Pentecost

 

Opening Prayer

Come, Holy Spirit, come!

Renew our lives

Lead our actions

Guide our words

Show us the way, home!

Amen!

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Acts 2:1-11

• Do you understand all that you believe? How does it become clear to you?  Who makes it so?
• How do you know the Spirit is here? What makes you know when the Holy Spirit is present and living and working?

 1 Corinthians 12:3b-7, 12-13 or Romans 8:8-17

• How does the Spirit work to give you gifts? Can you develop new gifts?
• What can you do to die to the flesh? Is there something you need to die to in order to live more deeply in the Spirit?

 John 20:19-23 or John 14:15-16, 23B-26

• What does the Holy Spirit have to do with forgiveness of sins?
• How does the Holy Spirit help you keep the commandments? Give examples.

 

General Questions for Journaling

• Even though we speak the same language, we often don’t understand others? How can we listen more intently to what people say with their words?
• Is it possible to speak without words? How good/clear is the communication?
• What do we speak without words? What do we communicate to the world?
• Where do you see the Holy Spirit teaching today?
• What is the Holy Spirit guiding you do?
• Where is the Holy Spirit leading you?
• What is the Holy Spirit giving you strength to accomplish?
• What wisdom, knowledge or understanding is the Holy Spirit giving you in order to teach others?
• How does the Spirit manifest itself in your life?
• Do you carry around “dead weight” which takes up space within you? How can you release it and fill the space with the Holy Spirit?
• Imagine Jesus breathing the Holy Spirit into you…
• Define advocate. How does this describe the Holy Spirit?

 

Closing Prayer (excerpts from Veni Sanctus Spiritus)

Leader:  Come, Holy Spirit, come!

ALL:  Shine within these hearts!

Leader:  Come, Holy Spirit, come!

 ALL:  Heal our wounds!

Leader:  Come, Holy Spirit, come!

 ALL:  Renew our strength!

Leader:  Come, Holy Spirit, come!

ALL:  Wash away the stains of guilt!

Leader:  Come, Holy Spirit, come!

ALL:  Guide the steps that go astray.

 ALL:  Come, Holy Spirit STAY!

 

Challenge for the Week:   Spend time connecting with the Holy Spirit this week and reflect on these questions:  How aware are you of the Holy Spirit in your life?  Rate yourself on a scale from 1-10.  Where do you see the benefits of the Holy Spirit in your life?  How does the Holy Spirit lead you and guide you?  What was the last decision you made with the counsel of the Holy Spirit?  When did you last turn away the Holy Spirit’s input and go your own way?  How do you give thanks and praise to the Holy Spirit?  Do you give the Holy Spirit recognition for the work He/She does in your life?  How do you teach others about the benefits of following the guidance of the Holy Spirit?  When did you last “rest in the Spirit”?  Make a point this week to find peace by resting in the Spirit…whatever that looks like for you.  If you don’t know, find out!

Seventh Sunday of Easter

 

Opening Prayer

Open our hearts Lord

so they may be filled with love for our neighbor

Open our lips Lord

so they may speak the Good News to others

Open our arms Lord

so they may reach out to those who need YOU!

Give us open hearts, lips and arms

to be at witness of YOUR WORD!

Amen!

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Acts 7:55-60

• How is what happened to Stephen in this scripture like what Jesus experienced?
• When have you seen this type of behavior happen in the world today? What was the situation?

Revelation 22:12-14, 16-17, 20

• Identify the moment(s) when you have felt the most “full” of Christ? What did/does it feel like?
• Describe how God is the beginning and the end, the alpha and the omega, the first and the last.

 John 17:20-26

• How do you live in God and God live in you? Be specific.
• What does Jesus promise? How is it fulfilled?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• How open are you to speaking about your faith? Whom do you speak freely with and with whom do you withhold?
• What would be the reaction of coworkers, family or friends if you stood up to witness your belief in Jesus?
• Do those you spend the most time with know the depth of your faith? Do you know theirs?  Why or why not?
• Have you ever sacrificed something in your life for your faith? What was it?  Did you ever regain it or did you leave it behind for good?
• Identify how your faith fills you or satisfies you? How can you share this feeling with others who don’t understand faith?
• Where did you first learn about the faith? When did you understand God’s love?  Who shared it with you?  How do you continue to pass these lessons onto others to enjoy?
• Our bodies are made up of 70% water, how much of it is the “living water” Jesus speaks of?
• If you drew a picture of yourself and colored in the amount of you Jesus lives in, how much of you would be colored? Would it be all the same color or shades of colors?  What resides in the space(s) Jesus doesn’t?
• How do you pray for others? Are they prayers for deeper faith?  Who is in need of these type of prayers?  Write a prayer for them.

 

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Lift our eyes to heaven

ALL:  to see the beauty of each new day

Leader:  Lift our eyes to heaven

 ALL:  to find calm even in the storm

Leader:  Lift our eyes to heaven

 ALL:  to seek you in those we encounter

Leader:  Lift our eyes to heaven

ALL:  to receive the gifts we need

Leader:  Lift our eyes to heaven

ALL:  to be a witness of all you came to give!

 

Challenge for the Week:   Pay attention this week to the conversations going on in the world and make a list of the people witnessing to the truth they believe.  Use this list to really look at what is being said and how you are influenced by it.  How much of what you hear around you is positive? Negative? Actual facts or fabricated and twisted to fit a specific argument?  Make a conscious effort to look to heaven as you hear these witnesses to help determine or confirm the words are true.  When we look to heaven, we gain a clearer sense of who we are and what our purpose is in the world.  Look up!

Sixth Sunday of Easter

 

Opening Prayer

Holy Spirit

Come

Stir up the dust

Ignite our faith

Remain

Holy Spirit

Amen!

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Acts 15:1-2, 22-29

• Are rules, laws and guidelines necessary? Why or why not?
• How do you achieve peace of mind? Is it possible to find peace of mind?

 Revelation 21:10-14, 22-23

• Draw a picture to represent the image in this scripture.
• How does this scripture make you feel? How does it affect your faith?  What does it tell you about God?

 John 14:23-29

• How is God speaking to you in this scripture? What simple message does it speak to all believers?
• Does something stir inside as you read this scripture? How are you being lead to move?  What is God asking you to do?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• Why is it important for people to question?
• What good comes from debate? What bad?
• How do you determine when to share your opinion and when to hold back?
• On a scale from 1-10, how open are you to others opinions? Do you allow people to take over and do what they want or do you stick to what you know is right and work to expand their view?
• Would you say you are a good listener? Share at least one example of how you were a good listener this week.
• Where have you seen “light” today? Was it a single ray of light or blinding light?
• How have you allowed the Holy Spirit to direct your decisions today?
• How important is peace in relationship with faith? What is the relationship?
• Do you always seek advice or do you go alone? What is the value of advice?  How is it determined to be good or bad advice?
• Can you tell if someone is being led by the Holy Spirit? How?

 

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Dwell in us

ALL:  so we might have understanding

Leader:  Dwell in us

 ALL:  so we might have wisdom

Leader:  Dwell in us

 ALL:  so we might have right judgment

Leader:  Dwell in us

ALL:  so we might have courage

Leader:  Dwell in us

ALL:  so we might have knowledge

Leader:  Dwell in us

ALL:  so we might have reverence

Leader:  Dwell in us

ALL:  so we might be in awe of YOU and all you have created!

 

Challenge for the Week:   Today, we hear the word the debate and we give it a negative value because we equate it to the public political debates where the candidates spend too much time boosting up their good traits and pointing out their opponents negative qualities.  So often when people enter into a debate, they are closed off to another idea or opinion when the very definition of a debate is a formal discussion of different opinions.  This week, reflect on the relationships in your life…is there anyone with whom you are in conflict because of differing opinions.  Are you closed off to their opinion?  Do you believe you are right, beyond measure?  Consider if it is pride which keeps you from being open to another opinion and if it is, how would a little bit of humility change the situation?

Fifth Sunday of Easter

 

Opening Prayer

Generous Lord,

There is no limit to your love!

You come to us and lead us to safety

when we encounter danger.

You embrace us and give us comfort

when we stumble and fall.

You open the gate and usher us through

even when we turn away.

May we learn from YOUR generosity

and be more generous in our own lives!

Amen!

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Acts 14:21-27

• Paul and Barnabas opened doors of faith to others; what doors do you open?
• Who are the gentiles in the world today who need to hear God’s Word from you?

 Revelation 21:1-5a

• Describe how God has made things new in your experiences? What specifically was done?
• What does it mean that “God’s dwelling is with the human race”? How is this lived out in the world?

 John 13:31-33a, 34-35

• How do you let God work through you? Do you believe you can work a miracle?
• Where have you shared God’s love? Where have you received it?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• How is faith expressed in your home? Is it the same or different than how you express your faith personally?
• What traditions do you have in your family which flow from your faith?
• Are there traditions you have in your family which you could tweak to add an element of faith?
• How does your faith carry with you when you travel? Is it something you pack with you or do you leave it behind?
• What are some of the things that make loving your neighbor so difficult? What stands in the way?  How can you work to break down the obstacle(s)?
• Where do you see examples of God’s selfless love? How has it been modelled for you?
• When was the last time you did something with expectation? Where do you share God’s selfless love?
• Where can you inspire positive change? How much effort would it take?  Are there others who can help you?
• How do you define the human race? What is human?  Why race?  Where is God in the definition?
• Does God need to increase or decrease in your life? How does this happen?
• Faith is like a bumper sticker on your soul…what does your bumper sticker say?

 

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Lord, may we proclaim your love

ALL:  to each person we meet!

Leader:  Lord, may we proclaim your patience

 ALL:  to each person we meet!

Leader:  Lord, may we proclaim your forgiveness

 ALL:  to each person we meet!

Leader:  Lord, may we proclaim your generosity

ALL:  to each person we meet!

Leader:  Lord, may we proclaim your acceptance

ALL:  to each person we meet!

Leader:  Lord, may we proclaim the Good News

ALL:  to each person we meet!

 

Challenge for the Week:   The warmer weather opens the door for us to get outside and enjoy creation…however our schedules often get busier during the springtime too.  There are family gatherings and celebrations (Easter, First Communion, Confirmation, Mother’s Day, Graduation) and a rash of other commitments which keep our minds and bodies from slowing down and remembering that God is God and we are not.  We can quickly get sucked up into a tornado of bitterness and resentment forgetting what a gift each of these activities bring.  Psalm 145 is the perfect reminder that we have laid dormant all winter (and through Lent), now is the time for us to step up our game, show God our appreciation!  Resist the temptation to fill each hour with activity and slow down to allow God to love you, be reminded of God’s goodness.  Imagine how a little bit of time with God to refresh your soul can change your attitude!  This week, spend time with Psalm 145, take it piece by piece, let it soak into you and allow the Words to become one with your flesh.  Then you will be ready to share God’s goodness with everyone you encounter!

Fourth Sunday of Easter

 

Opening Prayer

Shepherd

Let us listen for your call…

and follow!

May we hear YOUR voice…

clearly!

Seek us when we are lost.

Comfort us when we are weary.

Come to us, Good Shepherd

Lead us on!

Amen!

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Acts 13:14, 43-52

• Where do you go to “preach” the Word of God? How are you welcomed?
• How do you bring “light” to others? Is it always welcome?  Has it ever been rejected?  Share the experience.

 Revelation 7:9, 14b-17

• Describe how God satisfies hunger. Has God satisfied a hunger in your life?  Reflect on how this experience can help others.
• Has God ever wiped away your tears? What was the circumstance?  How do you know it was God?

 John 10:27-30

• What does God’s voice sound like? How is it different than other voices?
• Is it easy to listen and follow God’s voice?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• How do you act when you are faced with opposition? What do you think?  How do you feel?
• When faced with conflict, what is a good way to handle it and what is a not so good way? Think of actual situations when you were dealing with conflict and identify your actions as good and not so good.
• Are there some whom you reject because they have different views than you? Are you able to find common ground?  What keeps you from finding a compromise?
• Is there someone you know who needs comforting? What can you do to give them what they need?
• Where do you see justice in the world? What do you to support it?
• What do you hunger for? For what do you thirst?  How do you search for satisfaction?
• How is God leading you today? Have you stopped to listen for HIS voice?

 

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Lord, YOU are my Comforter  

ALL:  YOU pick me up when I am down.

Leader:  Lord, YOU are my safety

 ALL:  YOU protect me from harm.

Leader:  Lord, YOU are my strength

 ALL:  YOU fill me with what I need.

Leader:  Lord, YOU are my healer

ALL:  YOU mend me when I am broken.

Leader:  Lord, YOU are my companion

ALL:  YOU are with me when I am alone.

Leader:  Lord, YOU are my Shepherd

ALL:  YOU lead me to my eternal home.

 

Challenge for the Week:   What are the qualities of a good leader?  What do you value in a leader, teacher, guide?  Are these qualities universally good or are they only what you value?  Make a list of the qualities you value in a leader and consider if there is anything missing?  Do you have any of these qualities?  Why does having these qualities make someone a good leader?  What can we do to nurture some of the good qualities in our lives?  Are there people who look to you as a leader?  What do they see in you as good qualities to follow?

Third Sunday of Easter

 

Opening Prayer

Savior God

We cry out Lord, Lord

and you answer our plea.

In our darkest hour

YOU come to us; YOU give us comfort

Because YOU know what it feels like to suffer.

May we sing YOUR praises forevermore

Our Lord, our Deliverer, our Redeemer!

Amen!

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Acts 5:27-32, 40b-41

• Have you ever been confronted about a wrongdoing? What was the situation and how was it resolved?
• How does it feel to be accused of something whether you did it or didn’t do it? Are the feelings similar or different?

 Revelation 5:11-14

• Describe how the universe cries out to give God glory.
• What can you do to show glory and give honor to God today?

John 21:1-19 or 21:1-14

• Are you seeking Jesus? John recognized Jesus on the shore…where do you see Jesus today?  He is within reach!
• Jesus cooks breakfast on the shore for His friends; how can you express your love to your family and friends without expectation?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• Are there teachings in the church which you don’t talk about because you don’t understand them? What keeps you from learning about these things?
• What is your favorite thing about your faith? How do you know it is your favorite?
• Where do you feel most comfortable sharing your faith? With whom do you share it?  How can you stretch your reach a little this week?
• When have you gone against the law? Why did you?  Did you get caught?  Were there consequences suffered?  Would you do it again?
• Do you have a “pain plan” on how to deal with suffering or loss in your life? These experiences are inevitable, how can you prepare yourself to be able to get through the hard times?
• How could you being prepared to deal with your pain help others?
• What are you doing to keep Easter alive in your life right now?
• Where is God calling you to care for others? How are you called to care for others?
• Have you missed your call or are you already living it out and need to be renewed in your passion?

 

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Lord, you await me on the seashore

ALL:  to welcome me onto solid ground!

Leader:  Lord, you await me on the seashore

 ALL:  to give me a warm embrace!

Leader:  Lord, you await me on the seashore

 ALL:  to help satisfy my needs!

Leader:  Lord, you await me on the seashore

ALL:  to share with me our daily bread!

Leader:  Lord, you await me on the seashore

ALL: to remind me of my call!

Leader:  Lord, you await me on the seashore

ALL:  to restore my faith!

 

Challenge for the Week:   Each and every person suffers at one time or another, each of us also sacrifices something for another person, for their job or for their health.  It is also often the practice for us to point out how we have made a sacrifice for someone or something so others know we have given up time or money for the sake of another, generally this is in the form of a complaint.  Consider if Jesus took this same attitude we do when we suffer for the sake of another?  Perhaps instead of complaining we should sacrifice a bit more in order to spend more time with Jesus.  We never hear of Jesus complaining about His suffering or how sacrificing His life for us was a mistake.  We do however, know He asked God to remove the suffering but Jesus had to go through the pain; He had to give up how He wanted to spend His time in order for the resurrection to happen!  How might our lives be different if Jesus didn’t go through the pain of Good Friday in order to restore us all at Easter?

Second Sunday of Easter

 

Opening Prayer

Praise to YOU, Lord Jesus Christ!

Though I might turn from you,

or hide in the shadows…

YOU are still with me.

When I am tempted to doubt,

or deny my love for you…

the cross is a reminder of the sacrifice

and promise of your love!

Amen!

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Acts 5:12-16

• Who do you know needs healing? How can you bring them comfort?
• How does God’s message heal you?

Revelation 1:9-11a, 12-13, 17-19

• When have you needed strength to overcome? Where did the strength come from?  Who gave it to you?
• Why are people afraid of the unknown? What makes it scary?

John 20:19-31

• Jesus breathes the Holy Spirit unto the disciples and they are moved into action, how does the Holy Spirit move you into action? How long has it been since you let the Holy Spirit move you?
• What makes you believe in the resurrection? Does Thomas’ testimony help you believe?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• Where do you see signs that God is alive today?
• Have you ever witnessed a miracle?
• How many times in a day, week, month or year do you believe a miracle happens?
• Define love. Make a list of all of the things you love.
• Is there only one type of love or many? How many types of love can you identify?  What are their characteristics?
• Can good come from suffering? Can you share an example?
• Is suffering necessary? Why or why not?
• What causes you fear?
• Have you ever been paralyzed by fear? What was the circumstance?
• How is fear overcome? What do you do to conquer your fear?  What advice do you give to others?
• Do you think people fear forgiveness? Why or why not?
• Where is peace found? How does someone find it?

 

Closing Prayer

Leader:  The wounds are real;

ALL:  We can see the suffering.

Leader:  The injustice brings pain;

 ALL:  We can feel it all around.

Leader:  Scars are left behind;

 ALL:  Both visible and invisible.

Leader:  Jesus’ hands, feet and side;

ALL:  We are resurrected with him!

Leader:  We can bring comfort to those who suffer;

ALL:  We can fight for justice

Leader:  We can bring healing to a hurt world;

 ALL:  Let us spread the Good News!

 

Challenge for the Week:   Easter is the biggest Christian celebration and sign of our faith.  It is so important it lasts for 50 days which is longer than Advent (4 weeks before Christmas) and Lent (40 days before Easter).  How can you continue to live the Easter message for the next 50 days?  What message do you feel God is calling you to send?  Is there an injustice you can serve by volunteering your time?  Is there a person in need of support or company?  Where can you bring resurrection or new life?  Take this Easter season as seriously as you do your Lenten sacrifice and spread the Good News that Jesus is alive!!!

Easter Sunday

 

Opening Prayer

Savior

Each new day brings

new promise

Even when it is dark

and cold and rugged

The path we walk with YOU

is filled with opportunity

To walk with YOU

is our greatest adventure!

Amen!

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Acts 10:34, 37-43

• How is your life a witness to all God has accomplished through Jesus’ birth, teachings, miracles, parables, suffering, death and resurrection? Reflect and see if you can come up with an example of how each experience has been lived out in your life.  Allow God to speak to you through each reflection.
• Identify your source of strength when you witness (testify) to God’s love, mercy, forgiveness, etc.

Colossians 3:1-4

• How have you died to allow God to live?
• What about heaven do you most long for? Describe what you will see, feel, hear, touch and smell.

 John 20:1-9

• Can you relate to the fear the women and the disciples had when they saw the tomb open? Share a specific experience and how it affects your perspective.
• What makes you believe in Jesus’ resurrection? How do you believe in what you have not seen?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• Reflect back through Lent. What is one theme or similar reoccurrence that happened; what can you learn from the experience?  What might God want you to learn?  Could God have made you witness to these situations in order to communicate with you?
• What is it about Jesus that you love? Be specific and explain your answer.
• Where do you turn when you are seeking an answer to a decision or facing a hard choice? Where is Jesus in the decision making process?
• How do you hide your faith from others? Who are those whom you hide your faith from and why?  Are there people whom you hide your faith but are the ones who most need to hear the message?
• Draw a picture of your heart. What does it look like?  What does it contain?  Use your imagination to create an image of the condition of your heart.
• Where do you see compassion lived out in the world, your community, your family? From your view is compassion in a draught season or a harvest season?
• Does compassion come easy for you or is it something you work hard to share? What is the difference?
• Where have you experienced compassion this Lent? Did this experience bring you closer to God?  Why or why not?
• Describe what it means to be at peace.
• How has your Lenten experience helped you prepare for the Triduum?
• What has fear kept you from experiencing? Be specific.
• Did what you gave up or took on this Lent help you to grow in relationship with Jesus? How have you been changed from the experience?

 

 Closing Prayer

Leader:  May we surrender ourselves

ALL:  for the sake of the Gospel.

Leader:  May we pursue justice

 ALL:  for the sake of the Gospel.

Leader:  May we seek and give reconciliation

 ALL:  for the sake of the Gospel.

Leader:  May we turn away from sin

ALL:  for the sake of the Gospel.

Leader:  May we relinquish our will

ALL:  for the sake of the Gospel.

Leader:  May we open the tomb within

ALL:  and live out the Gospel!

 

Challenge for the Week:   You can witness or observe many things.  This week try to keep count of the positive things you witness and use your words and actions to encourage those who displayed the behavior.  Then try to use the examples you “witnessed” to be a “witness” (testify) to the good you saw in others.  It could be something as simple as sharing how you saw someone open and hold the door for another, witnessed a simple act of kindness or charity, or were witness to an act of mercy or forgiveness.  We can often get wrapped up in ourselves or the evil in the world and forget to look around at the goodness.  The tomb has been open for thousands of years…how are your spreading the Good News?  Be a witness by allowing Jesus’ light to shine through!

Palm Sunday

 

Opening Prayer

Jesus

Your example brings joy

but it also brings pain.

Open our hearts to understand

both the joy and pain.

Let us know you more deeply

as we experience both

in the scriptures.

Amen!

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Isaiah 50:4-7

• From whose perspective is this reading? What does it tell you about speaking out against injustice?
• Define a well-trained tongue. Would you say your tongue is well trained?
• What does God promise to those who hear His word and act on it?

Philippians 2:6-11

• How have you emptied yourself to Christ this Lenten season? (It is not too late)
• How do you show love? Do you love others with conditions?  What can you do to love others more fully?

 Luke 22:14-23:56 or 23:1-49

• What have you done to reject God in the last month, week, day, hour? What was the “benefit” received?
• When did you last serve another person? How did you serve them?  What was your motivation?  What was their response?
• If you were there on the day of Jesus’ crucifixion, could you have stayed with Jesus until the very end? Who in this scripture can you relate to the most?  Why?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• Where do you see God each morning? How do you know He has your back?
• Who are the people in your life who have your back? How do you know?
• Name qualities of a humble person. Do you have any of these qualities?  Do you know anyone who does?
• What gets in your way when you try to give your time to Jesus in prayer? What distracts you?
• If you believe Jesus is the King of Glory, how do you show your obedience to Him?
• What are some changes which cause anticipation? What are some changes which cause anxiety?  How are they the same?  How are they different?
• Is there some discomfort when standing up for what is right?
• What do you say is the opposite of love? Hate?  Fear?  Distrust?  Selfishness?  Or something else?  How does the opposite you choose affect your definition of love?
• When was the last time you defended your faith to another? Where is the line of defending and being hypocritical?
• Are there areas in your life where you have fallen asleep? How might God be calling you to wake up?
• Have you ever been in a state of extreme physical pain? How were you able to cope?
• Have you been with someone who has been in extreme physical pain? What can you do to help those who suffer?

 

Closing Prayer

Leader:  At dawn

ALL:  YOU bring the sunrise to wake me.

Leader:  In the morning

 ALL:  YOU clear the fog and give me a new day.

Leader:  During the day

ALL:  YOU are in each person and thing I see.

Leader:  In the evening

ALL:  YOU bring the night to slow us down.

Leader:  At bedtime

ALL:  YOU give us comfort as we rest.

Leader:  Each day

ALL:  We begin again!

 

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

Let us remember

it is YOU who makes all things NEW

May we learn

to let go of past mistakes and begin fresh

Help us to

try a new path instead of the same one

Guide us on

to find YOU waiting with open arms

YOU forever change us,

mold us and do great things for us!

Amen!

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Isaiah 43:16-21

• What keeps you from believing God has a plan for you and has created a safe passage way for you just as He did for the Israelites? How do your actions confirm your belief or disbelief?
• How do the events of the past (those of the Old Testament and/or the events of the past 3-6 months) affect how you live out today? Share specific examples.

 

Philippians 3:8-14

• St Paul is determined; he has his eye on the prize. What is your goal?  What steps do you take each day to achieve your goal?  Are there others whom have a similar goal?  How can you help one another reach your goal?
• In order to fill yourself with Christ, you must let go of a piece of you…what is something you are willing to let go of? What is something you want to hold onto?

 

John 8:1-11

• Do you condemn others? What causes you to do so?  Is it jealousy?  Is it because you think something is unfair?  Is it out of fear of the unknown or what you don’t understand?
• Where are you called to be merciful like Jesus in this Scripture? Who needs you to reach out to them?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• Where in the Bible does God abandon someone? Where in the bible does God leave anyone alone?  How does this affect you?
• When have you felt like God has left you alone or abandoned you? What was the situation?  How did you overcome?
• How has God shown His presence to you today?
• Have you ever searched for God from the moment you come into consciousness until the moment you doze off to sleep? What would that day look like?  How would you describe it?
• How does God re-create each day? Do you think today is different than yesterday?  Why or why not?
• Each day God offers us a new beginning; what things of the past do you need to leave in the past so you can begin again?
• How do your sins feel? Describe how it feels when you sin and how you are changed; how it affects your behavior, your thoughts.
• What is the most important relationship in your life? Why?
• What does it mean to live our lives forward? What does it mean to live in the past?  Where do you see yourself on the spectrum?
• Is there someone in your life right now who is in need of mercy? What can you do to let them know they are okay?

 

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Father, YOU are forever good

 

ALL:  to us when we sin against you and others.

 

Leader:  Father, YOU are forever kind

 

ALL:  to us when we experience hurt.

 

Leader:  Father, YOU are forever generous

 

ALL:  to us when we call on you for help.

 

Leader:  Father, YOU are forever merciful

 

ALL:  to us when we turn our back to you.

 

Leader:  Father, YOU are forever faithful

 

ALL:  to us when we are ready; you welcome us!

 

Leader:  Praise to YOU

 

ALL:  Father of ALL!

 

Challenge for the Week:   Where do you see God walking with you on your journey?  Are you walking together side by side or are you lagging behind?  Have you stumbled and refuse to get up and move or is God carrying you?  What terrain are you travelling?  Are you on flatland?  Going through the desert?  Climbing a mountain?  Swimming/wading/drowning in the deep waters?  Take time this week to figure out where you are on your journey with God.  Use your own words to describe and even possibly draw a picture of what it looks like.  Whether you write the words or draw the picture, put the date on it and place it in your bible so you can find it later and reflect on how it compares to where you are at that moment of time.  God gives us all we need to succeed; we need to train our will to keep us accountable.