31st Sunday of Ordinary Time

 

Opening Prayer

Lord

Teach me what it means to love.

Show me how to serve.

Give me the strength to do both!

Amen

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Deuteronomy 6: 2-6

• What do you hear God saying in this scripture? How is your message different than others?  How is it the same?
• Share examples of where you see of following God’s commandments are good and examples of where you see following God’s commandments are bad.

 Hebrews 7:23-28

• What does this scripture teach you about the Eucharist? Is this an old or a new insight?
• How does this scripture help you understand how sacrifice is good? Does it make you more or less willing to make a sacrifice for God?  For others?

 Mark 12:28b-34

• How does Jesus determine or measure our nearness to the kingdom of God according to this scripture?
• Does loving God come easy? Why or why not?
• Describe God’s love. What words do you use?  Do you love God the same way he loves you?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• Does love have a capacity?
• How does God love vs how you love? Is it different?  Is it the same?
• Imagine your heart. Draw a picture of it and then write down the things that you carry in your heart.  Is your heart big enough to carry all of those things and be able to love God too?
• How does having God in your life make your life better?
• Where do you see God’s presence? In your home?  Your spouse?  Your kids?  Neighbors?  Co-workers?  Fellow parishioners?  Be specific.
• What does it mean to you to have people pray for you? What does it mean for you to pray for others?
• Do you believe those who have passed can provide you support, understanding and companionship? Why or why not?
• How do you put God above others? Give an example.
• What do you do to “work” on your relationship with God?
• Do you feel you know God? Understand Jesus?  Are connected to the Holy Spirit?  What kind of things can you do to deepen your relationship?
• What significance does scripture, tradition and sacrifice have on your relationship with God? What significance do these things have on your personal relationship with others?
• Explain how the Eucharist is an expression of love.

 

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Lord, come live in me…

 ALL:  so I can understand the sacrifice of love.

Leader:  Lord, come live in me…

ALL:  so I can teach others through my actions.

Leader:  Lord, come live in me…

 ALL:  so I can give hope by sharing the Gospel.

Leader:  Lord, come live in me…

ALL:  so I can be a place of refuge.

Leader:  Lord, come live in me…

ALL:  so I can become more like YOU!

 

Challenge for the Week:  Jesus took the 10 commandments and condensed them into simpler language for us to understand, but the message is still the same.  It is still difficult for us to do.  When we think about loving God, we often think, well, that is no problem!  However, how many times to we turn our backs on God and not acknowledge God for the blessings in our lives.  Then the second part of the message is to love our neighbors as ourselves which comes with a long list of problems.  How can we love our neighbor when they are so different than us?  Do we even know what it means to love ourselves when we spend so much time, money and effort into looking or being like someone else?  Let’s get real, is it even possible to love God and love others equally AND love ourselves too?  How is this “love triangle” like the Holy Trinity?  Spend time this week reflecting on what these have in common.  What insights can we gain by reflecting on these commandments through the lens of the Holy Trinity, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

30th Sunday of Ordinary Time

 

Opening Prayer

Lord,

We shout for joy because you

heal us,

you protect us

and you provide for us!

Continue to lead us in your Word,

so we may learn your ways

and be Christ to others.

Amen

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Jeremiah 31:7-9

• Who are the burdened and downtrodden in this scripture? How does God provide them with support?
• Where do you find security in this scripture? How is it or how can it be played out in your life?

 Hebrews 5:1-6

• What can you learn from this scripture about dealing with people who try your patience?
• What does this scripture say about weakness? What are your weaknesses?

 Mark 10:46-52

• What do you say when you cry out to Jesus?
• Are you persistent in making your desires known to God? What do you do about making your needs known and then acting on them?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• Where do you seek consolation?
• Who comes to you for support when they are weary? What do you offer?  Is it too much?  Is it not enough?  How do you know it is what they need?
• Have you ever felt the path you are on has too many curves or bumps? What can be done to level out the road a bit?  How can you help yourself with this task?  What can you do for others?
• When did you recently sacrifice something for another person’s good? When has someone done the same for you?  Has this happened with or without regret or expectation?
• Make a list of 5-10 good qualities you possess which would draw people to you.
• When someone comes to your for counsel, do you look for how you will benefit or how they will benefit? OR do you turn to the Holy Spirit for guidance in the counsel you give?  What does this look like?
• Jesus stood up for you and died for your sins; who do you stand up for? How do you let them know you stand up for them even in their weakness?
• Are there people who refuse to “be quiet” in your life or in the community? Do they stay on one topic or do they harp on many?  What do you think their goal is?
• Where do you see Jesus working today? What is He doing to shout out the message of forgiveness, mercy and healing?

 

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Jesus, have pity on me and restore my soul

 ALL:  for I am weak.

Leader:  Jesus, have pity on me and restore my soul

ALL:  for I am blind.

Leader:  Jesus, have pity on me and restore my soul

 ALL:  for I am crippled.

Leader:  Jesus, have pity on me and restore my soul

ALL:  for I am ignorant.

Leader:  Jesus, have pity on me and restore my soul

ALL:  for I am a sinner.

 

Challenge for the Week:  Take time this week to think about what it would be like to be blind.  How would you feel?  How might you be different?  How would you define the word see if you were blind, not having the experience of knowing what it truly was?  Then spend time considering what makes you “blind”?  What keeps you from seeing the positive in people or situations rather than the negative?  What things in your life or within yourself do you refuse to see and change?  How much time and effort do you spend trying to keep these things hidden from others, from God?  Pray…”Jesus, son of David, have pity on me.”

29th Sunday of Ordinary Time

 

Opening Prayer

Jesus

You humbled yourself; You sacrificed.

You carried our sin, our guilt and our shame.

Let us remember the pain and suffering.

Let us KNOW this was for our good,

so we might know you better.

Jesus, you understand what we need!

Amen

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Isaiah 53:10-11

• Share some examples of how a person gives their life as an offering for sin. What does this mean?
• Have you ever wanted to take the place of another person who was suffering? Share the experience.

 Hebrews 4:14-16

• What tests did Jesus have to go through? Share the times in scripture when Jesus was put to the test.  What was he tested for/about?
• Name the emotion you feel knowing Jesus knows how you feel when you are reluctant to spent time with him or go to confession or to help someone in need.

 Mark 10:35-45

• When have you been like the disciples and not understood what you were truly asking?
• How does Jesus deal with them? What does this say about how he will respond to our unknowing?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• Is it better suffer alone or with others? Explain your answer.
• Do you feel others suffering? What can you to for those who suffer?  Be specific.
• Have you seen how God’s message is spread through suffering? Share some examples in your personal experience and in the world.
• How does it feel to know God understands your joys and your sorrows? Reflect on EXACTLY what that means and how your can bring God to the forefront of those experiences instead of an afterthought.
• What is your definition of weakness? How can you redefine it in a positive way?
• What is the difference between sympathy and empathy? How can both of these affect suffering?
• Do you feel as though you are being tested? Who is testing you?
• What is it about power that is so alluring?
• How can you be a better servant to others? Share a specific example you will work on this week. (family, friend, community)
• Conflict in the world and in our lives is unavoidable. What things are worth fighting for?  What are you willing to sacrifice for?  What is worth suffering?

 

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Moses an abandoned child and Leader of the Israelites.

 ALL:  Through suffering, YOU are light

Leader:  Joseph imprisoned and champion of dreams.

ALL:  Through suffering, YOU are light

Leader:  Jesus crucified and resurrected.

 ALL:  Through suffering, YOU are light

Leader:  Peter denied and head of the Church.

ALL:  Through suffering, YOU are light

Leader:  Destruction of the world and a brilliant sunrise.

ALL:  Through suffering, YOU are light

 

Challenge for the Week:  The corporate ladder coined the phrase to “one up” someone which meant to move up a rung of the ladder ahead of another.  This type of competition isn’t anything new to human nature, it happened with the disciples and even the sons of Adam and Eve!  There is always someone who thinks they are better or smarter or better looking; they believe they deserve the high praise and recognition but Jesus is saying the one who deserves to live in the kingdom is the one who suffers.  Since it is human nature for us to compare ourselves to one another, watch yourself this week.  When you think someone did a better job than you, tell them.  If there is someone who is having a good hair day, let them know.  Recognizing and acknowledging the good of others is a practice of humility and that can be pretty painful.  And remember, Jesus isn’t asking us to suffer alone…He knows how we feel, He has been there!

28th Sunday of Ordinary Time

 

Opening Prayer

God,

Your WORD is like a warm blanket

It keeps me company when I am lonely

And warms my soul and comforts me.

Blessed am I that I can wrap up in your WORD!

Amen

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Wisdom 7:7-11

• For what do you pray for that you receive in a timely fashion? What are you waiting on God to answer for you?  Are you waiting because God hasn’t given you the answer you desire?
• What do you imagine is priceless to God? What is priceless to you?  How do the two differ?  How are they the same?

 Hebrews 4:12-13

• How is God naked before you? Does God conceal anything?
• What causes you to “trip up” before God? Are there specific things God asks of you that you hesitate to accomplish?  What holds you back?

 Mark 10:17-30

• There is a saying that “anything worth doing is worth doing right”, how does this saying relate to the Gospel message? What does this mean for you?
• Jesus is giving a map to the kingdom of heaven in this scripture, how do you see yourself on the map?
• Take time to draw out the Gospel message in your journal or on paper and reflect on where you are on the journey and how God/Jesus/Holy Spirit have guided you along the way.

 

General Questions for Journaling

• What are you waiting on God to answer for you? Are you waiting because God hasn’t given you the answer you desire?
• How would another person know what you valued? What do you do with your valuables?  How do you treat them?  How are they displayed?
• Do your actions affirm your values or do you say you value something because it makes you feel better to say so?
• What has God provided to you which is priceless? Have you thanked God for this?
• Make a list of things which are priceless that God created. Spend time this week thanking God for these priceless things.
• What motivates you to be a better person?
• Other than God, who knows you best? How does this make you feel?
• Do you think God gives more to a person who is giving than to a person who isn’t as giving?
• Who is the most giving person you know? What qualities about them do you admire the most?
• How does clinging to something cause harm?
• What does sustainability mean to you? How does it affect your life?
• How do you think God thinks about sustainability? Of His creation?  Of your faith?

 

Closing Prayer

Leader:  All things work together for those who

 ALL:  work for goodness and peace!

Leader:  All things work together for those who

ALL:  show mercy and kindness!

Leader:  All things work together for those who

 ALL:  bring good news to others!

Leader:  All things work together for those who

ALL:  give comfort and hope!

Leader:  All things work together for those who

ALL:  provide compassion and love!

Leader:  All things work together for those who

ALL:  deliver glad tidings to all!

Challenge for the Week:  In general, people share bad news more easily than good.  Why is this?  Who really knows but if you find this is true in your circle of friends or with co-workers, YOU have the power to change it.  Like in the scripture from Matthew 5:14-16 you are a light that shines and though in these situations where you feel overwhelmed with negative, you have to remove the bushel basket that is keeping your light dim.  Spend time in reflection on how you can make this happen and bring back some good news to the world around you!

27th Sunday of Ordinary Time

 

Opening Prayer

Lord,

Who am I that you want to be with me?

What do I have to offer you?

Where can I go where you don’t follow?

I am forever grateful

for YOU choose ME!!!

Amen

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Genesis 2:18-24

• God created Eve for Adam, why do you think God wants us to have a suitable partner?
• Why do you think God chose to take a rib from Adam to create Eve? What is the significance?
• What strikes you about this scripture? How does it make you feel?  Does it remind you of the stories of creation you heard in your childhood?

 Hebrews 2:9-11

• What comfort do you get from knowing Jesus spent time on earth?
• How do you feel about being called a brother and sister of Jesus? What does that mean to you?
• How are you consecrated with Jesus? What does it mean to be consecrated in Jesus?

 Mark 10:2-16

• What does Jesus say about the people that caused Moses to re-write the law? How is played out in society today?  Give an example.
• What does Jesus mean when he says, “don’t prevent them from coming to me”?
• Do you think he is talking about children literally or figuratively? How does this change your understanding of the scripture?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• Describe the characteristics of man as you believe God created man to be.
• Describe the characteristics of woman as you believe God created woman to be.
• How do men and women complement each other? Is this how God created them to be?  Why or why not?
• What causes men and women to clash? Is this how God created them to be?
• Do you think it is romantic that God created Eve just for Adam? Do you believe He does the same for each of his children?
• What is your definition of an angel?
• How does Jesus’ death bring salvation to all? Does it make sense to you that you receive God’s salvation whether you believe it or not?  Does that bring you comfort or cause you distress?
• What is your experience of divorce? How do Jesus’ words affect your opinion of divorce?
• What makes a marriage a “perfect union”? Do you think this exists?  Why or why not?
• Do you think the fear of getting divorced keeps people who are suitable partners from getting married?
• Make a list of some non-negotiables of a marriage God joins together?
• Do you believe a marriage without God can last? Why or why not?

 

Closing Prayer (Inspired by Psalm 128)

Leader:  The Lord has blessed me…

 ALL:  as I walk with Him!

Leader:  The Lord has blessed me…

ALL:  as I spend time with Him!

Leader:  The Lord has blessed me…

 ALL:  as I open my life to Him!

Leader:  The Lord has blessed me…

ALL:  as I tell others about Him!

Leader:  The Lord has blessed me…

ALL:  as I grow with love for Him!

 

Challenge for the Week:  What are some things which are better done alone?  At first consideration, you might find many things that are better when done alone.  Spend time this week really contemplating if these things are better done alone or not?  Are there benefits of another’s help?  What about God’s participation in them?  After giving it time, determine if your first instinct is the same as your final determination on the subject.

26th Sunday of Ordinary Time

 

Opening Prayer

Father

Even when I make a mistake

YOU love me!

When I don’t follow your precepts

YOU forgive me!

Thank you for seeing the good in me

YOU fill my heart!

Let YOUR WORD give me

the ability to do this for others!

Amen

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Numbers 11:25-29

• What does this scripture tell you about the ability to speak about God? Do you live this out?  Give an example.
• What do you learn about the power of the Holy Spirit in this scripture? How has this same power provoked you?  Be specific.

 James 5:1-6

• Do believe your faith can become corrupted? Why or why not?  What causes your faith to become distorted or off track?  What role does God play in all of this?
• Where do you see this scripture being played out in society? Where do you see yourself in the scenario?  Is there anything that can be done to change the outcome?

 Mark 9:38-43, 45, 47-48

• What is the message Jesus is trying to covey? Who do you know that needs to hear it?  How can you apply this message to your own life?
• Jesus again is saying it is better to die than to live without. How does this message apply to you?  How did it apply to Him?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• What was the last piece of good news you heard? Where did you hear it from and who did you tell?
• Are you more likely to share good news with others than bad news? Does it make a difference if the news is about you or someone else?
• Would you say you ALWAYS follow the rules or do what you are told? Are there exceptions?  Do you follow the rules to avoid negative consequences or for another reason?
• What keeps you from speaking about your faith to everyone you meet?
• What happens to your faith if you do not share it?
• What are some of the things you feel strongly about that you would stand up and fight for? Can you list at least five things?
• Is it better to stand back and not get involved or to fight for what you believe, even if it is against an opposition stronger than you?
• What is your favorite accessory? How do you feel when you wear it?  Is it your favorite because others compliment you when you wear it or because of whom gave it to you?
• Do you have a favorite bible verse or Gospel story about Jesus? Who else knows what it is?
• What is the minimum and/or maximum you need to bring to Jesus?

 

Closing Prayer

Leader:  When I am in silent prayer…

 ALL:  Holy Spirit, come dwell in me!

Leader:  When I need the courage to speak…

ALL:  Holy Spirit, come dwell in me!

Leader:  When I stand up for what is right…

 ALL:  Holy Spirit, come dwell in me!

Leader:  When I bring comfort to a stranger…

ALL:  Holy Spirit, come dwell in me!

Leader:  I am your servant…

ALL:  Holy Spirit, come dwell in me!

 

Challenge for the Week:  Have you ever considered that as a believer and follower, dare you say as a disciple of Christ, you are capable of performing a miracle?  Many would say this is too boastful but consider how believing this to be true is actually humility in action.  Think about the everyday miracles that happen, often times unnoticed, aren’t these moments full of God’s grace, love and mercy?  Isn’t that what constitutes a miracle in the first place?  Spend time this week thinking of the miracles that have occurred over the past few weeks and months.  The Spirit is alive and well, working among us, are you allowing it to work through you to perform a miracle???

25th Sunday of Ordinary Time

 

Opening Prayer

Jesus

Give me the ability to step out of the way;

to allow a pause and not be impatient.

Keep me from feeling I am the only one,

who is able to find an answer or complete a task.

Let my faith overcome my fear…

Let me allow you to complete the good work,

for you can bring beauty to the completion of all things!

Amen

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Wisdom 2:12, 17-20

• Explain how this scripture is a model for bullying. What can you do in opposition?
• Have you ever been tested to see how you will perform a task or handle a dilemma?
• Have you ever tested someone else?

 James 3:16-4:3

• What obstacle had God helped you overcome? How does this scripture give you the words to explain the experience?
• Conflict can bring good outcomes and bad outcomes. Share examples from scripture of each AND/OR share examples from you own experience of both.

 Mark 9:30-37

• What are the qualities Jesus deems most important in a disciple? Identify at least five you can learn about in this scripture.
• Do you think the disciples knew arguing over who would be the greatest was the wrong thing to be arguing about? Share a time when you were arguing about something you knew you shouldn’t.

 

General Questions for Journaling

• What characteristics of other just seem to “turn you off”? What do you want to do when you encounter someone who does it?
• Share examples of situations where you feel “tortured” or “trapped”. How can God or did God help you in this situation?
• What brings you comfort when you feel you have no control?
• Share a time when you broke the rules intentionally. What caused you to do so?  Were there consequences?
• Have you experienced God’s patience? Describe what it is like.  What specifically can you learn about patience from God?
• Do you have conflict with God? Why or why not?
• Can you have conflict within yourself? How can you wage war on yourself?  Does this affect others?  Is it influenced by others?
• How many things are you passionate about? Is there a limit?
• What do your words and actions say you are passionate about?
• Do you share your passion with others or keep it for yourself?
• How do you react when you hear that something will happen in a different way than you expected?
• What qualities of a child do you possess when it comes to your faith? Be specific.

 

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Lord, teach me to cultivate good fruits

 ALL:  through my words and actions.

Leader:  Lord, teach me to cultivate mercy

ALL:  and show compassion to all.

Leader:  Lord, teach me to cultivate peace

 ALL:  with honesty and just decisions.

Leader:  Lord, teach me to cultivate love

ALL:  through sacrifice for greater good.

Leader:  Lord, teach me to cultivate humility

ALL:  and give you honor and praise!

 

Challenge for the Week:  Borrowed from Ronald Rolheiser’s reflection on the scriptures; he shares thoughts in the words of Marilynne Robinson about our inability to genuinely love our neighbor.  Marilynne Robinson submits that, even in our failure to live up (to) what Jesus asks of us, if we are struggling honestly, there is some virtue. She argues this way: Freud said that we cannot love our neighbor as ourselves, and no doubt this is true. But since we accept the reality that lies behind the commandment, that our neighbor is as worthy of love as ourselves, then in our very attempt to act on Jesus’ demand we are acknowledging that our neighbor is worthy of love even if, at that this point in our lives, we are too weak to provide it. Spend time with this challenge and consider how this resonates with you.

24th Sunday of Ordinary Time

 

Opening Prayer

Father

All the times when you step in

to protect me,

to give me the things I need,

to show love,

to teach me,

to give me strength or understanding,

to show patience,

I KNOW I AM YOURS…Thank you, Father!

Amen

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Isaiah 50:5-9a

• This scripture gives birth to the phrase, if God is for me, who can be against me? Which line of scripture gives you the most strength and understanding of this fact?
• How does this scripture say to face turmoil or trouble? What attitude must you have when facing opposition?
• Is this attitude strictly for when people oppose your faith or believes or can it be true when facing any conflict?

 James 2:14-18

• What does this scripture say about how you should treat others? Is it easy to follow?  Why or why not?
• Look closely at yourself. Draw a diagram or chart to map out how your faith and works compare over the past week, month or year.  Are there trends?  Are there obstacles which deterred them from coming together?  Or on the positive side, are there situations which cultivated them to overlap?

 Mark 8:27-35

• The cross Jesus bore was made of wood, full of the sins of those He loved. What is your cross made of?  What do you carry?
• Have you, like Jesus in this scripture, ever been misunderstood by faithful companion(s)? What happened?  How was the misunderstanding resolved?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• Consider a time when you lived out the first scripture. What was the situation?  How do you know God was on your side?
• Imagine the first scripture playing out in a movie or play. What emotions would you feel to witness someone turning the other cheek?  How are those feelings different if you were the one who turned your face for another blow?
• What in the first scripture lets you know you are not supposed to simply let people abuse you or trample you under foot? Is it a fine line or a wide divide between what the scripture teaches and physical, mental or emotional abuse?
• Are you listening to what God is saying to you? What is the difference between listening and hearing?
• Can you identify the “satan” in your life? What is it that consistently causes you to step backwards instead of leaping forward?
• What does it truly mean to “deny one’s self”? Is it like saying no to a fourth piece of pizza or skipping dessert?  Why or why not?
• The world teaches people to serve only themselves but Jesus says to serve others, on a scale from 1-10, how are you doing with this task?
• Jesus wants to know he is fully loved and fully known, the way He fully loves and fully knows you. Share examples of how you can do this.
• What specifically can you gain if you lose your life? What role does God play in this scenario?

 

Closing Prayer

Leader:  May we not turn our backs on a person in need.

 ALL:  Open our hearts to YOUR love!

Leader:  May we not be quick to judge a person or situation.

ALL:  Open our hearts to YOUR love!

Leader:  May we not rely on what the world says is truth.

 ALL:  Open our hearts to YOUR love!

Leader:  May we not use words to strike out and cause harm.

ALL:  Open our hearts to YOUR love!

Leader:  Empty us Lord so we may be made new…

ALL:  Open our hearts to YOUR love!

 

Challenge for the Week:  Make of list of well-meaning phrases which mean nothing without love.  If you are paying attention, it is easy to see through body language or hear through tone of voice if someone truly wishes you to have a “good” morning or if they are just saying the words to fill the quiet.  It means much more to you that someone says Happy Birthday to you, even if it is a day late, than a “oh, it’s your birthday? Happy Birthday…”  This is not to say you can’t tell someone Happy Birthday without giving them a gift, but you should give them Christ’s joy.  You are God’s messenger, how are you getting the message of love across to your neighbor?  This goes for “have a nice day” or actually stopping to listen when you ask someone “how are you doing”.  Being Christ’s love in the world is a tough job…are you willing to work to put this into practice at least once a day each day this week?  Who knows it might catch on!

23rd Sunday of Ordinary Time

 

Opening Prayer

My God,

Let me seek the water

that is brings me life!

I want to reach the stream

that never runs dry!

You put a thirst in me

that only you can quench!

Come, bring healing to my weary soul

and fill until I overflow!

Amen

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Isaiah 35:4-7a

• Share an example of a personal experience when you felt God came to rescue you. What was the situation?  How are you assured it was God who came?
• Is there anything that causes you fear? Anything that God could not rescue you from?
• How does goodness, beauty and healing come from something evil, ugly and broken? Can you give an example?

 James 2:1-5

• How does your appearance change the reaction you get from others? Is this important?  Why or why not?  Is it a good representation of you or what you want others to believe you are?
• What are the benefits of being poor? What are the benefits of being rich?  How do they differ?

 Mark 7:31-37

• What do you see that astonishes you? Is it something God has created or man has created?
• What would you have felt if you saw Jesus walking away from the crowd? How does his action cause you to feel?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• When you are without one sense, how do your other senses work to “make up” for the missing sense?
• What is something you have seen or want to see that you would regret seeing if you were to become blind today?
• What is something you would miss hearing if you were to lose your sense of hearing today?
• If singing is praying twice, and God calls us to proclaim the WORD, would your prayers be less potent if you became mute?
• Can you still share God’s overwhelming love for others if you were unable to see, speak or hear? Share examples.
• How does water bring life and healing to those in the world?
• Do you know when God’s healing is coming or present?
• What exiles do you or have you suffered? Be specific.
• What makes a person rich or poor? Is it only economic?
• What are the things which you value? What value do you place on the things that don’t have a price tag?  Can you?
• Do you have favorites? Favorite stores?  Favorite restaurants?  Favorite place to stop while on a road trip?  This show partiality.  How does this affect others who are in the same business?  What do your actions change in the big picture?
• How do you relate to the cries for help from those in need?

 

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Praise you Lord, all my days!

 ALL:  When I am weak and need strength…you rescue me;

Leader:  Praise you Lord, all my days!

ALL:  When I am oppressed and seek justice…you set me free;

Leader:  Praise you Lord, all my days!

 ALL:  When I am alone and need assurance…you send a friend;

Leader:  Praise you Lord, all my days!

ALL:  When I am guilty of sin and shame…you forgive me;

Leader:  Praise you Lord, all my days!

ALL:  When I am short on faith and hope…you fill me;

Leader:  Praise you Lord,

ALL:  all my days!!!

 

Challenge for the Week:  Imagine a day without clean water.  It is such a commodity in the world and many waste it.  It is difficult to understand this when we consider a human body is made up of 70% of it and 71% of the earth’s surface is covered in water.  However, the oceans hold 96.5% of all the earths’ water which means there is only 3.5% left to be considered fresh water and only a fraction of that is immediately drinkable.  These are not statistics, rather facts about how important water is in our lives.  Consider all of the things you use water for on a daily basis and spend time in prayer with words of gratitude that you have the privilege to have access to clean, drinkable water AND for the 35% of the world’s population who do not have access to a clean water source or improved sanitation.  One more thing to add to the list of “gratefuls” each day!

22nd Sunday of Ordinary Time

 

Opening Prayer

Lord

You are so near to me

sometimes I forget how near.

My days get highjacked

with things that are meaningless.

Let me remember to reach out

so you may guide my path.

I am forever grateful

for your presence in my life!

Amen

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Deuteronomy 4:1-2, 6-8

• What has God set before you today? Is this task because of something you did or just because it is God?
• How are the first fruits different than the last fruits? How do you describe yourself as a believer of Christ?  Someone who came at once without question or one with hesitation?  Do you think God keeps score?

 James 1:17-18, 21b-22, 27

• Are there traditions that have been passed down in your family that have basis in faith? What are they?
• What emotion/feeling does evil leave you with? Is there a bad taste in your mouth or foul smell?  Identify it.

 Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23

• Do you feel closer to God while doing or being?
• How does God know you are behind him? When might you not have God’s back?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• What do you offer God that is “good enough” for endless love, grace and mercy? Is this necessary?  Why or why not?
• What kind of things does God ask for you to do? Are they difficult or easy?
• Where do you turn for help and support? What kind of help and support do you need to fulfill the tasks God has asked of you?
• Can you think of two or three “world issues” where you could make an impact? What keeps you from getting involved?
• What kind of “world change” would directly affect your life right now? Are you concerned?  Why or why not?
• What gifts has God given you? Do you have gifts you would rather not have?  Brainstorm ways you can use those gifts.
• If a mother can give birth multiple times, do you think a person can be “born again” multiple times? Explain your answer.
• Describe the difference of hearing the Word of God and acting on it? Where do you lie on the scale between hearing and doing?  Is there a perfect balance point?
• What God has planted in you, must you also plant in others? Agree?  Disagree?
• How is caring for others a gift to God?
• Is the exterior as important as the interior or the other way around? Explain?
• Describe a scenario where there is a balance between what God desires and what you desire? Is this possible?
• What does it mean for you to observe religious Holy Days?

 

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Lord, when I smile at a stranger…

 ALL:  my actions speak louder than words.

Leader:  Lord, when I reach out to lend a hand…

ALL:  my actions speak louder than words.

Leader:  Lord, when I hold a hand to give comfort…

 ALL:  my actions speak louder than words.

Leader:  Lord, when I look the homeless in the eyes…

ALL:  my actions speak louder than words.

Leader:  Lord, when I show patience in prayer…

ALL:  my actions speak louder than words.

Leader:  Lord, when I offer my time to listen…

ALL:  my actions speak louder than words.

 

Challenge for the Week:  Michael Jackson is one of those artists that you either love or hate.  However you feel about him personally, his music is still some of the most recognizable worldwide.  One of his songs, “Man in the Mirror” talks about how if we want the world to change, we must first begin with ourselves.  Change is not easy, but MJ had it right, if we want something to change, we MUST begin with our own impact.  Jesus says the same.  He calls us to stand up, die to our old self and be renewed…we MUST change in order to make an impact on others.  What change is God calling you to this week?  This month?  This year?