The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph

 

Opening Prayer

Jesus,

You were born to a mother and father

who loved you and cared for you.

Your birth was celebrated by the

Shepherds and Wise Men.

May we share our gratitude for our parents

and those who celebrate our birth.

Thank you Jesus for teaching us

about the importance of family!

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Sirach 3:2-6, 12-14

• What does this scripture tell us about family and how God wants us to treat one another?
• According to scripture, what makes a family strong? Name the riches that a family stores up.

Colossians 3:12-21 or 3:12-17

• On a scale from 1-10, how would you rate yourself as being compassionate, kind, humble, gentle and patient with your family?
• What is the biggest challenge (for you) that this scripture encourages?

Matthew 2:13-15, 19-23

•  Share a time when you felt God protected you from a bad decision or something negative in your life.
• Joseph and Mary had to go to great lengths to protect Jesus.  Name some of the sacrifices you have had to make as a parent for your child…consider the sacrifices your parents made on your behalf too.

 

General Questions for Journaling

• How are families structured differently today than at the time when Jesus was born? Are there also similarities?
• Morals and values are passed onto children from their parents, what are some of the morals and values you pass onto your children?
• What morals and values did your parents pass onto you?
• How does your family count “riches”? Are your beliefs in line with your words and actions?
• Do you allow Jesus to guide your decisions? Share an example of when you did this recently.
• Describe your relationship with your siblings, parents, grandparents. How are they different?  How are they the same?
• What sets your relationship with your family apart from your other relationships?
• Why do you think people say you tend to hurt those you are closer to more than others? How do these scriptures help you form an answer?
• What does family mean to you? Write a poem or draw a picture to express the emotions/feelings.
• Families tend to get together for weddings and funerals…what are other ways families can gather to celebrate? Share some ways you can make these occasions extra special.

 

Closing Prayer

Leader:  When I wake up each morning…

ALL:  let me walk in your ways!

Leader:  As I provide for myself and my family…

 ALL:  let me walk in your ways!

Leader:  When I discern decisions…

 ALL:  let me walk in your ways!

Leader:  As I live out each day…

ALL:  let me walk in your ways!

Leader:  Lord, guide me

ALL:  as I walk in your ways!

 Challenge for the Week:  I love an acronym!  Have you seen this one?  F.A.M.I.L.Y.?  It’s not as popular as the W.W.J.D but to me, it is just as important when I make choices in my life.  This week, spend time thinking about this acronym and how you already live it out in your life and maybe set a plan to be more intentional about it.  (F)orget (A)bout (M)e (I) (L)ove (Y)ou!

AND/OR

One of the things that people struggle with, as a child and as an adult is a sense of belonging.  God gives us family to love and care for us, to teach us right and wrong and the ways of the world.  Sometimes as parents, we can lose focus and get wrapped up in our own things.  When this happens, our children can become victims.  The scriptures remind us about the importance of family…make a point to let your children/parents know that they are loved and seen.  Go out of your way to show your child/parent that you love them and that you know them.  Each of us are born with a desire and need to belong and God gives us one another to satisfy that need…we just don’t always do the best job of expressing our love and gratitude for one another.

Christmas

Opening Prayer

Heavenly Father,

Our waiting has come to an end,

the Savior is here!

Let us rejoice!  Sing joyfully!

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Isaiah 52:7-10

• Glad tidings and peace are to be shared; how do you share the glad tidings and peace of Jesus with others?
• What good news does Jesus bring you?

 Hebrews 1:1-6

• Saint Paul reminds us that Jesus’ coming reveals God to us completely…what does this mean to you in your life?
• How do you show God honor? How do you give God praise?

 John 1:1-5, 9-14

• Where do you see God dwelling among us?
• Identify where you see God’s glory today.
• Describe how the Word became flesh and how it is still true today.

 

General Questions for Journaling

• Christmas comes with decorations, celebrations and presents…where do you find beauty in the hustle and bustle?
• When you reach for Jesus, how far do you need to stretch?
• Do you know anyone who doesn’t celebrate Christmas? How can you share the good news while respecting their traditions?
• What holiday song(s) make you feel close to Jesus?
• How do you find comfort in the holiday season?
• Is there someone whom you need to give comfort to this holiday?
• Why is it important for us to remember Jesus’ birth?
• What is your tradition for Christmas? Where did it begin?

 

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Little baby Jesus…

ALL:  born in a manger.

Leader:  Mary, holy mother…

 ALL:  so young and full of grace.

Leader:  Joseph…

 ALL:  descendant of Abraham and David.

Leader:  Stars above…

ALL:  providing light and guidance.

Leader:  Shepherds…

ALL:  keeping watch.

Leader:  Angels above…

ALL:  celebrate the newborn KING!

 

Challenge for the Week:  When we celebrate Christmas, we celebrate Jesus’ birthday.  What family traditions do you have when you celebrate a birthday of someone in your family?  What do you do?  Who do you invite to celebrate?  How do you make the person feel special?  What do you do for a friend when it is their birthday?  How can you do the same for Jesus?  What family traditions do you have or can you start to celebrate Jesus’ birthday?  Who can you invite to be a part of the celebration?  How do you make Jesus feel special at the birthday party?  Take time to plan out how you will celebrate Jesus’ birthday this year!

Fourth Sunday of Advent

 

Opening Prayer

Precious Lord

We await your coming!

We prepare for your arrival!

Quietly

Peacefully

May we be ready!

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Isaiah 7:10-14

• Imagine hearing these words for the first time…today you know these words to be true, but what if you didn’t know Jesus was to be born?
• Where do you see signs of God? World?  Community?  Church?  Family?  Yourself?

 Romans 1:1-7

• How do you know you belong to Christ? What makes you know?
• Saint Paul describes himself as a slave for Christ. What do you know about Paul which validates this statement?  Do you exhibit any of these qualities?

 Matthew 1:18-24

• What do you learn about Joseph in this scripture?
• What do you learn about God in this scripture?
• What would have happened if Joseph didn’t listen to God and followed through with his intention of divorcing Mary?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• Do you feel weary? What causes you to feel weary?
• Do you think God ever gets tired? Why or why not?
• Have you ever missed God showing you a sign? How do you know?
• Have you ever ignored a sign from God?
• Is there someone in your life whom steals your peace? What can you do to share it with them instead of being angry they disrupted it?
• Define obedience. What are some examples of obedience?  How are you obedient?  To whom?  To what?
• Are there things that stand in your way of having a positive attitude? What causes the negative to overcome?
• When you think about Christmas, does it give you peace and joy or are you overwhelmed with stress? What can you do to let go of some of your stress?
• What message do these scriptures send which you need to hear this year? What sign is God giving you?

 

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Lord, let us not forget

ALL:  the serenity of a new day.

Leader:  Lord, let us not forget

 ALL:  the smell of a newborn child.

Leader:  Lord, let us not forget

 ALL: there is joy in waiting.

Leader:  Lord, let us not forget

ALL:  there is peace in knowing.

Leader:  Lord, let us not forget

ALL:  the promises made…and kept.

Leader:  Lord, let us not forget

ALL:  we are yours!

 

Challenge for the Week:  We make signs to welcome people home, to say happy birthday, to attach to a car announcing, “Just Married”, to share good news.  We also often see signs at sporting events with catchy phrases, hoping to catch the eye of the camera man so our message can be seen.  Although not all signs share a positive message, people’s signs during a protest or boycott often reflect negative messages.  Whatever the message on the sign, our purpose is the same…for it to be seen and for people to take notice.  This week as you make final preparations for Jesus’ coming at Christmas, make time to think about what your sign says…or better…what you want it to say; what message do you want Jesus to see when He comes?  Then if you are able, actually create your sign and put it up somewhere you can be reminded how you want to catch Jesus’ attention!

Third Sunday of Advent

 

Opening Prayer

Lord

Teach us to be patient,

so we might better appreciate

all you give to us!

Help us to slow down,

so we might see the goodness

all around!

Use this season of Advent,

to teach us to wait and

be still so YOU can come!

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Isaiah 35:1-6a,10

• Describe the “splendor of God”.
• How is God bringing abundance into your life right now?

 James 5:7-10

• What are you in need of from God right now? Is there something special you are waiting on?
• What might you do to cultivate more patience in your life?

 Matthew 11:2-11

• How do you proclaim God’s goodness? Share details of the last time you did.
• Are there still prophets today? Where can you go to find them?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• Where can you find signs of God’s love for you?
• Identify the ways you know God is in the world right now.
• What specifically about the holiday season brings you joy?
• Are there things in your life you wish you could un-see?
• Are there things in your life you wish you could un-hear?
• When you last frightened? What was the situation?
• Do you think we ever have enough patience?
• Why is it hard to have patience when we are going through a hardship?
• When do you take time for yourself to slow down? How often is it?  It is often enough?

 

Closing Prayer

Leader:  We wait for YOU…

ALL:  to bring joy and gladness!

Leader:  We wait for YOU…

 ALL:  to bring light to the darkness!

Leader:  We wait for YOU…

 ALL: to bring healing and wholeness!

Leader:  We wait for YOU…

ALL:  to bring an end to weakness!

Leader:  We wait for YOU..

ALL:  to bring mercy and forgiveness!

Leader:  We wait for YOU…

ALL:  to bring us into your holiness!

 

Challenge for the Week:  It seems as though patience in people is something in the past.  We expect to receive what we what the moment we want it.  We get irritated when we have to wait for anything.  Not so long ago, it took time to bake our bread and churn the butter to put on it.  This week, we are challenged by the farmer in the second reading to embrace the art of waiting.  There is a saying, “good things come to those who wait” but many of us grow impatient and decide we don’t have time to wait!  What is something in your life right now which you are waiting on?  On a scale from 1-10, how patient do you feel you are being?  Would another person in your life agree with your score?

Second Sunday of Advent

 Opening Prayer

Come Holy Spirit…

Reshape us!

Embrace us!

Set us on fire with YOUR love!

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Isaiah 11:1-10

• Do you see the gifts of the Holy Spirit lived out in your life? Where?  How can you be more intentional about using those gifts?
• Share a present day example of the “wolf being the guest of the lamb”.

 Romans 15:4-9

• What walls do you have in front of you as obstacles of unity with others?
• Are there people in your life whom you find it easier to agree in order to keep peace? What good comes from this?

 Matthew 3:1-12

• What about John the Baptist would cause you to believe? What would draw you in to be baptized by him?
• John the Baptist was not worthy to carry Jesus’ sandals; what are things you do not think you are worthy of doing?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• What good comes from you? Where did it come from?
• Where do you see justice prevail? Share an example.
• Do you have a sacred place where you feel at peace?
• Have you ever had such a peace come over you, you felt as though no harm could come to you?
• How do you achieve peace in your life? Is it achievable?
• How does the Christmas season bring harmony?
• How does the Christmas season hinder harmony?
• How does the coming of Jesus give you hope in the world today?
• How do you feel welcomed? Where do you feel welcomed?
• How does the Christmas season encourage your faith?
• How does the Christmas season discourage your faith?
• What warning(s) have you received of pending doom?
• Is it fear of a vengeful wrath or the love of God which keeps you on the straight path?
• Where do you produce good fruit in your life? What are some things you can change in order to produce more?
• What fans the flames within you to make you bigger, better and stronger in your faith?

 

Closing Prayer

Leader:  In the waters of baptism…

ALL:  bring the Spirit of God!

Leader:  Through works of mercy…

ALL:  bring the Spirit of God!

Leader:  In the gift of peace…

 ALL: bring the Spirit of God!

Leader:  As we welcome each other…

ALL:  bring the Spirit of God!

Leader:  While we sing your praise…

ALL:  bring the Spirit of God!

Leader:  Set our hearts on fire…

ALL:  Spirit of God!

 

Challenge for the Week:  In the Catholic Church we celebrate the coming of Jesus at Christmas in the season we call Advent.  We create an atmosphere of peace, hope, joy and anticipation with sacramentals such as the Advent Wreath, special Scriptures and traditional songs.  The church is decorated in deep purples and rose, the colors of Advent, instead of the Christmas colors of red, green and white.  For many of us, we take for granted this time of Advent, barely taking notice of how the Church on a greater scale is stepping out and pointing the way to Jesus.  The attributes of Advent; peace, hope, joy and anticipation, are in complete contrast of what is happening in the world during the “busy holiday season”.  Take time this week to reflect on what role you play in keeping these Advent attributes alive in your life.  What can you do to point toward Jesus, creating an atmosphere of peace, hope, joy and anticipation?  How can you be like John the Baptist, a voice in the wilderness, keeping Advent alive!

First Sunday of Advent

Opening Prayer

Be still.

Wait.

Breathe.

Wait.

Relax.

Wait.

Come Lord Jesus, Come!

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Isaiah 2:1-5

• Are there habits which need to beat out of you like plowshares to help you be better prepared for Jesus’ coming?
• How does this scripture move you to make the world a better place? How does it move you to be a better person?
• Describe walking in the “Light of the Lord”.

 Romans 13:11-14

• What specifically can you do to strengthen the light of Christ you carry with you?
• This scripture is reminding us that time is limited…what are you filling your time which that is not of God?
• What will you do this Advent to change how you spend your time, not just during Advent, but permanently?

 Matthew 24:37-44

• When do you welcome Jesus into your day?
• When do you close the door on Jesus and not invite Him in?
• What are some of the things that “keep you awake”? Is there anything God can do to help you let go of the stress and worry?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• How high do you think the highest mountain is? What would it take to get to the top?
• Are there special skills you have which would help you survive a long journey? Are there any skills you wish you had?
• How does God instruct you? What makes you sure God is leading you down the right path?
• What do all churches have in common? Are these the things that make them the house(s) of the Lord?  Or is there something else?
• Have you ever felt as though God woke you up to tell you something? What did He say?  How did you listen?
• An angel of the Lord spoke to many people in the Bible in a dream, has God ever spoken to you in a dream? What did He say?  How did you listen?
• How will you prepare your home for Jesus’ coming this Advent/Christmas season?

 

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Let us rejoice…

ALL:  with dancing!

Leader:  Let us rejoice…

 ALL:  with singing!

Leader:  Let us rejoice…

 ALL: with praise!

Leader:  Let us rejoice…

ALL:  with joyful noise!

Leader:  Let us rejoice…

ALL:  for Savior is coming!

 

 Challenge for the Week:  When setting out to climb a mountain, experienced hikers will tell you that you need to be prepared for anything.  They would suggest special tools for cooking, first aid supplies and of course plenty of food and water.  They would also tell you that you should study the trail, the terrain, the elevation chance and be sure you are prepared for any type of weather (rain gear, stocking cap, etc).  If you ever walk into a REI or Bass Pro Shop, you can spend hours looking at all of the items “experts” say you could need to take along on your trip up the mountain.  This Advent, we journey up the HOLY Mountain, seeking Jesus.  Spend time thinking about what you need to make the journey, compare what it is like to be on top of the mountain to what you imagine it will be like to see Jesus.  Make a plan to have a productive Advent, make room for Jesus!

Christ the King

 

Opening Prayer

Lord, Jesus

You are crowned the most high King

yet you humbled yourself for me.

Let me too humble myself

to do the work you call me to do.

Come dwell in me, so your love and mercy

shines through like a crown!

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

2 Samuel 5:1-3

• What are the similarities between a shepherd and a king?
• What are and differences between a shepherd and a king?

 Colossians 1:12-20

• How do you know something has the fullness of Christ in it?
• Do you fully love anything or anyone? How do you express your love to the fullest?

 Luke 23:35-43

• Even in His pain, Jesus shows mercy to another. What can you learn from His example?
• The thief simply asks Jesus to remember him, what words do you use to ask Jesus to take you with Him to His Kingdom?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• How does it feel to be wanted?
• When did you last reach out to someone you hadn’t spoken to for a while, just because? Do you always need a reason?
• What was the last compliment you received?
• What was the last real compliment you gave?
• It is easy to see God in the beauty of the earth but what about in destruction, war or the slums of poverty?
• Is there goodness in your life right now? What role does God play in that goodness?
• Is there turmoil in your life right now? What role does God play in that turmoil?
• When you see a happy person, what is your instinct?
• When you see a sad person, what is your instinct?
• How have you recently reached out to someone? Did you do it out of obligation?  Did you do it out of love?  What is the difference?

 

Closing Prayer

Leader:  You call us Lord

ALL:  and we give thanks!

Leader:  You call us Lord

 ALL:  and we welcome the stranger!

Leader:  You call us Lord

 ALL: and we share what we have!

Leader:  You call us Lord

ALL:  and we offer prayers!

Leader:  You call us Lord

ALL:  and we surrender all!

 

 Challenge for the Week:  These scriptures call us to find unity…a common thread.  Sometimes the differences we have with others looks like a scorecard with tally marks so abundant we are unable to see beyond them.  Even though Jesus said He came to cause division, He also calls us into union with one another and with Him!  It is time to step out from behind the wall we have built and stand up for what your faith calls you to do.  This week try to think of all of the things you have in common with those you encounter and reflect on whether your attitude/opinion of them changed.

33rd Sunday of Ordinary Time

 

Opening Prayer

Precious Jesus

When we find ourselves

overwhelmed or stressed by

the events of the day;

Let us just say your name

and be comforted,

JESUS!

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Malachi 3:19-20a

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

 2 Thessalonians 3:7-12

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

 Luke 21:5-19

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

 

General Questions for Journaling

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

 

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Let us seek YOU Lord

ALL:  while we do our work.

Leader:  Let us seek YOU Lord

ALL:  as we spend time with family

Leader:  Let us seek YOU Lord

ALL: when we are running errands

Leader:  Let us seek YOU Lord

ALL:  in the good AND the bad

Leader:  May we not seek long

ALL:  before we feel you near!

 

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

32nd Sunday of Ordinary Time

 

Opening Prayer

Resurrected Lord,

You gave your life

so we might know love.

Let us show you appreciation

through our good works.

Let our gratitude be expressed

in our prayers.

May we never cease to say

THANK YOU…

For the gift of life today and forever!

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

2 Maccabees 7: 1-2, 9-14

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

 2 Thessalonians 2:6-3:5

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

 Luke 20:27-38

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

 

General Questions for Journaling

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

 

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Let us come to understand

ALL:  that your love is enough

Leader:  to hold us up

 ALL:  when we feel abandoned.

Leader:  Let us come to understand

 ALL: that your grace is enough

Leader:  to bring comfort

ALL:  when we don’t feel worthy.

Leader:  Let us come to understand

ALL:  that your death and resurrection

Leader:  is the promise

ALL:  of everlasting life!

 

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

31st Sunday of Ordinary Time

 

Opening Prayer

God of hospitality

You bring to us what we need

often before we know we need it.

Within our soul is a place for you to dwell

so you could be with us always.

When we awake each day

you know what lies ahead.

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

but you are there with open arms.

You see us when we feel lost and alone

and welcome us in!

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Wisdom 11:22-12:2

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

 2 Thessalonians 1:11-2:2

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

 Luke 19:1-10

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

 

General Questions for Journaling

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

 

Closing Prayer

Leader:  I welcome YOU Lord…

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

Leader:  I welcome YOU Lord…

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

Leader:  I welcome YOU Lord…

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

Leader:  I welcome YOU Lord…

ALL:  even when you stretch me beyond my limits!

Leader:  I welcome YOU Lord…

ALL:  in my peaceful moments and in the chaos!

Leader:  I welcome YOU Lord…

ALL:  into my home with all of my heart!

 

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