Sunday, June 25th Readings

12th Sunday of Ordinary Time

Opening Prayer

Lord

Like a mighty champion,

          You come to my rescue!

I hide in darkness but

          You bring me into the light!

Great is your mercy and

          bounteous is Your kindness!

My heart is revived by

          Your gracious gift of grace!

I am so full of love

          that it overflows to others!

Praise your Holy Name, Jesus!

Journal/Reflection Questions

Jeremiah 20:10-13

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

Romans 5:12-15

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

Matthew 10:26-33

  • Do you find comfort or discomfort in the scripture, “nothing is concealed that will not be revealed or secret that will not be known.”
  • What has God whispered to you? Did you proclaim what you heard? Why or why not?

General Questions for Journaling

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

Closing Prayer

Leader:  When I have obstacles in my path

ALL:  I praise the Lord!

Leader:  When I am the target of slander

ALL:  I praise the Lord!

Leader:  When I feel buried in doubt

ALL:  I praise the Lord!

Leader:  When I am drowning in sorrow

ALL:  I praise the Lord!

Leader:  When I have a mountain to climb

ALL:  I praise the Lord!

Leader: When I feel walls caving in

ALL:  I praise the Lord!

Leader:  When I call out to my Lord,

ALL:  I am ready for anything!

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

GET CONNECTED DAILY!  Find more reflections and prayers at Making Scripture Relevant on Facebook and Instagram.  Join the Weekly Scripture Journal email list by contacting heather@makingscripturerelevant.com.

Discipleship 5K: A Physical and Spiritual Journey to the Cross by Heather Neds, author of the Weekly Scripture Journal is more than a book, it is a guide to becoming a stronger disciple.  Grab a copy and start the journey!

Sunday, June 18th Readings

11th Sunday of Ordinary Time

Opening Prayer

Creator God,

The harvest is abundant because You make it so.

You provide the soil, the sun and the nutrients to grow.

You care for the troubled and the abandoned.

You give whatever is needed, without cost.

This is the way You show Your love.

AMEN

Journal/Reflection Questions

Exodus 19:2-6a

  • God called Moses to Him to share a message. What was the message. How is this message for Moses relevant to you too?
  • What significance do think there is that they pitched the tents at the front of the mountain and Moses had to go up the mountain to talk to God?

Romans 5:6-11

  • Identify three emotions you feel when you read or hear this scripture. What do each of the emotions mean?
  • Where do you see evidence of Gods love for you today?

Matthew 9:36-10:8

  • Can you relate to the disciples in the Gospel reading? In what way? Be specific.
  • When you think of the “kingdom of heaven” what do you image?

General Questions for Journaling

  • Share an example of a time when you KNOW God lifted you up from a depression or saved you from a negative situation.
  • What or who do you hold dear? Can you list at least 10?
  • When was the last time you hear God speak to you? What did He say? How did you respond?
  • What is your favorite thing in nature?  Is it an animal, a tree, an image, a feeling.
  • Scripture often refers to a shepherd and sheep. What are the references and what do you think God wants you to know/learn from this reference right now?  Are you currently a shepherd? A sheep? Both?
  • Share an example of a time when you felt like a shepherd.
  • Share an example of a time when you felt like a sheep.
  • Does knowing you are a child of God change how you see or love yourself? Why or why not?
  • Is there someone you would die for or give your life in place of? Who is it and why?
  • Does your life feel like it is in the harvest season or the drought season? Explain.
  • When you give praise and thanks to God, do you expect something in return? Why or why not?
  • Is there a cost to loving God?  If so, what is it?

Closing Prayer

Leader:  You call me up the mountain

ALL:  You walk with me each step of the way

Leader:  You call me up the mountain

ALL:  You remind me of Your promises

Leader:  You call me up the mountain

ALL:  You call me reconcile my sins

Leader:  You call me up the mountain

ALL:  You give generously of Your love

Leader:  You call me up the mountain

ALL:  And I know I am Your Beloved!

Challenge for the Week:  Many Christians ask the question, ‘have you been saved’?  This week contemplate what it means to be ‘saved’ and how it applies to you.  How does Jesus’ life and death factor into your being ‘saved’?  What does sin have to do with it?  Are there scripture verses that support your belief?  Once you’ve spent time thinking about your answer, start a conversation with someone you know by asking them what being ‘saved’ means to them and be open to their perspective.

OR

In accounting, there are two columns, income and expenditure.  Income is a record of what is given to you and deposited into your account.  It is income that fills you and allows you to be able to pay out.  Even when you don’t have income, there are still expenses that incur, so sometimes you have to borrow in order to fulfill your obligations.  It is good practice to regularly reconcile your accounts, to see where you stand.  In the scripture this weekend, Saint Paul is telling the Romans that their lives were reconciled.  When you think about this truth in reference to the way accounts are reconciled, what does that mean to you? 

GET CONNECTED DAILY!  Find more reflections and prayers at Making Scripture Relevant on Facebook and Instagram.  Join the Weekly Scripture Journal email list by contacting heather@makingscripturerelevant.com.

Discipleship 5K: A Physical and Spiritual Journey to the Cross by Heather Neds, author of the Weekly Scripture Journal is more than a book, it is a guide to becoming a stronger disciple.  Grab a copy and start the journey!

Sunday, June 11th Readings

Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ

Opening Prayer

Jesus

You are the bread of life!

You are the manna sent from heaven!

Without you, I am empty!

Fill me, nourish me, and sustain me!

I will have my fill and never go hungry!

You are my daily bread!

Journal/Reflection Questions

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

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

1Corinthians 10:16-17

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

John 6:51-58

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

General Questions for Journaling

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

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Christ before me…

ALL:  I praise YOU!

Leader:  Christ around me…

ALL:  I give you thanks!

Leader:  Christ beside me…

ALL:  I am at peace!

Leader:  Christ within me…

ALL:  I am filled with joy!

Leader:  I am Christ to others…

ALL:  Let the feast begin!

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

GET CONNECTED DAILY!  Find more reflections and prayers at Making Scripture Relevant on Facebook and Instagram.  Join the Weekly Scripture Journal email list by contacting heather@makingscripturerelevant.com.

Discipleship 5K: A Physical and Spiritual Journey to the Cross by Heather Neds, author of the Weekly Scripture Journal is more than a book, it is a guide to becoming a stronger disciple.  Grab a copy and start the journey!

Sunday, June 4th Readings

Solemnity of the Holy Trinity

Opening Prayer

Creator God,

you fill the world with all things good.

Savior God,

you came to earth to live and die for my salvation.

Spirit God,

You dwell in me so I are forever with you.

Blessed Trinity,

help me be more aware of your presence in my life!

AMEN

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 your 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 you live your everyday life? 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?
  • You are called to agree and get along with everyone, all of the time. How difficult or easy is this, why?
  • 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.

GET CONNECTED DAILY!  Find more reflections and prayers at Making Scripture Relevant on Facebook and Instagram.  Join the Weekly Scripture Journal email list by contacting heather@makingscripturerelevant.com.

Discipleship 5K: A Physical and Spiritual Journey to the Cross by Heather Neds, author of the Weekly Scripture Journal is more than a book, it is a guide to becoming a stronger disciple.  Grab a copy and start the journey!

Sunday, May 28th Readings

Pentecost

Opening Prayer

O Blessed Spirit,

When I feel alone,

          You are there.

When I am surrounded by darkness,

          You bring light.

When I am weak,

          You are my strength.

You are my guide to stay on the path of life,

          which leads to heaven.

Fill my soul, dwell in me, FOREVER!

Journal/Reflection Questions

Acts 2:1-11

  • Where is the Holy Spirit driving you? How do you open yourself up to the mission you are called to in your life?
  • What is changed about the apostles after they are visited in the upper room? What can you take from this experience? Imagine yourself there…how does it change your perspective?
  • What keeps you from experiencing the fullness of the Holy Spirit today?

Corinthians 12:3b-7, 12-13

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

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?
  • How has the Spirit caused you to act differently? 
  • Where do you share God’s peace?  

General Questions for Journaling

  • Have you ever felt the Holy Spirit? Where was it? Did you feel it inside of you? Did you see it working around you?
  • Jesus said He sent an Advocate, a Comforter. How do you know you are not alone?
  • 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 shares what it means to “live in the Spirit”, what can you do to cultivate these qualities in your life?
  • How do you communicate faith with others? What language do you speak with your words and actions?
  • 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?
  • Is there a place where you feel more connected to the Holy Spirit? Jesus? God? Share.
  • Are there people in your life who are different and you appreciate their differences?
  • Are there people in your life who are different and you are frustrated by their differences?
  • 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?

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Come Holy Spirit,

ALL:  shine in my life!

Leader:  Come Spirit of Truth,

ALL:  teach me the way!

Leader:  Come Advocate,

ALL:  give me strength!

Leader:  Come Paraclete,

ALL:  bring me comfort!

Leader:  Come Presence of God,

ALL:  renew my faith!

Leader:  Come Holy Spirit,

ALL:  fill me with joy everlasting!

Challenge for the Week:  Spend time this week looking back on when Lent began twelve weeks ago with Ash Wednesday.  Since then, you have walked with Jesus through several experiences.  You 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?

GET CONNECTED DAILY!  Find more reflections and prayers at Making Scripture Relevant on Facebook and Instagram.  Join the WeeklyScripture Journal email list by contacting heather@makingscripturerelevant.com.

Discipleship 5K: A Physical and Spiritual Journey to the Cross by Heather Neds, author of the Weekly Scripture Journal is more than a book, it is a guide to becoming a stronger disciple.  Grab a copy and start the journey!

Sunday, May 21st Readings

Ascension

Opening Prayer

Heavenly Father,

When I look to the sky,

I am limited to what I see.

I can only imagine what is beyond.

Teach me,

guide me in Your WORD,

so I have the faith to believe

and understand what I cannot see.

AMEN

Journal/Reflection Questions

Acts 1:12-14 

  • What can you learn from the disciples about letting go of someone you love?
  • What is the importance of prayer and community in these times?

1 Peter 4:13-16 

  • Explain how sharing in Jesus’ suffering brings us closer to him.
  • When have you felt the Spirit of God rest upon you? Share the details.

John 17:1-11a

  • What is revealed to you through Jesus’ suffering? 
  • What is revealed to you through Jesus’ crucifixion?  
  • What is revealed to you through Jesus’ resurrection? 
  • What is revealed to you through Jesus’ ascension?

General Questions for Journaling

  • Share a time when you were disappointed. How were you able to overcome?
  • When have you had to let go of something you love? How did you deal with the loss?
  • What can you do to bring comfort to someone who is suffering from a loss of a job, loss of a friend or family member, or a loss of faith/hope?
  • Describe heaven.
  • What changes in you, when you hear that Jesus has a place for you in heaven?
  • How does Jesus’ ascension to heaven affect your faith?
  • How does Jesus’ ascension to heaven affect your understanding of heaven?
  • How does Jesus’ ascension to heaven affect your understanding of death/dying?
  • Is it possible to avoid suffering? Why or why not?
  • Does good or bad come from avoiding difficult situations? Share examples of both.
  • Jesus said he gave us everything. What does this mean to you?
  • Do you tell people you will pray for them? Do you follow through?
  • What assurance do you have that Jesus will follow through with his promise to pray for you?

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:  Spend time this week looking back on when Lent began twelve weeks ago with Ash Wednesday.  Since then you have walked with Jesus through several experiences.  You 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?

GET CONNECTED DAILY!  Find more reflections and prayers at Making Scripture Relevant on Facebook and Instagram.  Join the Weekly Scripture Journal email list by contacting heather@makingscripturerelevant.com.

Discipleship 5K: A Physical and Spiritual Journey to the Cross by Heather Neds, author of the Weekly Scripture Journal is more than a book, it is a guide to becoming a stronger disciple.  Grab a copy and start the journey!

Sunday, May 14th Readings

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!

You bring strength, knowledge and courage;

          so I can fight temptation and self-doubt!

You left the world an advocate and protector;

          who is full of gifts to fulfill the mission!

You made me 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 fit 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! 

GET CONNECTED DAILY!  Find more reflections and prayers at Making Scripture Relevant on Facebook and Instagram.  Join the Weekly Scripture Journal email list by contacting heather@makingscripturerelevant.com.

Discipleship 5K: A Physical and Spiritual Journey to the Cross by Heather Neds, author of the Weekly Scripture Journal is more than a book, it is a guide to becoming a stronger disciple.  Grab a copy and start the journey!

Sunday, May 7th Readings

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

  • Who in your community is neglected? What can you do for them to help them?
  • 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. What tripped you up? What helped build your faith back up?
  • How does this scripture passage help you feel “chosen and precious”? Be specific.
  • Is your relationship with God the cornerstone of your life?

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”? The mystery of the Trinity was not known to the disciples at this time.  How could Philip make sense of what Jesus was telling him?
  • Jesus knew He was going to have to leave but the disciples didn’t understand. Share a time when you had to leave someone in your life. How is it similar to different to Jesus’ leaving?
  • Explain how Jesus is the way the truth and the life. How do you live your life witnessing to this truth?

General Questions for Journaling

  • Brainstorm examples of people in your community who feel neglect. Where can they find help? 
  • Do you belong to a community of faith? How does this community help to build you up?
  • Where do you see the good works of the community in action? What do you do to help the cause?
  • How does it make you feel when you see a need in the community not being met? Are you empathetic? Sympathetic? Do you feel the need is too big or is out of control? Do you feel helpless and unprepared to be able to change the situation? Seek God’s wisdom to help you find out what you should do to help.
  • How is God’s love shown to you through these readings? Are there examples of this type of love in your life today? Where do you see God’s love at work in your community?
  • How do you deal with loss? What is your reaction to death? What helps you to carry on? How can you practice hope in your faith?
  • What do you do to help grow faith in yourself? 
  • What do you do to grow faith in others?
  • What does it mean to you to be obedient in faith? Is it different for everyone? Why or why not?
  • What did you pray for last week? Are you asking God into your prayer or telling God what you want?
  • Where do you get your value? Who or what gives you value?
  • When do you feel the most valued? 
  • What makes you valuable?
  • What sacrifices did you make this week? Did you make them joyfully or complain?

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Go!

ALL:  Spread the Good News of the Gospel!

Leader:  Go!

ALL:  Comfort someone who needs comfort!

Leader:  Go!

ALL:  Teach through your words and your actions!

Leader:  Go!

ALL:  Build bridges, not walls!

Leader:  Go!

ALL:  Serve others through love!

Leader:  Go!

ALL:  You have been chosen!

Challenge for the Week:  When Peter says you are a “chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation”, what is he really saying?  What are these words supposed to inspire you to do or to be?  In the Catholic Church, these words are a part of the ritual prayers prayed at Baptism.  Each person, infant thru adult, are baptized into the faith as priest, prophet and king, making it clear to each individual person, you are one in Christ.  How do you live your baptism today?  Do you live your life knowing you are chosen?  How does living in Christ make you royalty?  Is there something you could do to help make the world, the community, your family, more holy?  These are not just words, they are your mission!

GET CONNECTED DAILY!  Find more reflections and prayers at Making Scripture Relevant on Facebook and Instagram.  Join the Weekly Scripture Journal email list by contacting heather@makingscripturerelevant.com.

Discipleship 5K: A Physical and Spiritual Journey to the Cross by Heather Neds, author of the Weekly Scripture Journal is more than a book, it is a guide to becoming a stronger disciple.  Grab a copy and start the journey!

Sunday, April 30th Readings

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?
  • 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? 

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 in 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?
  • 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?

John 10:1-10

  • Who in your life provides 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 you know who need some type of shelter (physical, emotional, spiritual) which you can help lead them to the shepherd?
  • When you see Jesus face to face, do you think you’d have the patience to wait for the gate to be opened or would you want to jump the fence?
  • If Jesus is the gate which you must enter, how does a person pass through? Give examples.

General Questions for Journaling

  • What “cuts you to the heart”? Are there things that hurt so deeply you are called to do something? When was the last time you were called to action because you were “cut to the heart”?
  • Where in your community do you see a need for a change? Is there something you can do to help make a change?
  • Where do you see corruption in the world? In your community? Within yourself?
  • Share a time when you felt convicted of a wrongdoing.
  • 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.
  • Describe a suffering Christian. Do you know anyone who fits the description?
  • 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?
  • Who are the people in your life whom you go to for shelter?  Advice? Counsel? Do they know the Shepherd?
  • What changes in the language when one says they “were” baptized and they “are” baptized? Which are you?
  • When did you last testify to your faith? How did you? Explain how you felt and how others reacted.
  • What qualities does a shepherd have which you want?  How will you develop these qualities?

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Lord, you refresh my soul

ALL:  and give me all that I need.

Leader:  Lord, you guide my path

ALL:  and give me all that I need.

Leader:  Lord, you walk beside me

ALL:  and give me all that I need.

Leader:  Lord, you protect me from harm

ALL:  and give me all that I need.

Leader:  Lord, you wrap me in mercy

ALL:  and give me all that I need.

Leader:  Lord, you are my Shepherd

ALL:  and you give me all that I need.

Challenge for the Week:  I invite you to go into deep meditation with the words and phrases of this Gospel.  Take time, perhaps one per day, to take the phrase and sit with it; carry it with you as your daily mantra to mull over. How do these words affect you, what do they tell you, where can they help you make a conversion in your life?  The Good Shepherd:  Calling by Name; Recognition of Voice; Following the Shepherd; Not Following Strangers; Shepherd as Gate. God’s Word can change your life!

GET CONNECTED DAILY!  Find more reflections and prayers at Making Scripture Relevant on Facebook and Instagram.  Join the Weekly Scripture Journal email list by contacting heather@makingscripturerelevant.com.

Discipleship 5K: A Physical and Spiritual Journey to the Cross by Heather Neds, author of the Weekly Scripture Journal is more than a book, it is a guide to becoming a stronger disciple.  Grab a copy and start the journey!

Sunday, April 23rd Readings

Third Sunday of Easter

Opening Prayer

It is through Jesus’ birth

you are given hope.

It is through Jesus’ miracles

the world receives healing.

It is through Jesus’ sacrifice

that you are nourished.

It is through Jesus’ resurrection

that you 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? Explain.
  • 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 me near

ALL:  to listen for Your voice.

Leader:  Draw me near

ALL:  to follow Your call.

Leader:  Draw me near

ALL:  to the acceptance of Your embrace.

Leader:  Draw me near

ALL:  to the promises of Your love.

Leader:  Draw me near

ALL:  to Your joyful presence.

Leader:  Draw me 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!

GET CONNECTED DAILY!  Find more reflections and prayers at Making Scripture Relevant on Facebook and Instagram.  Join the Weekly Scripture Journal email list by contacting heather@makingscripturerelevant.com.

Discipleship 5K: A Physical and Spiritual Journey to the Cross by Heather Neds, author of the Weekly Scripture Journal is more than a book, it is a guide to becoming a stronger disciple.  Grab a copy and start the journey!