

Leader:  When I am weak

ALL:  may I find strength…everlasting!

Leader:  When I am blinded

 ALL:  may I find my sight…everlasting!

Leader:  When I am weary

 ALL:  may I find my contentment…everlasting!       

Leader:  When I am lame

ALL:  may I find my healing…everlasting!      

Leader:  When I am suffering

ALL:  may I find my blessing…everlasting!

Leader:  When I am alone

ALL:  may I find my Savior…everlasting!

 

 Challenge for the Week:  Consider the following questions: What is the role of prayer in your life?  How do you pray?  When do you pray?  Is there a routine to your prayer?  Do you have a specific place where you pray?  Is there structure to your prayer or is it completely random?  Are there people whom you pray for?  Do you ask others to pray for you?  What value do you put on prayer?  Do you only pray for yourself and your loved ones or do you include people you don’t know?  Do you pray for specific things to happen?  Are your prayers general/generic?  Is your language formal or informal when you pray?  Do you pray by yourself or with others?  How important is prayer to your life?  Do others know how important/unimportant prayer is to you?  Spend time pondering these questions this week…and then pray with purpose!

28th Sunday of Ordinary Time

 

Opening Prayer

Spirit of God

As I journey through this life,

may I not forget the lives of those before me.

Let me spend time reflecting,

on the sacrifices by others for my sake.

Working, dreaming, praying, surviving,

for someone they would never meet.

What can I do for those who lived before?

Remember and show gratitude to those ahead.

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

2Kings 5:14-17

• Does this scripture give you comfort or upset you? Why?
• Why does the water heal? What makes it different from any other time he went to the river?
• Have you experienced a cleansing like Naaman?

 2Timothy 2:8-13

• In what ways do you deny God? Are there areas of your life that you don’t allow God into?
• What do you deny yourself of? What does it take for you to do so?  How does it affect those around you?

 Luke 17:11-19

• What do you think causes Jesus to feel pity?
• Why do you think only one shows gratitude?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• How is a child’s skin different than an adult? What changes?
• What was the most extravagant give you have received? How did you show gratitude?
• Are there things you have still not let go of so God can cure?
• Where do you go to be cleaned? How do you become clean?  Why do you need to be cleaned?
• What struggles do you face currently? How are you allowing God to go to battle for you?
• Where do you go to find God’s holiness? How do you carry the holiness of God with you?
• How do you feel God disciplining you? What is He trying to teach you right now?
• When have you given everything for the sake of another? What did it feel like?  How did they react?  How long did it last?
• How do others around you affect your behavior? When is it good?  When is it bad?  What can you do to affect others behavior in a good way?
• What gifts do you have that have the power to heal another person?
• How open are you to allow another person to heal you?
• Make a list of ways to show/express gratitude.

 

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Lord, have pity on us and let us do the same…

ALL:  by holding a door for a stranger.

Leader:  Lord, have pity on us and let us do the same…

 ALL:  by leaving a generous tip.

Leader:  Lord, have pity on us and let us do the same…

 ALL:  by calling or visiting a shut-in.

Leader:  Lord, have pity on us and let us do the same…

ALL:  by volunteering some time.

Leader:  Lord, have pity on us and let us do the same…

ALL:  by giving a gift for no reason.

Leader:  Let us have pity on others so

ALL:  by your grace we turn pity into joy!

 

 Challenge for the Week:  Compare and contrast times when you have been weighed down with the chains of suffering and times when you feel rinsed clean.  Identify two or more situations in your life when you have experienced these feelings and spend time reflecting on the differences and the similarities of the experiences.  What did you feel physically, what did you think, what emotions did you feel, what was your behavior like, how did you treat yourself and others during these times?  Additionally, where was God during these times?  Did you experience a change in you afterwards?  Was it for the worse or for the better?  What are your emotions/feelings about these experiences now that you look back on them?  What will you do/can you do with this new knowledge of yourself?  Is there benefit not only for you but for others as well?  Decide on one action you will do (whether for yourself or for another) to live out what you have learned.

27th Sunday of Ordinary Time

 

Opening Prayer

Father

Sometimes when I look at the world around me,

I want to cry because of all the hurt.

At times I wonder if there is any good to see.

There are days when I want to

give up, surrender, hide away

because the road ahead is too hard.

Give me the strength to seek YOU…

to have just a little faith

so I can make a difference!

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Habakkuk 1: 2-3; 2:2-4

• How is this scripture relevant to what is happening in the world right now?
• Describe how the author is feeling? Do you relate?  How?

 2Timothy 1:6-8, 13-14

• How do you describe a “spirit of cowardice”? When have you had it?  What needs to happen to overcome it?
• Do you call on the Holy Spirit to give you courage of faith? What does that look like?  What words do you use?
• What does it mean to share the hardship of the Gospel? What is Paul talking about here?

 Luke 17:5-10

• Has God asked you to be uprooted? When?  Did you move or stay still?  What was the outcome?
• When have you witnessed faith grow? Where do you see tremendous faith?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• Where do you see violence in the world?
• How are you affected as a witness?
• When are you a victim of violence?
• How & when have you contributed to the violence in the world?
• What feeds your misery? How is your despair maintained?
• What feeds your faith? How do you maintain it?
• When have you been afraid of your faith? (whether afraid of having faith or afraid of not having faith or afraid of the type/level of faith)
• How does love and self-control affect violence?
• How does violence affect love and self-control?
• What can you do to spread faith? Can you grow it?  How do you cultivate it?

 

Closing Prayer

Leader:  May my prayers…

ALL: develop depth! 

Leader:  May my relationship with YOU…

 ALL:  become intimate!

Leader:  May my words and actions…

 ALL:  speak my beliefs!

Leader:  May my time in scripture…

ALL:  increase my faith!

Leader:  May my faith…

ALL:  grow like a mustard seed!

 

 Challenge for the Week:  The world looks pretty scary with the mass shootings, police brutality and the “ism’s” which cause division and inspire hatred.  Fear can cause us to want to shut ourselves off from what is going in, to hide away from it and fool ourselves into thinking it doesn’t affect us and that we don’t have a role to play in it all.  Spend time this week thinking what gifts and talents, strengths you have to make a difference in one or all of the above listed situations.  What can you do to stop contributing to the negative and act with faith?  Though you might not know the people in the communities which are hurting, is there something you can do to show your compassion?  One small act can grow!

 

26th Sunday of Ordinary Time

 

Opening Prayer

Lord

It is not wrong to desire nice things

or to work for a better life.

Let us not get consumed by these things

or allow them to be our focus.

Keep us humble so we might know

it is YOU who give us what we need.

Help us remember to share what we have

with all whom we meet for you are there!

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Amos 6: 1a,4-7

• What would you describe as luxury in today’s standards?
• Is this scripture saying we shouldn’t enjoy having good things?

 1Timothy 6: 11-16

• How do you pursue righteousness, devotion, faith, love, patience, and gentleness?
• Where do you see these qualities lived out?

 Luke 16: 19-31

• Do you see or have you seen a “great chasm” in the world, in politics, in the church? What can you learn from it and can it be overcome?  How does/did it affect your thoughts and behavior?
• Are there words of warning or wisdom which have been left behind for you from loved ones who have died? How do you honor those?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• Is there such a thing as too much? When is it too much?
• What are some of the finer things in life…your definition?
• Can you have wealth without be self-indulgent? Why or why not?
• What prejudices do people have toward those who would be considered wealthy in society?
• What prejudices do people have toward those who would be considered poor in society?
• Do you believe power comes with having wealth? How do you see power used in good and bad ways?
• Are there acts of charity or justice which you prefer over another?
• Are there things you would not do to serve or help another? Why or why not?
• Do you have scars others cannot see? If you revealed those scars do you think you would be treated differently?
• When have you treated someone differently because of the scars they have?
• Have you ever disregarded another due to haughtiness on your part?
• Have you ever needed to repent for disregard you showed toward another? What did you do and was your apology accepted?
• Are there warnings which you ignore? What are they and why do you disregard them?
• Are there warnings which you follow and warn others against? What are they and why are you apt to follow the warnings?

 

Closing Prayer (fill in the ALL with specific prayers of need you see)

Leader: I see a need…

ALL:  _____________, I can help!

Leader:  I see a need…

 ALL:  _____________, I can help!

Leader:  I see a need…

 ALL:  _____________, I can help!

Leader:  I see a need…

ALL:  _____________, I can help!

Leader:  I see a need…

ALL:  _____________, I can help!

 

 Challenge for the Week:  What do these scripture readings tell us about this disposable world attitude we have today?  What are some of the things we use lavishly?  Are there things you use which you take for granted?  Think back to your childhood…what has changed?  How does the “fast” pace of the internet, speed limits, mobile phones, microwaves and fast food contribute to the self-absorbed attitude we come across too often?  What ONE thing can you do to help?  What ONE thing can you change in your life which contributes or gives into this movement?  How can you make this change one which draws you closer to God?

25th Sunday of Ordinary Time

 

Opening Prayer

Lord

How can I help my neighbor?

I can barely care for myself.

What do I have to offer?

I don’t have any more to spare.

Lead me to find the resources

I need to care not only for myself

but for others too!

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Amos 8: 4-7

• How do you feel called to care for the poor? What do you do to live out this call?
• What are you willing to sacrifice to provide for those you are responsible to care for?

 1 Timothy 2: 1-8

• Have you ever given something up for another person? What was it and for whom did you give it up?
• What causes people in the world today to get angry? What are some of the arguments going on in the world right now?  How would lifting your hands to God help?

 Luke 16: 1-13 or 10-13

• Have you ever squandered something away or spent extravagantly?
• Do you save things or hold things back for future generation? If so what?  For what purpose?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• When have you been in a situation or witnessed a situation that was unjust? How did you deal with it?  What did you do?
• Have you ever horded something valuable and chose not to share? What was it?
• Identify a time when you have been greedy. What did it feel like?  What was the situation?  From whom did you with-hold or take from?
• Have you ever been exploited? Have you exploited another?
• Have you ever been oppressed? Have you oppressed another?
• Is there an injustice which needs your attention? How does scripture lead you to a solution?
• How do you take your faith outside of the church doors? How do you live it each day of the week?
• Have you ever had someone be a mediator in your life to help resolve a situation?
• When have you helped two people work out an issue? How did you handle the situation?  What was the outcome?
• How do you see church and state, regardless of the law? Do you believe they are separate?  Do you think they interact?  Do you agree they should be separate?  Why or why not?
• How many people do you know that you would describe as trustworthy?
• How do you serve God? How do you serve society?  Which one wins?

 

Closing Prayer

Leader:  When I feel trampled

ALL:  you come to pick me up!

Leader:  When I am in need

 ALL:  you find a way to satisfy!

Leader:  When I call out to you

 ALL:  you listen to my plea!

Leader:  When I hold back

ALL:  you urge me to give more!

Leader:  When I surrender

ALL:  you give abundantly!

 

 Challenge for the Week:  We can sometimes fool ourselves into thinking there are adjectives for a lie…a little lie, a big lie, it can be necessary or harmless but really none of these are true.  A lie is a lie and when we lie, it often catches up with us.  When have you told a lie?  Did you lie to get out of something you didn’t want to do?  Did you lie to make someone feel better?  Did you lie so you didn’t have to deal with the truth?  Are there lies you have told which have no meaning?  Sometimes one lie causes you to tell another lie and another until you lose track of the truth and you can begin to believe our own lies.  Spend time this week meditating on a recent lie you told, was it a slip of the tongue or is there something you are hiding?  Once you’ve determined what you have done, figure out how you will make it right.

24th Sunday of Ordinary Time

 

Opening Prayer

Lord of immense patience

How can I learn from you?

Where can I go to find patience?

Is it within my reach?

What can I do to cultivate more?

Why can’t I seem to wait?

Be with me Lord,

I cannot do it on my own!

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Exodus 32: 7-11, 13-14

• What does this scripture say about human nature? Is it still true today?  Where do you see an example?
• What advantage do you have over Moses to get God’s message through to others? What disadvantage do you have over Moses?

 1 Timothy 1:12-17

• Identify how God has shown mercy to Paul.
• Identify how others showed mercy to Paul.

 Luke 15: 1-32

• How do you rejoice when you have been forgiven?
• Describe what it feels like to be filled with compassion.

 

General Questions for Journaling

• Would you consider yourself a persuasive person? Who do you identify as a persuasive person?
• Could a persuasive person get you to do something you know is wrong or that you shouldn’t do? Has this ever happened?
• How do you use persuasion in your life? Do you use it to get what you want or what God wants?
• Do you try to talk God into things? If so, what?  And how did/does He respond?
• How do you feel when you make a deal with someone and they don’t keep up their part?
• Have you ever reneged on a deal? What was the situation?
• Do threats work? Why or why not?  When are threats necessary?
• Does God ever give up on you? Why then, do you give up on yourself?
• When have you given up on yourself? Did you reach out to God or to others?  Were you shown mercy?
• Have you ever been lost? What did it feel like?  Who found you?  How did you feel when you were found?

 

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Thank you Lord

ALL:  For you never give up on me, a sinner!

Leader:  Thank you Lord

 ALL:  For you never leave me, a sinner!

Leader:  Thank you Lord

 ALL:  For you never lose patience with me, a sinner!

Leader:  Thank you Lord

ALL:  For you never for me, a sinner!

Leader:  Thank you Lord

ALL:  For you never forsake me, a sinner!

 

 Challenge for the Week:  On the anniversary of the terrorist attack on the twin towers in New York City and the Pentagon, each person over the age of 18 can tell you a story about where they were and how they felt when they heard the terrible news.  If you reflect back to your story, it may be filled with sadness, anger, surprise, but probably not much mercy or forgiveness…at the time.  Spend some time this week and examine what has changed in your life, in the world and see how time has perhaps changed your perspective or understanding.  Have you seen mercy and forgiveness happen in the world?  What examples can you come up with as ones to share with others so they can learn to be able to forgive and show mercy to others.