Sixth Sunday of Easter

 

Opening Prayer

Praise and honor to YOU!

You understand what it feels like to be lonely;

so you promise to never leave us alone!

You bring us strength, knowledge and courage;

so we can fight temptation and self-doubt!

You leave with us and advocate and protector;

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

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

AMEN!

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Acts 8:5-8,14-17

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

 1Peter 3:15-18

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

 John 14:15-21

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

 

General Questions for Journaling

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

 

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Father…

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

Leader:  Jesus…

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

Leader:  Spirit…

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

Leader:  Father…

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

Leader:  Jesus…

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

Leader:  Spirit…

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

 

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

Fifth Sunday of Easter

 

Opening Prayer

Jesus

Open the scripture to me

so I may not neglect to see

the good God created.

Bring to life in me

the spirit of compassion and mercy

to continue the work you began.

AMEN!

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Acts 6:1-7

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

 1Peter 2:4-9

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

 John 14:1-12

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

 

General Questions for Journaling

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

 

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Jesus, you are the WORD…

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

Leader:  Jesus, you are the STONE…

ALL:  give me the spirit to bring others FAITH!

Leader:  Jesus, you are the WAY…

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

Leader:  Jesus, you are the TRUTH…

ALL:  give me the obedience to find JUSTICE!

Leader:  Jesus, you are the LIFE…

ALL:  give me the compassion to do your WORKS!

Leader:  Jesus, you are the LORD…

ALL:  give me the fulfillment of eternal LIFE!

 

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

Fourth Sunday of Easter

 

Opening Prayer

Shepherd

You give me what I need each day;

may I be grateful and have my fill.

You lead me on the path of goodness;

may I accept your mercy and follow.

You call my name to come to you;

may I listen to only Your voice in my life.

Amen

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Acts 2:14a,36-41

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

 1Peter 2:20b-25

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

 John 10:1-10

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

 

General Questions for Journaling

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

 

Closing Prayer

Leader:  We stray like little sheep

ALL:  Lead us as we are to go.

Leader:  We wander around without direction

ALL:  Lead us as we are to go.

Leader:  We listen to the voices of the world

ALL:  Lead us as we are to go.

Leader:  You know our Spirit and still love us

ALL:  Lead us as we are to go.

Leader:  You are the gate which leads us to heaven

ALL:  Lead us as we are to go.

 

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

Third Sunday of Easter

 

Opening Prayer

It is through Jesus’ birth we are given hope.

It is through Jesus’ miracles the world receives healing.

It is through Jesus’ sacrifice that we are nourished.

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

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Acts 2:14,22-23

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

 1Peter 1:17-21

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

 Luke 24:13-35

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

 

General Questions for Journaling

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

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

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

 

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Draw us near

 ALL:  to listen for your voice.

Leader:  Draw us near

ALL:  to follow your call.

Leader:  Draw us near

 ALL:  to the acceptance of your embrace.

Leader:  Draw us near

ALL:  to the promises of your love.

Leader:  Draw us near

ALL:  to your joyful presence.

Leader:  Draw us near

ALL:  to an intimate relationship with YOU!

 

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

Second Sunday of Easter/Sunday of Divine Mercy

 

Opening Prayer (Psalm 118)

Alleluia!  Alleluia!

Give thanks and praise to God!

For he is good and his love is everlasting!

Rejoice and be glad for our Savior lives!

Alleluia!  Alleluia!

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Acts 2:42-47

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

 1Peter 1:3-9

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

 John 20:19-31

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

 

General Questions for Journaling

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

 

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Jesus, the doors were locked

ALL:  but you broke through!

Leader:  Jesus, you died and were buried

 ALL:  but you broke through!

Leader:  Jesus, you were nailed to a cross

 ALL:  but you broke through!

Leader:  Jesus, you were beaten and bleeding

ALL:  but you broke through!

Leader:  Jesus, you were a Carpenter’s son

ALL:  but you broke through!

Leader:  Jesus, you were born in a manger

ALL:  but you broke through!

 

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

Easter Sunday

 

Opening Prayer

Lord

You conquered death to make us new.

Let us work to die to the things of this world

so we may better reflect your love to others.

Help us to be renewed by the trials we face

so we proclaim Your Word through our lives.

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

Alleluia!

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Acts 10:34a, 37-43

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

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

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

 John 20:1-9

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

 

General Questions for Journaling

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

Closing Prayer

Leader:  What was hidden;

ALL:  has been revealed!

Leader:  What was broken;

 ALL:  has been healed!

Leader:  What was lost;

ALL:  has been found!

Leader:  What was sin;

ALL:  has been forgiven!

Leader:  What was buried;

ALL:  has come to life!

Leader:  What was crucified;

ALL:  has been resurrected!

 

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

OR

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

Passion Sunday/Palm Sunday

 

Opening Prayer

Savior,

You brought us out of the desert,

gave us living water,

cured us of our blindness,

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

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

so we may truly live,

the life you want us to live,

in joyful abundance!

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Isaiah 50:4-7

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

 Philippians 2:6-11

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

 Matthew 26:14-27:66 (27:11-54)

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

 

General Questions for Journaling

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

 

Closing Prayer

Leader:  May I be emptied…

ALL:  so I can be refilled with humility.

Leader:  May I be emptied…

 ALL:  so I can be refilled with obedience.

Leader:  May I be emptied…

 ALL:  so I can be refilled with hospitality.

Leader:  May I be emptied…

ALL:  so I can be refilled with forgiveness.

Leader:  May I be emptied…

ALL:  so I can be refilled with acceptance.

Leader:  May I be emptied…

ALL:  so I can be refilled with trust.

Leader:  May I be emptied…

ALL:  so I can be refilled with faith.

 

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

Fifth Sunday of Lent

 

Opening Prayer

Lord

Let me die so I might live

Let me let go of my needs

and let you give me what I need.

Let me give up the things I want

so you can show me more than I image.

Let me live in you

so I will die with you!

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Ezekiel 37:12-14

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

 Romans 8:8-11

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

 John 11:1-45

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

 

General Questions for Journaling

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

 

Closing Prayer

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

ALL:  Awaken me, bring me to life!

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

 ALL:  Awaken me, bring me to life!

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

 ALL:  Awaken me, bring me to life!

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

ALL:  Awaken me, bring me to life!

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

ALL:  Awaken me, bring me to life!

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

ALL:  Awaken me, bring me to life!

 

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

Fourth Sunday of Lent

 

Opening Prayer

Lord

Help me to remember,

my life will be muddy at times

and I will not be able to see.

Let me turn to you,

so you can wash me clean

and I can live like you live!

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

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

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

 Ephesians 5:8-14

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

 John 9:1-41

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

 

General Questions for Journaling

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

 

Closing Prayer

Leader: May I see what you see

ALL:  when you see a newborn baby.

Leader:  May I see what you see

 ALL:  when you see a hungry child.

Leader:  May I see what you see

 ALL:  when you see flower in bloom.

Leader:  May I see what you see

ALL:  when you see a woman on welfare.

Leader:  May I see what you see

ALL:  when you watch the sunset.

Leader:  May I see what you see

ALL:  when you see me.

 

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

Third Sunday of Lent

 

Opening Prayer

Father,

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

You lead us through rocky and desert places

to a wellspring with the water of life.

May the Word we read today satisfy our desire

and fill us with Your Spirit so we may overflow!

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Exodus 17:3-7

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

 Romans 5:1-2, 5-8

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

John 4:5-42

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

 

General Questions for Journaling

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

 

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Make me a well-spring…

ALL:  of your peace!

Leader:  Make me a well-spring…

 ALL:  of your comfort!

Leader:  Make me a well-spring…

 ALL:  of your joy!

Leader:  Make me a well-spring…

ALL:  of your compassion!

Leader:  Make me a well-spring…

ALL:  of your goodness!

Leader:  Make me a well-spring…

ALL:  of your love!

 

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