23rd Sunday of Ordinary Time

 

Opening Prayer

Lord

You must have immense patience

to listen to us whine and complain

about our suffering and pain.  We are so naive.

You have heard every excuse but still we give them.

The promise of peace, forgiveness and mercy

doesn’t seem to be enough for us to let go.

May your WORD today help us to surrender!!!

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Wisdom 9:13-18b

• Can you with confidence tell others what God has planned for you? Why or why not?
• What do you know for sure about your faith? About your purpose?  About the promises of Christ?

 Philemon 9-10, 12-17

• Are there ways in which you feel imprisoned or enslaved by your faith?
• Are there ways in which you feel imprisoned or enslaved by the world?

 Luke 14: 25-33

• What are the costs of following Christ? Do you know the end of the story?  What do you fear about the middle (unknown) that keeps you from surrendering?
• Make a list of the resources you use and have at your disposal in order to finish the race, build the tower and live with purpose?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• Have you ever had a plan which was executed perfectly? What causes you to have to change your plan?
• How do you feel when there is not a plan?
• Are there times when you need a plan and when you don’t want a plan? How are those different?
• What can you do to learn more about the plan God has for you? How will you know it is God’s plan?
• Are there relationships you need to let go of in order to allow change?
• How is love revealed in your life?
• Where is love found?
• To what do you cling? What keeps you from surrendering completely to God?
• What does your cross include? Are there days when it is lighter/heavier than others?
• Does everyone have the same size cross to bear? Do they all look the same?
• Picking up your cross to carry it is a choice. Are there days when you choose NOT to pick it up?
• Who are the people who have helped your carry your cross?

 

Closing Prayer

Leader:  May we seek the path to YOU

ALL:  when we cannot stand on our own;

Leader:  May we seek the path to YOU

 ALL:  when the clouds cover our eyes;

Leader:  May we seek the path to YOU

 ALL:  in the midst of the storm;

Leader:  May we seek the path to YOU

ALL:  on the best and worst of our days;

Leader:  May we seek the path to YOU

ALL:  even when none can be found.

 

 Challenge for the Week:  People can spend weeks, months and years trying to make sense of things beyond their grasp.  Sometimes they get so wrapped up in trying to make the pieces fit, they lose sight of anything else.  When this happens, whatever path they are on doesn’t matter because they are standing still.  IF you relate to this and it describes you now, please seek guidance from a spouse, friend, counselor, priest, etc. and if this describes someone you love, share this scripture with them and pray for the words to help them start taking steps on their journey again!

22nd Sunday of Ordinary Time

 

Opening Prayer

Lord

Where do I find humility?

What does it look like?

Why is it so hard to find?

Am I looking in the wrong places?

Show me how to be humble

through YOUR words and actions…

Let the examples I read in scripture

teach me to see

with more love and compassion!

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Sirach 3:17-18, 20, 28-29

• What does the scripture say about who you are as a child of God? Would you describe yourself this way?  Why or why not?
• How does someone learn to be humble? What does this scripture say one should do?

 Hebrews 12:18-19, 22-24A

• Does this scripture scare you or bring you comfort?
• Pick one of the metaphors and meditate on it. What does it look like?  How does it make you feel?  How does it apply to your life (now or in the past).

 Luke 14:1, 7-14

• What does it feel like to be the guest of honor?
• Do you need help getting to the banquet?
• What are you doing to help others get to the banquet?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• What kinds of gifts does God give? Have you ever received a bad gift from God?
• Are there bad gifts? Have you ever received a bad gift?  Have you ever given one?
• How do you define humility? Where does it come from?  How is it achieved?
• Who do you consider a great person? Who might consider you a great person?
• Are there people in your life whom you need to attend to? Do they need a listening ear?  Words of comfort or advice?
• Have you ever been given a gift which you didn’t open or use? Are you using the gifts God has given?  Are there gifts you still haven’t opened?
• Do you like when someone acknowledges you with a note, card or gift? What about when they remember a special date or something important going on in your life?  How do you feel?
• Are you bound by anything? What binds you?  Why?  Is it good or bad?  Does it need to change?  What would happen if it did?

 

Closing Prayer – inspired by Colossians 3:12

Leader:  Chosen by God…

ALL:  to be compassionate!

Leader:  Chosen by God…

 ALL:  to be kind!

Leader:  Chosen by God…

 ALL:  to be humble!

Leader:  Chosen by God…

ALL:  to be gentle!

Leader:  Chosen by God…

ALL:  to be patient!

Leader:  Chosen by God…

ALL:  to be LOVED!

 

Challenge for the Week:  In a world that puts so much focus on “I” and “ME” it’s no wonder humility is hard to find.  There are stories about people spending over their means only to impress others by their name brand clothes and the car they drive.  More stories of those who spend hours getting tummies tucked and plastic surgery to “fix” what they believe are flaws in how they were created.  The stories go on and on including people of all ages being bullied, shunned and some even killed because another person doesn’t think they live up to specific standards.  It is hard for us to push away insecurities brought on by media or the opinion of others.  We often forget we aren’t defined by what society says is “cool” or “acceptable”, rather by the one who created us.  God says we are chosen and loved, just the way we are and doesn’t ask for us to impress Him.  We are only asked to follow in His steps and accept and love one another, just as God created them.  It is when we stop worrying about impressing others with material things and embrace God’s opinion of us that we can find humility.  We can truly understand that life is “not all about me”, rather it is all about “we” and how we put God first in our lives.  Take time this week to consider what you do in order to impress others (words or actions) or how you change yourself (words or actions) in order to fit into a group of people at work/school.  AND then pray…see what God wants you to do about it!  Remember, God is the only one you should try to impress 😉

21st Sunday of Ordinary Time

 

Opening Prayer

Lord,

YOU call out to us and gather us together

YOU give us hearts of flesh to love

YOU give us hands to reach out to help

YOU give us the will to choose to follow

May we never lose sight of ALL you give

And always be grateful…you are always there!

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Isaiah 66:18-21

• How are the Israelite’s set apart/chosen? Does God love you in the same way?  How do you know?
• When you see the unity described in this scripture? Have you ever felt it?  When?  Where?

 Hebrews 12:5-7, 11-13

• How does God use discipline to help us become the person we were created to be?
• What does the word discipline mean? Is it hard?  Does it hurt?  Is discipline negative?  Do you think we all receive the same discipline from God?

 Luke 13:22-30

• How do you image the narrow gate? Do you image an actual gate or that Jesus is using symbolism for something else?
• Where do you see mercy in this scripture?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• Are there people in your life whom you feel united? What is the connection?
• Do you feel closer to people who are not your relatives? Why or why not?  What does this have to do with the scripture readings?
• What do you offer God? What does He offer you?  Is it even?
• What does your physical body/presence say about your spiritual health? Do you think they are related?  How?  Why?
• How do you practice spiritual discipline? What does it mean?
• What makes faith stronger? How strong is your relationship with God?  Jesus?  Holy Spirit?
• How do you exercise your faith? What areas do you need to work on?
• Do you ever feel you give and give and give with nothing in return? What makes you continue to give?
• Are there times when you don’t thing you give enough? Whom are you trying to please or satisfy?  Is satisfaction achievable?

 

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Lord, strengthen my relationship

ALL:  in the prayers I pray.

Leader:  Lord, strengthen my understanding

 ALL:  through the scriptures.

Leader:  Lord, strengthen my focus

 ALL:  as I follow the path.

Leader:  Lord, strengthen my witness

ALL:  as I speak truth.

Leader:  Lord, strengthen my commitment

ALL:  in acts of justice and mercy.

Leader:  Lord, strengthen me…

ALL:  make me your disciple!

 

Challenge for the Week:  Have you ever gone along with something because it was the popular choice but you didn’t agree?  This is one of the challenges in life…how do we become strong in our beliefs, strong enough to speak up and go in a different direction?  Since we all face this dilemma at some point, either reflect back to a time or focus on a potential situation (perhaps even the one in the Gospel reading) and consider how you will stand up with faith.  Sometimes acting out in faith and truth is not the popular decision…is your faith strong enough to withstand?  Living your life as a disciple is radical…BE RADICAL!

 

20^th Sunday of Ordinary Time

 

Opening Prayer

Father

It is our nature to love you,

but there are so many distractions.

Help us fight off the distractions,

and be persistent in our commitment.

Let us not be limited by love of things which don’t last,

but seek your love which is limitless.

Keep us open to your everlasting love,

so we can love without limits too!

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Jeremiah 38:4-6, 8-10

• Have you ever felt like you were sinking in the mud? What did it feel like?  How were you able to get “un-stuck”?
• When have you interceded for another, like the Court Official in this scripture? Who was it?  What were the circumstances?

 Hebrews 12:1-4

• Describe “cloud of witnesses”. Is it the same for everyone?  What is the specific purpose of a “cloud of witnesses”?
• What does this scripture say about suffering, specifically about Jesus’ suffering on the cross?
• Do you believe God wants you to suffer? Why or Why not?  Is this belief because of faith or experience?

 Luke 12:49-53

• How does God set the world on fire? What is consumed?  What needs to be consumed?  What is role in keeping the fire alive?
• Where do you see divisions in the world, your community, your church, your family, your own heart? Is there a common thread in these divisions?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• Are there people who offend you? Who?  Why?  How does it affect how you act around them or how you treat them?
• Are there laws which you don’t agree with but follow?
• Have you ever worked to change a law which you found to be unjust?   What did you do?  What did you learn from the experience?
• How does your faith/hope/love in Jesus affect how you deal with loss/struggles/suffering?
• What would you say to someone who is struggling who doesn’t have a relationship with Jesus? How would you show them support or give comfort?
• What divides you from others?
• What is the definition of division? What is the opposite?

 

Closing Prayer

Leader:  May we never lose sight of the faith which fills us…

ALL:  Pray for us, Father Abraham!

Leader:  May we always find hope in the promise of heaven…

 ALL:  Pray for us, Prophets of the Old Testament!

Leader:  May we always be waiting and listening for God…

 ALL:  Pray for us, Mother Mary!

Leader:  May we never forget the sacrifice made on the cross..

ALL:  Pray for us, Jesus our Savior!

Leader:  May we always keep the Holy Spirit close and follow…

ALL:  Pray for us, Prophets of the New Testament!

Leader:  May we never turn away from the love which created us…

ALL:  Pray for us, Saints of today and yesterday!

 

Challenge for the Week:  As humans, we can sometimes let one little thing cause a tornado of stress and worry in our lives; something as simple as a paper cut can turn our attitude around.  When we look to the Prophets and Saints, we often forget they are human too.  They were also distracted by things (maybe even a paper cut) but persevered in learning to keep Christ centered in their lives.  Take time this week to seek out a Prophet or Saint (dead or alive) and consider how your might be able to learn to fend off distractions in your life.

Examples: (1) Moses was “crippled” by his speech impediment but was able to put it aside to serve God and save the Israelites from slavery  (2) Oscar Romero loved God and serving the Church so much he lived out his call as a priest despite the opposition…even to death

 

19^th Sunday of Ordinary Time

 

Opening Prayer

Lord

Why do we doubt your love for us?

Let reach out to you

…and feel your embrace.

May we never lose hope in your presence!

What can we do to trust you more?

Let us call your Name

…and hear your response.

May we always know the sound of your voice!

Keep us close Lord, we cannot live without YOU!

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Wisdom 18:6-9

• Describe having “courage” to let God work in your life.
• Do you trust God will “take care of your adversaries”? Why or why not?  Give an example of what this might look like.

 Hebrews 11:1-2, 8-19 or 11:1-2, 8-12

• Have you ever felt lost in your faith?
• Explain how you show trust in God and His plan for you. Give an example of how you trust God.

 Luke 12:32-48 or 12:35-40

• Is there anything you’ve been waiting on God for which He has not delivered?
• Why would God want us to be watchful? How do you let down your guard?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• Is there a common sacrifice all Christians’ value? What is it and how do you know it is valuable?
• Is it easy or difficult to let others have power over you? Why?  What would Jesus tell you to do?
• Have you ever sworn an oath? What was it for?  Did you keep it?
• Do you love and serve God out of fear or obedience? What is the difference?
• Have you ever felt as though there was no hope? What was the situation?  Was hope really gone or had you lost sight of it?
• Can someone you know be a stranger? Why or why not?
• Have you ever moved forward in faith, knowing God was calling but not knowing what was to come?
• Has God ever delivered a miracle to you? When?  What was it?
• What was the last decision you allowed God to make without your input?

 

Closing Prayer

Leader:  When we face adversity…

ALL:  May we have the courage, only faith can give!

Leader:  When we question…

 ALL:  May we have the wisdom, only faith can give!

Leader:  When all we see is despair…

 ALL:  May we have the hope, only faith can give!

Leader:  When we feel empty…

ALL:  May we have the fulfillment, only faith can give!

Leader:  When all we have to hold is the promise…

ALL:  May we have the trust, only faith can give!

Leader:  When we feel you in our soul…

ALL:  May we have the peace, only faith can give!

 

Challenge for the Week:  Trusting God, living a Christian life and following the path laid before us can be extremely difficult at times.  Often we are tempted to stray and fall into sin or to doubt or lose hope in the promise that God will take care of us and all of our needs.  However, over and over in the scripture we are reminded that what God has planned for us is so much better than what we can accomplish on our own.  The scripture tell us that even though it might be difficult and we might want to throw in the towel waiting on what we are looking for God to deliver, that we should NEVER lose hope!  Spend time thinking about how you have remained vigilant in the promises of Christ.  Have you been losing hope?  Are you holding on by a thread to the promise?  What can you do to refocus and get a clearer perspective on what God has been doing in your life…to see He is still there, just maybe not giving you what you expect.  God has a plan for you…are you trusting Him enough for it to come to fruition?

 

18^th Sunday of Ordinary Time

 

Opening Prayer

Lord

Your measure of time is different than ours.

We over schedule and try to fit too much into a day,

while you have eternity to accomplish your tasks.

We spend our time, fill our time and waste our time

and forget it is not OUR time to begin with!

Often we think there isn’t enough time

but you created the world and all that is in it in only 7 days.

Help us to slow down and accept the time you give,

living each experience of sorrow and joy, knowing you are there.

Thank you Lord, for the gift of precious time!

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Ecclesiastes 1:2; 2:21-23

• How does one labor over wisdom and knowledge?
• What do you allow to rule your life? Does work have control?  The quest for acceptance or acknowledgement?  A desire for wealth or status?  What worries keep you awake at night?

 Colossians 3:1-5, 9-11

• Share an example of how you seek what is above on a regular basis? What does it look like?
• How did you learn to seek life in Christ? How do you share what you have learned?

 Luke 12:13-21

• Are there things which you guard and do not share? What are they and why do you keep them for yourself?
• What does this scripture tell you of what God values?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• What causes you anxiety? How do you know it is anxiety?  What happens to you physically, emotionally?  How do you control it?  Can you control it?
• Have you ever allowed grief to consume you? What do you risk when you allow grief and sorrow to take over?
• When was the last time your mind was at rest? Describe the feeling?
• Do the things you invest our time in tell an accurate story about what you value? What is in need of change?
• What is your image of Christ? What are the qualities of God which you emulate?  Which ones do you need to work on more?
• Are there times when you hide your belief in God? Why or why not?
• What is your definition of treasure or riches?
• Where do you go to seek treasure or riches?
• Do you consider yourself to be rich? Why or why not?

 

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Let us know what you treasure…

ALL:  in the cool gentle breeze.

Leader:  Let us know what you treasure…

 ALL:  in the sound of the ocean waves.

Leader:  Let us know what you treasure…

 ALL:  in the smell of the pine tree.

Leader:  Let us know what you treasure…

ALL:  in the comfort of an embrace.

Leader:  Let us know what you treasure…

ALL:  in the warmth of laughter.

Leader:  Let us know what you treasure…

ALL:  in the intimacy of prayer.

 

Challenge for the Week:  Where do you see God’s love?  Make a list of the places you see God today.  Do you think when we make a point to seek God, He appears more abundantly?  How many times do you think we miss out on God’s goodness each day when we are consumed with our own agenda and worry?  Consider what God wants you to do for HIM today to share HIS LOVE!!!

 

17^th Sunday of Ordinary Time

 

Opening Prayer

Lord

Why do you love us?

What causes you to stay with us?

You love us and never leave

even though we neglect you and persecute you.

May we acknowledge your persistence in love

and come to know you enough

to love others as you love us!!!

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Genesis 18:20-32

• What do you take from the conversation between God and Abraham? What does it say of God’s character?
• How might you be more like Abraham? What characteristic do you want to emulate?  How will you do this?

 Colossians 2:12-14   

• What are the things that keep you from having the relationship you want with Jesus?
• Are there people you can’t forgive? What stands in the way? Is there something God is calling you to do about it?

 Luke 11:1-13

• Who taught you to pray? How so?
• Do you ask God for what you need? How does He respond?
• Where do you find the answer to your prayers?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• Is there something which you feel guilty about right now? What is it?  Why?
• Who do you turn to as a moral compass? Is it a person?  What do those conversations sound like?
• Do you believe in hell? Why or why not?
• In light of the hatred and violence in the world right now, where do you see God at work?
• Do you ever think God gets mad at us? Why or why not?
• If God gets mad at us, what do you think he is mad about? Our actions?  Lack of action?  Words or lack of words?
• Are there things you are afraid to talk to God about? Is it because you are afraid to ask?
• What is the definition of oppression? Where do you see oppression happening today?  In the world, your community, your church, your family?
• Do you answer the door when God knocks?

 

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Let us surrender to YOU

ALL:  as you showed Sarah and Abraham to surrender.

Leader:  Let us surrender to YOU

 ALL:  as you showed Job and Jonah to surrender.

Leader:  Let us surrender to YOU

 ALL:  as you showed Elijah and David to surrender.

Leader:  Let us surrender to YOU

ALL:  as you showed James and John to surrender.

Leader:  Let us surrender to YOU

ALL:  as you showed Mary YOUR mother to surrender.

Leader:  Let us surrender to YOU

ALL:  in our daily prayers in word and action!

 

Challenge for the Week:  In the parable Jesus shares, He continues to talk to us about how to treat our neighbor.  The scriptures over the past few weeks give us examples of hospitality, what we should do to take care of one another.  Jesus is reminding us to think of the needs of others first before our own, to share what we have without holding back.  This message is counter-cultural, even at the time of Jesus.  Spend time meditating on how you might be hording your “goods” (materials, time, talent)…what do you hold back?  Is there a specific relationship which you don’t give enough time or effort to but you know God is calling you to give more, be more?  Do you serve on a committee or participate in a group which you simply show up physically but aren’t giving of yourself to help move a project forward?  When asked to lend a hand, do your thoughts move to your “to do list” or do you jump at the opportunity to help and help with a positive attitude?  These are tough to consider but Jesus is showing us the path…are we following?

16^th Sunday of Ordinary Time

 

Opening Prayer

Creator of all that is good,

YOU made each of us

with eyes to see

with ears to hear

with arms to reach out

with legs to go out

Let us see, hear, reach out and go to

all who feel YOU invisible.

Don’t let our to do list,

keep us from yours!

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Genesis 18:1-10a

• What do you take from the hospitality of Abraham?
• How is Abraham like Jesus in this scripture?

 Colossians 1:24-28

• Where do you see faith being passed on to generations to come? What is your role?  What is the role of the church?  How would Saint Paul respond to your answer?
• How does suffering and sins of the flesh keep you from or draw you to the church?

 Luke 10:38-42

• Identify when you are Martha and when you are Mary; are you able to relate to both or are you drawn more to one over the other? Why? Are you happy with your answer?
• What do you believe is Jesus’ real message here?
• Have you demanded God tell someone else to help you out? How did He respond?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• Does good always come from good? Why or why not?
• How do you see God blessing others in the world today? How do you know it is God and not simply good fortune?
• What is your definition of hospitality? Are you stingy or lavish with your hospitality?
• Who sees the best version of you? Are you at your best 100% of the time?  If no, what % of the time are you your best self?
• Does the fear of treating others equally keep you from doing nice things for just one person?
• Does suffering draw people together or rip them apart? How?  Where and when have you seen this happen?
• Do you say “yes” to too many things? Why or why not?
• When you say “no” do you feel guilty for not helping out or participating? Why or why not?
• Are there roles placed on you which you revoke? Are there ones you hold dear?
• Do you feel burdened by expectations? Is there another way for you to manage the expectations?

 

Closing Prayer

Leader:  May I have the Martha will and the Mary heart…

ALL:  so I might show you love through service and in prayer.

Leader:  May I have the Martha will and the Mary heart…

 ALL:  so I might complete the tasks you lay before me.

Leader:  May I have the Martha will and the Mary heart…

 ALL:  so I might work to provide for my neighbor.

Leader:  May I have the Martha will and the Mary heart…

ALL:  so I might welcome you into my home.

Leader:  May I have the Martha will and the Mary heart…

ALL:  so I might follow you wherever you lead.

Leader:  May I have the Martha will and the Mary heart…

ALL:  so I might rest at your feet at the end of the busy day.

 

Challenge for the Week:  Sometimes when we are doing good things for others, we can become resentful for having to do them or get mad at others for not helping us or upset they aren’t seeing the good we are doing.  We can get wrapped up in the blame game and make up an excuse or harbor bad feelings towards others without ever acknowledging where our negative feelings are coming from in the first place.  Spend time this week in prayer and pray for the insight to determine if you are holding onto any ill will against someone without them even knowing you are upset; then determine if you are blaming them for a choice you have made and if you really should be upset with yourself instead.  Consider the Gospel story and use it as your guide as you meditate on how you feel and what you might do to find a peaceful solution.

15^th Sunday of Ordinary Time

 

Opening Prayer

Dear God

YOU created a complex world

and in it YOU give us beauty beyond words.

YOU told the sun when to rise

and provide all creatures with their needs.

YOU wrote on our hearts

the desire to love and care for one another.

Let the material things and the lies which surround us

be tossed away and take up space, no more.

Let YOUR Word fill our hearts

until they overflow from our lips.

AMEN!

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Deuteronomy 30:10-14

• What do you do with all of your heart and soul? Are there a lot of things?  A few?
• How do know God has a plan for you?

 Colassians 1:15-20

• What do you learn about Jesus in this scripture?
• What does it encourage you to do to be more like Jesus?

 Luke 10:25-37

• Identify your neighbors. What are their needs?  How can you show them the love of God?
• Have you seen this parable lived out in your life? When have you been robbed and left for dead?  When have you been the one who passed by?  When have you been the one who helped?  When have you been like the innkeeper?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• How do you hear the voice of God? When?
• How often do you follow God’s voice/words when you hear them?
• Where do you go to find purpose or meaning in your life?
• What does it mean to have something “written on your heart”?
• Who are your confidants? What qualities do they have that you go to them for advice?
• Do you live your life so others know God is first? Or is someone else put first in your life?  Spouse?  Greed?  Children?  Self?
• Does peace come to you or is it something you work for?
• What does reconciliation feel like? Is it easy or difficult to achieve reconciliation?
• Is there a limit to how much you can help another? Have you ever hit the limit?
• When you are in need, are you open to others helping you? Why or why not?

 

Closing Prayer

Leader:  When I feel I’ve hit a dead end and don’t know what to do…

ALL:  YOU have the power to create a new path!

Leader:  When I am left with nothing and don’t know what to do…

 ALL:  YOU have the power to share what I need!

Leader:  When I feel lost and don’t know what to do…

 ALL:  YOU have the power to welcome with open arms!

Leader:  When I am blinded by fear/money/arrogance…

ALL:  YOU have the power to forgive my wrongs!

Leader:  When I feel I am on empty and don’t know what to do…

ALL:  YOU have the power to fill me up!

Leader:  Father, giver all good things…

ALL:  may I live my life in these truths!

 

Challenge for the Week:  How are the commandments relevant today?  Where do you see them lived out?  Spend time this week re-writing the commandments to make them specific to you.  Highlight the ones your struggle with so you can pay more attention to them.

 

14^th Sunday of Ordinary Time

 

Opening Prayer

Father

You knew it would be hard for us

You knew we would face challenges

You knew the choices would be difficult

But you show us mercy,

You give us forgiveness

And your grace gives us peace!

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Isaiah 66:10-14c

• Where do you see God rejoicing today?
• How does the imagery of a mother’s love hold true for you? Where might it fall short?  Is there a better image for God to use to describe His love?

 Galatians 6:14-18

• Where do you see this scripture lived out today? In your family?  In your community?  In your church?  Are there places where indifference isn’t an issue?
• What bites and devours you?

 Luke 10:1-12, 17-20 or 10:1-9

• How are we similar to lambs? Identify the wolves.
• What is the harvest Jesus is speaking of in this scripture? Why are the laborers few?
• How do you see yourself in this scripture?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• Describe your connection to your church, parish or place of worship. What is your connection to the community?  What need(s) does the community meet in your life?
• Do you believe the church holds the same purpose it did when they first began to form? Why or why not?  What is the same or different?
• Has God’s love for His people changed over time or does it remain the same? Does God love you as He did Adam & Eve?  King David?  Mary, Mother of Jesus?  Jesus?
• What laws of the world are non-negotiable? Why are they so?
• Where do you see influences of the world and the laws of people in your household?
• Where do you see influences of Jesus in your household?
• How is peace achieved in your life? How often do you achieve resting in peace?
• Where do you see mercy shown? What can you do show mercy to others more regularly?  Are there opportunities which you sidestep?
• How do you welcome others? Share a specific situation.
• Where do you share peace? To whom do you give peace?  From whom do you receive peace?  How can you have it more abundantly?

 

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Fill our hearts with love and compassion

ALL:  so we might bring comfort to a child.

Leader:  Fill our hearts with love and compassion

 ALL:  so we might see where our help is needed.

Leader:  Fill our hearts with love and compassion

 ALL:  so we might trust you more.

Leader:  Fill our hearts with love and compassion

ALL:  so we might show love more deeply.

Leader:  Fill our hearts with love and compassion

ALL:  so we might open our arms to others.

Leader:  Fill our hearts with love and compassion

ALL:  so we know we know we are enough!

 

Challenge for the Week:  Saint Paul in the second reading notes how the people are arguing over the laws of circumcision.  He is telling them it doesn’t matter…Jesus came to save us all.  Are people still taking sides on issues today?  Of course!  Make a list of all of some of them; are any of them keeping you from seeing your neighbor as Christ calls us to see them?  Have we treated another with neglect, disregard or judged them based on the stand they take on a specific issue or law?  There are many in our world today.  Think about some of the laws in the US, consider the different laws in the different places of worship, perhaps even differences as families blend in how holidays are celebrated as traditions clash.  Paul is not saying, don’t have an opinion.  He is telling us that it is not what should get us boastful, rather the love of God and the sacrifice of Jesus should be what we shout about.  How will you live out this scripture passage in the coming days, weeks, months?  Make a commitment for a specific change to see how it affects you and those around you.