Second Sunday of Lent

 

Opening Prayer

Generous Lord

Let me remember

that each day is a blessing

And within each day

there are thousands of blessings

It’s a blessing when the sun shines

and also a blessing when it rains

Teach me to be grateful and recognize

for all of the blessings you give me.

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Genesis 12:1-4a

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

 2Timothy 1:8b-10

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

 Matthew 17:1-9

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

 

General Questions for Journaling

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

 

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Lord, come journey with me

ALL:  on the path before me;

Leader:  come journey with me

 ALL:  when the road gets rocky and steep;

Leader:  come journey with me

 ALL:  through fields of wildflowers;

Leader:  come journey with me

ALL:  across rivers, streams and oceans;

Leader:  come journey with me

ALL:  into the mud and muck;

Leader:  come journey with me

ALL:  to places indescribable;

Leader:  come journey with me

ALL:  and show me your amazing love!

 

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

First Sunday of Lent

 

Opening Prayer

Abba Father

As we awake to each new day,

may we be aware of the breath we take.

Before we even open our eyes,

may we inhale deeply the life you give.

Despite the struggles or challenges,

let us count the blessings and

be fully aware of the love you have for us!

AMEN!

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

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

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

 Romans 5:12-19

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

 Matthew 4:1-11

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

 

General Questions for Journaling

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

 

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Let us remember…

ALL:  we are clay.

Leader:  As clay…

 ALL:  we can be hard and dry.

Leader:  As clay…

 ALL:  we must be molded.

Leader:  As clay…

ALL:  we can take on many forms.

Leader:  As clay…

ALL:  we are created perfectly.

Leader:  As clay…

ALL:  we withstand the fire.

Leader:  This Lent…

ALL:  we are clay!

 

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

7^th Sunday of Ordinary Time

 

Opening Prayer

Almighty God,

You are the lover and creator of our soul;

from you come all things good.

Send Your Spirit to dwell in us;

so we may be holy, as you are holy.

Help us surrender to your grace;

that it may overflow in our lives.

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Leviticus 19:1-2, 17-18

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

 1Corinthians 3:16-23

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

 Matthew 5:38-48

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

 

General Questions for Journaling

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

 

Closing Prayer

Leader:  The Lord shows kindness and mercy…

ALL:  when we speak with gratitude.

Leader:  The Lord shows kindness and mercy…

 ALL:  when we forgive others. 

 Leader:  The Lord shows kindness and mercy…

 ALL:  when we show compassion.

 

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

 

5^th Sunday of Ordinary Time

Opening Prayer

Come Lord Jesus,

Break through our hardened exterior.

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

Mold our thoughts and our understanding

so we may look beyond our own needs,

and be moved to be salt and light to others.

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

 Isaiah 58:7-10

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

 1Corinthians 2:1-5

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

 Matthew 5:13-16

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

 

General Questions for Journaling

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

 

Closing Prayer – Matthew 5:5-6

Leader:  Blessed are those who mourn,

ALL:  for they shall be consoled.

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

 ALL:  for they shall have their fill. 

 

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

Presentation of the Lord

Opening Prayer

My God

There will be days when I cannot hear your voice

and days when I cannot feel you near

but never will the day come when I cannot see

your thumbprint on everything around me.

Mighty are your works oh Lord!

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Malachi 3:1-4

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

Hebrews 2:14-18

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

Luke 2:22-40

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

General Questions for Reflection

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

Closing Prayer

LEADER:  Faith is not meant to be easy

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

LEADER:  Mercy is not something to withhold

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

LEADER:  Grace is not earned by what I do

ALL:  Lord, thank you for your endless gift

LEADER:  Hope is not lost or dead

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

LEADER:  Love is not just a feeling

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

 

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

Second Sunday of Ordinary Time

 

Opening Prayer

Lamb of God

You call us through our baptism

to be holy as you are holy.

Let your light shine from the heavens

down upon each of us.

We look to you to lead the way

and make our path clear.

You are the light of the world!

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Isaiah 49:3,5-6

• How do you show others the glory of God?
• The scripture says you were made glorious. Describe what if feels like to be glorious.  When was the last time you felt that way?

 Corinthians 1:1-3

• Where do you see the “will of God” working today? Share a specific example of where the “will of God” is working in your life or in your community.
• Define holiness. This is something you are or something you aspire to have?  How does this scripture change or affirm your definition?

 John 1:29-34

• Jesus is the Lamb of God who came to take away sins. Are there sins which you are unable to allow God to take away?  Why?
• What is your understanding of the difference between being baptized in water and being baptized with the Spirit?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• What does it mean to you to serve?
• How is a servant the same and different in the eyes of God vs. how the world sees a servant?
• Reflecting on the past year, where did you experience the strength of God? Be specific.
• Who is your life is a beacon of light? What does that person mean to you?  Have you shared how you feel?
• Where do you see God’s grace the most right now?
• Where do you think God’s grace is the most needed right now?
• If Jesus came to the world today, what do you think would happen?
• Share your baptism story.
• How would you say your baptism changed you? Are there things you think you should change because you have been baptized?
• Have you ever felt like the Spirit was upon you? When was it?  What were you doing?  How did it feel?  Were there witnesses?

 

Closing Prayer – Inspired by Psalm 40

Leader:  I am here Lord

ALL:   put a song on my lips!

Leader:  I am here Lord

 ALL:  my ears are open!

Leader:  I am here Lord

 ALL:  my heart is filled with delight!

Leader:  I am here Lord

ALL:  I shout your name to the heavens!

 

Challenge for the Week:  As a servant of God’s will we should show God obedience through our words and actions.  Spend time this week looking back on the past week to see how you have shown obedience to God.  Have you been supportive and kind to others?  Have you given compliments and helped others?  Have you spent time with God in prayer?  Has it been productive?  Identify some of the things you have done in the past week that you know are in line with the servant you want to be and also determine if there were times when your words and actions were not in line with the person you want to be (and God calls you to be)…make a plan to adjust this in the future.

Baptism of the Lord

 

Opening Prayer

Holy Spirit,

Move us off well-worn paths.

Shatter our human expectations.

Heal our pain and hurt.

Mend our brokenness.

Cleanse our hearts.

Renew our faith.

Amen!

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Isaiah 42:1-4, 6-7

• Where do you see enlightenment in the world today? How can you make a difference?
• What can Christians do to bring light into the dark places of the world?
• Where do you see God’s salvation in the world?

Acts 10:34-38

• What do you believe God’s plan for you? What supports your belief?
• What do you believe is God’s plan for the entire world? Share examples of this plan coming to fruition.

 Matthew 3:13-17

• Jesus is presented at baptism as, “God’s beloved Son”. Have you ever thought of yourself as God’s beloved child?  How might your attitude change if you lived your life knowing this to be true?
• Meditate on how the Trinity is presented at Jesus’ baptism. How does this compare to your own baptism?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• You have been filled with the Spirit at your baptism; God’s favor rests upon you. What can you do to thank God for this gift?
• How does God show you His love for you?
• Share a time when you felt God’s love in abundance. Where were you, who what with you?
• What are things you can do to remember and celebrate your own baptism every day?
• How can you live your life as if you ARE baptized instead of living as though you WERE baptized? Can you explain the difference?
• When you are in the midst of goodness, can you like John the Baptist embrace it or does your humanness get in the way?
• Meditate on a time when you were too wrapped up in your own agenda that you missed out on the goodness that was presented to you. What can you do differently so you can be more open to God’s presence?
• John the Baptist pointed to Jesus through his works and actions. What do you do in your daily life to point to Jesus?
• Does your life point others to Jesus or turn people away?
• Do you have a do as I say and not as I do attitude?
• What steps can you take to look at things in a more positive light (glass half full, instead of glass half empty).

 

Closing Prayer – Prayer to the Holy Spirit

Leader:  Come Holy Spirit,

ALL:  fill the hearts of your faithful and kindle in them the fire of your love.

Leader:  Send forth Your Spirit,

 ALL:  and they shall be created. And You shall renew the face of the earth.

Leader:  O God, who by the light of the Holy Spirit,

 ALL:  did instruct the hearts of the faithful,

Leader:  grant by the same Holy Spirit we may be truly wise and ever enjoy His consolations.

ALL:  Through Christ Our Lord.  Amen

 

Challenge for the Week:  When were you baptized?  Where was it?  How old were you?  Who was there?  Are there pictures capturing the event?  Did you wear something special?  Make a point to find out the exact date of your baptism and celebrate it in a special way this year.

Epiphany of the Lord

 

Opening Prayer

Lord we pray,

That we may search diligently for YOU

Though sometimes we might get weary

Or maybe even lose our way…

Let us not forget the gift you are to us!

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Isaiah 60:1-6

• Do you carry a dark cloud of darkness with you? Do you think you can hide it if you do?
• The earth was once covered in darkness…would you still say darkness remains? How has light changed it?

 Ephesians 3:2-3A, 5-6

• What does a steward do? How are you a steward of God’s grace?
• How would you identify yourself as a co-partner with God? What does Saint Paul mean here?

 Matthew 2:1-12

• How will you pay homage to Jesus this year? Do any of your resolutions help you deepen your relationship with him?
• The scriptures over the past month have given us examples of how God speaks to his people through dreams…does this cause you to look at your dreams in a different way? Do you think God still speaks to his beloved people through dreams?  Why or why not?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• How do you measure light and darkness?
• Can darkness overcome the light? Share an example (of you or someone you know).
• What is it about light which draws people to it?
• Can a person be consumed by light? How does that look and feel?
• How do your rely upon light in your life? Could you live without it?
• God’s grace is given freely…do you give grace freely?
• Is the faith you express a gift or curse to others? Explain and give examples of how faith can be both.
• Is it harder to believe Jesus came to save ALL people or Jesus came to save YOU?
• What do your dreams warn you against? Do you listen?
• What makes you search for things? Do you seek God in the same way?
• How far would you travel to see God?
• What are you willing to sacrifice/give up in order to find God?

 

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Let us be radiant

ALL:  like the morning sun!

Leader:  Let us shine

 ALL:  like the star in the night sky!

Leader:  Let us burst with light

 ALL:  like the light from a candle!

Leader:  Let us spread our light

ALL:  like a fire out of control!

Leader:  Let us bring light to others

ALL:  and outshine the darkness!

 Challenge for the Week:  Throughout Jesus’ life, he unwrapped the gift of himself and shared the gifts with others.  Jesus was a good son, obedient to God, a teacher, a healer and a welcomed companion and friend.  What gifts have you been born with but have not unwrapped?  Have you unwrapped gifts within you which you have not shared with others?  What keeps you from unwrapping the gifts and sharing them?  Spend time this week reflecting on your life and the gifts which you have been given and unwrapped.  Have you used the gifts to the benefit of God?  Have you kept the gifts to yourself or only shared them with a few people?  Are there still gifts left for you to unwrap?  How do you know when it is time to unwrap and share the gifts you have been given?  Light a candle in your home to help remind you to reflect on the gift Jesus is and the gift you are too!