Sunday of Divine Mercy (Second Sunday of Easter)

 

Opening Prayer

My God,

Why do people say you are not

in the pain? or the sorrow?

Your sorrow and pain is written

on Jesus’ face when he was beaten

and walked through the streets

carrying a cross wearing a crown of thorns.

We see your pain in each crucifix

but we also see redemption.

Let us not forget that we celebrate

the resurrection from the pain and sorrow.

The pain and sorrow is temporary

but our salvation is everlasting!

AMEN!

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Acts 4:32-35

• What specifically motivated the early Christians to act in this way?
• Are there people you know who need something which you are unwilling to give? How can this scripture help you move towards giving?

 1 John 5:1-6

• Do you believe you love God in the same way God loves you? Why or why not?
• Draw a picture of this scripture. How does this look to you?  Is there a straight timeline of love or does it start with God in the middle and split off from there or is it a complete circle or something else entirely?

 John 20:19-31

• Are there sins (your own or others) which you are withholding forgiveness? What image or phrase from the scripture can you use to begin to let go of these sins you harbor.
• What is the significance of Jesus breathing on the disciples and those gathered? How does this personally affect you and your life?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• Where is generosity seen in your community?
• What keeps a ‘utopia’ from happening? How do you contribute?
• Are there things you have or own which you would have a hard time giving up or sharing?
• How does love change? Do you love a baby differently than a toddler or a teenager or an adult person?
• Does our love change based on the person and what they do or what they are? Why or why not?  Share examples
• Does God’s love for us change based on our circumstances or actions? Why or why not?  Does God ask for us to do anything to earn love from him?
• Do you find the commandments burdensome? Why or why not?
• Share examples of where people find solace with others who are in one accord. What is the common thread of all of them?
• Jesus died and conquered death, how does this truth affect your faith right now?
• Reflect on the innocence of a child, is there something they have that you want? Make a plan to find it within yourself again.
• Share a time when you felt full of life, full of faith, full of the Holy Spirit.
• How do you share peace? Is it possible to share peace if you don’t know where to find it or how to cultivate it yourself?  What kind of solutions to this problem can you think of?

 

Closing Prayer

Leader:  At birth God breathed life

 ALL:  giving me a life line.

Leader:  Comfort found in a hug

ALL:  giving me a life line.

Leader: A friend who understands

 ALL:  giving me a life line.

Leader:  Forgiveness of my sins

ALL:  giving me a life line.

Leader:  Peace within the chaos

ALL:  giving me a life line.

Leader:  Death births salvation

ALL:  giving me a life line.

 

Challenge for the Week:  Why is it that in the worst of times, the best of people is revealed?  Why do people feel drawn to help others more willingly when there is pain or suffering?  If you hear of a family who has experienced a tragic event, you send a card, make a phone call or organize people to provide meals; whatever you can to help ease the pain.  It can be a death in the family, a cancer diagnosis or even the loss of a job.  I remember the way it felt after the 9-11 attack; there was a common spirit throughout the country.  We had all experienced a traumatic loss and every person you walked past in the store or rode the elevator with shared that same desire to rise from the ashes of the devastating experience.  A nation united.  This is how I imagine the first Christians; everyone reaching out to help, to give what they can to provide comfort for those grieving and doing it without greed or thoughts of what they would receive in return.  They acted out of pure compassion and generosity.  So again I ask why is it that the worst of times, the best of people is revealed.  This Easter season, what can you do to create this atmosphere in your own life?  Imagine what could happen if you begin to sow the seeds of compassion and generosity within yourself, how it could grow to your family and others in your life!

Easter Sunday

 

Opening Prayer

Jesus

Where would I be without you?

What would happen if I couldn’t find you?

How different would my life be?

The disciples know.

They saw you broken and bleeding,

dead and lain in the tomb.

But you conquered death

so I wouldn’t have to know.

Thank you Lord Jesus for your sacrifice!

AMEN!

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Acts 10:34a, 37-43

• When and/or where have you been a witness to God’s love, mercy, forgiveness, teachings? How did the experience impact you?
• To whom is Peter speaking? How is the Peter in this scripture different than the one who denied Jesus in last week’s scripture?  What has changed?

 Colossians 3:1-4

• What do you think of when you think of what is above? How is that different than on earth?
• What death mean to you? Is it possible to die a little at a time?  Why or why not?

 1 Corinthians 5:6b-8

• Jesus sacrificed for you, how do you repay him? Does Jesus want to be repaid?  Why or why not?
• Explain how truth is celebrated in the eyes of faith. How is this the same or different than in the eyes of the world?

 John 20:1-9

• When you see Jesus, do you run to him? How do you think you would act if tomorrow you woke up and you could see Jesus?
• What are some things you believe without seeing? Are there people in your life you believe 100% without question or proof?

 Mark 16:1-7

• Share a time when God amazed you!
• Who will you share the “Good News” of Jesus’ resurrection? Who in your life needs to hear it?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• Have you ever been asked to testify to something? How is it the same or different than testifying to your faith?
• What is the definition of witness? Is a witness called to action?  Share an example.
• How does belief in God/Jesus/Holy Spirit give you strength? Share ways you are able to sustain this strength.
• Where do you see a need for compassion in your community right now? Is there something you can do?
• How does the celebration of Easter bring you hope? Be specific.
• What happens when you are being sincere but others don’t believe you? How do you deal with this?  What does God call you to do?
• When you see someone who is suffering, do you do something? In what cases do you help and which do you back away?
• How has fear paralyzed you from reaching a goal?

 

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Praise to YOU Lord Jesus Christ…

 ALL:  for you are all things good!

Leader:  Praise to YOU Lord Jesus Christ…

ALL:  for your mercy endures forever!

Leader: Praise to YOU Lord Jesus Christ…

 ALL:  for you have been exalted!

Leader:  Praise to YOU Lord Jesus Christ…

ALL:  for your love never ends!

Leader:  Praise to YOU Lord Jesus Christ…

ALL:  for you are a promise fulfilled!

Leader:  Praise to YOU Lord Jesus Christ…

ALL:  for you have died for me!

Leader:  Praise to YOU Lord Jesus Christ…

ALL:  for you bring me NEW LIFE!

 

Challenge for the Week:  In Mark’s Gospel, the women go to anoint Jesus body after he had been buried.  As they are on their way, they realize they didn’t plan on how they would get into the tomb which was blocked by an enormous stone, they asked, “who will roll away the stone for us?”  When they arrive, they find the stone is already rolled away.  Have you ever been in a place like this?  A place where you are on your way to do something and realize that you are not as prepared as you originally thought but when you arrive, the red carpet is already laid out for you?  This is how Jesus works; he is there to take care of the details and to remind you that he will never leave you!  Spend time in reflection and prayer to be reminded of a time when this same thing happened to you and then write a prayer for Easter to pray over the next six weeks to let Jesus know how much you love and appreciate his presence in your life.

Passion Sunday

 

Opening Prayer

Jesus

What priceless gift can I give you?

How can I show my devotion?

Let me surrender to you,

Let me be emptied,

Then I can be filled with YOU

AMEN!

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Isaiah 50:4-7

• What are your first thoughts in the morning when you wake up? Are they of God or something else?  How do your first thoughts drive your day?
• Do you pray for those who have hurt you? How does this scripture speak to how you should view others who have caused you hurt?

 Philippians 2:6-11

• What tells you that God/Jesus/Holy Spirit loves you?
• How do you most relate to Jesus? How would you imagine Jesus most relates to you?

 Mark 14:1—15:47

• Jesus stands up for a woman showing him kindness. Share a time when you have done the same.  If there is not a time, think of a time when you could have done the same.
• When have you been extravagant with God? Be specific.

 

General Questions for Journaling

• When have you recently spoken up for an unfair or unjust situation? What was the situation and what was the outcome?
• Is there something going on in the world which you feel strongly about? What do you do to impact this?
• How has God impacted your day? Your week?  Be specific.
• How do you know God speaks to you? What indication do you have that it is God speaking?
• Would you say you are obedient to God? What does it mean to be obedient to God?
• How have your seen God help someone in your community? Share the story.
• Have you ever had a friend turn on you? How did you feel?  Was there good reason?  Did you become friends again?
• Describe what it means to be emptied of oneself. Is this a hard or easy thing to do?
• For what purpose would one choose to be emptied?
• How does your posture during prayer speak to God?
• Do you think God prefers formal or informal prayer?
• How is being human like being a slave? To what would a human be a slave to?
• Have others ever been upset with you because you did something nice for another person? Do you have regrets?
• How does it make you feel that Jesus already knows all you have done and all you will do, both good and bad? Be specific.

 

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Lord, you hold nothing back

 ALL:  let me be your voice!

Leader:  Lord, you hold nothing back

ALL:  let me be your heart!

Leader: Lord, you hold nothing back

 ALL:  let me be your Spirit!

Leader:  Lord, you hold nothing back

ALL:  let me be your servant!

 

Leader:  Lord, you hold nothing back

ALL:  let me be your love!

Leader:  Lord, you hold nothing back

ALL:  let me be your hands!

Leader:  Lord, you hold nothing back

ALL:  let me be your beloved!

 

Challenge for the Week:  Next week is Holy Week.  What do you do to prepare for this celebration?  The week starts with Palm Sunday and ends with Easter Sunday but what do you on the day’s in-between?  Do you spend these days as any other?  What can you differently this year that you have not done to prepare yourself so you can fully enter into the week?  Create a plan, set aside extra time for prayer, take advantage of the special services at church to help you enter in more deeply to the week.  Holy Week is not just your ordinary week, nor is it something that you have to endure before Easter.  Each day is an opportunity for you to grow in faith, to learn more about God’s infinite love, mercy and forgiveness.  What will you do on this Holy Week?

Third Sunday of Lent

 

Opening Prayer

Father

Thank you for being patient with me!

I begin my day with you

determined to keep you close.

I fail to see you in the people I meet,

Temptations reveal themselves

and I crumble and fall.

When I lay my head down to sleep,

I know I failed and ask forgiveness.

And in the morning,

you allow me to start again!

Father, thank you for being patient with me!

AMEN!

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Exodus 20:1-17

• What do the 10 commandments mean to you? What is the importance of them in your life?
• Do you find the commandments as written relevant to the world today? Why or why not?

 1 Corinthians 1:22-25

• Define foolishness in the eyes of God vs human eyes. What are the similarities and differences in the definitions?  What makes them so?
• Define weakness in the eyes of God vs human eyes. What are the similarities and differences in the definitions?  What makes them so?

 John 2:13-25

• When have you put God on the spot and tested him like they did in the scripture? What was the situation?  What was the outcome?
• If Jesus could build a temple in three days, what could He do with you if you allowed Him to be your only focus for three days? Describe what that would look like, how it would feel and what you’d want to take with you at the end.
• What specifically makes Jesus upset in this scripture? Make a list of the things and identify ways these things are happening in the world today.

 

 General Questions for Journaling

• Can you think of things that have been around a long time like the commandments? What others things are there?
• Are the commandments easy or hard to follow or understand? Is it better to only follow/focus on the two Jesus gave us?
• How do you celebrate “Sabbath” or a day of rest? How is God a part of that day?
• Would you consider yourself a slave? What are you a slave to?  Is this good or bad?
• Do you believe God punishes people? Why or why not?  What does the bible say to support your belief?
• Do you believe God shows mercy to people? Why or why not?  What does the bible say to support your belief?
• Do you believe God blesses people? Why or why not?  What does the bible say to support your belief?
• How does your faith affect how you see situations going on in the world today? Be specific.  Share and example.
• How are you like a temple? What are you made of?  What holds you together?  Are you under construction?  Are there places in you that are not being used?

 

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Let me live out the commandments

 ALL:  and encourage instead of discourage!

Leader:  Let me live out the commandments

ALL:  and respect myself and others!

Leader: Let me live out the commandments

 ALL:  and speak truth in all things!

Leader:  Let me live out the commandments

ALL:  and refrain from judgment!

Leader:  Let me live out the commandments

ALL:  and not give into temptation!

Leader:  Let me live out the commandments

ALL:  and KNOW I am created by God!

 

Challenge for the Week:  In the second reading, St Paul talks about “stumbling blocks” that keep us from seeing the world the way God sees it.  What are some of those stumbling blocks for you?  What keeps you from having the relationship you want with God?  What keeps you from having the relationship you want with your spouse, your kids, your siblings?  Spend time this week and identify the things in you that “trip you up” and keep you from having or perusing what you desire.  How can you transform the stumbling blocks into stepping stones?

Second Sunday of Lent

 

Opening Prayer

Father God

Am I to give up

what I love the most

in order to be close

to you?

Your one desire

is for me to love you

with all of my heart

mind and soul!

Let me give you my love

without restrictions

without boundaries

without conditions.

AMEN!

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Genesis 22:1-2, 9a, 10-13, 15-18

• Have you ever heard God’s voice and followed even though you questioned?
• What are the things you withhold from God? How can the season of Lent help you to open up?
• Describe what you think God’s blessing means to Abraham.

 Romans 8:31b-34

• Have you ever been in a situation where God stood up for you? What tells you God was there?  What was the outcome?
• What is the difference between “God with us” and “God for us”?

 Mark 9:2-10

• What do you believe is the message of this scripture? Is there anything specific that strikes you as something requiring more personal reflection?
• Again we read, God says, “This is my beloved Son”. When were these words spoken before?  What are the similarities and differences from the two times these words were spoken and what is the significance?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• Have you ever been too tired, too sad or too angry to pray? Share the experience.
• Is there anyone whom you trust 100%, without question? What makes this so?
• Make a list of things you can’t live without. How many of these things are tangible?  If they are people, what specifically is it that you couldn’t live without?
• Have you ever gone against what you believe is God’s will? What was the situation?  What was the outcome?
• Do you think God has favorites? Do you think God treats each person the same?
• Have you been called to stand up for someone? Is it a specific person(s) or a group of people?  What tells you this is your charge?  How do you know God wants you to intercede?
• Have you ever experienced something so amazing it is hard to explain to another person? What makes it hard to explain?
• Share a time when you experienced something with someone and afterwards saw that person in a different light. (It could be for the positive or for the negative)
• Is there something in your life which needs “light” shone on it?
• Have you turned a “blind-eye” to a situation which needs your attention or maybe God’s attention?

 

Closing Prayer

Leader:  When I feel sunlight on my skin…

 ALL:  Lord, let me get a glimpse of you!

Leader:  When I smell a newborn baby…

ALL:  Lord, let me get a glimpse of you!

Leader: When I hear rolling thunder…

 ALL:  Lord, let me get a glimpse of you!

Leader:  When I see a hummingbird fly…

ALL:  Lord, let me get a glimpse of you

Leader:  When I bite into a juice peach…

ALL:  Lord, let me get a glimpse of you

Leader:  When I open myself up…

ALL:  Lord, let me get a glimpse of you

 

Challenge for the Week:  The season of Lent calls us to be more disciplined with our prayer, our giving and our sacrifice but really what it is drawing us to, is to be in deeper relationship with Jesus.  Spend time this week considering what it would have been like to walk with Jesus when he traveled around.  What would you learn?  What would you feel?  Do you think you could have those same experiences right now?  What if I said, YES!  You can walk with Jesus in the present time.  He is already with you and through prayer, giving and sacrifice you can become more aware of the voice directing you.  What are you waiting for???

First Sunday of Lent

 

Opening Prayer

Creator God

A promise made with words

is just a bunch of words.

A promise without action

remains unfulfilled.

You, my God

have made promises

It is my faith and YOUR WORD

which tells me

I have nothing to fear

because you are with me!

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Genesis 9:8-15

• What does this scripture tell you about the things God loves?
• What is Noah’s response? What is his role in making God’s promise complete?  What is your role in it?

 1 Peter 3:18-22

• The scripture says “saved by water”. Reflect on the similarities of the flood of the First Reading and your own Baptism.  Does this change your perspective or understanding of these events in anyway?
• Look for the references to each person in the Holy Trinity in this scripture. What do these references reveal about each person and how can the characteristics help you through your experience of Lent?

 Mark 1:12-15

• Share a time when you, like Jesus in the Gospel was surrounded by wild beasts.
• Share a time when you, like Jesus in the Gospel was ministered to by angels.
• What does the scripture mean that this is a time of fulfillment?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• What sign(s) of God’s love have been present in your life today?
• How do you show signs of love to others?
• Do you show love to others naturally or do you have to work to show love to others?
• Are promises easy or difficult to keep? Why or why not?
• What confirms for you that God will keep his promise(s)? Be specific.
• How can the suffering of Christ be a beacon of strength for you during Lent?
• Do you believe God can be disobedient? Why or why not?
• How have you been disobedient to God in the past? How does this affect your relationship with Him?  How does it affect your relationship with others?
• Are there circumstances in your life or relationships where there is an absence of God?
• What does conversion mean to you? Why is conversion important?
• On a scale from 1-10 how much do you believe it is possible to “create something new” within yourself? How willing are you to put in the effort needed to do this?
• At Ash Wednesday services you will hear, “You are dust and to dust you shall return” and/or “Turn away from sin and be faithful to the Gospel” as ashes are placed on your forehead. What do these words really mean and how can you take them to heart this Lent?

 

Closing Prayer – Inspired by Psalm 25

Leader:  Holy Spirit come….

 ALL:  bring me awareness of your presence!

Leader:  Holy Spirit come…

ALL:  guide me in your truth!

Leader: Holy Spirit come…

 ALL:  teach me your goodness and kindness!

Leader:  Holy Spirit come…

ALL:  show me compassion and love!

Leader:  Holy Spirit come…

ALL:  lead me to justice and truth!

Leader:  Holy Spirit come…

ALL:  make me a covenant of your promises!

 

Challenge for the Week:  Ash Wednesday begins the 40 day journey of Lent.  Like Jesus, you journey into the desert to be tempted and tested by things which distract you from the promises of God.  Are you prepared for the journey?  What have you brought along in your survival kit or travel bag to help you through the 40 days before Easter?  Lent is a time for renewal but in order for something to be renewed, it must die or shed it’s skin in order to reveal newness of life.  Use the Lenten practices of Prayer, Fasting and Alms-giving to get closer to God and deepen your faith!

6th Sunday of Ordinary Time

 

Opening Prayer

My God

In my shame,

I run and hide

In my guilt,

I turn away

I am infected

and you are the cure

Each dose of your Word

brings me healing

I never leave your presence empty

with you I am filled!

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Leviticus 13:1-2, 44-46

• How do you relate to those who are labeled as a leper?
• When have you acted like Moses and Aaron and forced another to be exposed or excommunicated?
• Are there people in the world today which you dub as unclean? What are your criteria for determining they are unclean?

1 Corinthians 10:31-11:1

• What does it mean to “do everything for the glory of God”? Share examples
• Think back to yesterday and determine if you were aware of God’s presence all day. Were there gaps?
• What times of the day or what activities are the most difficult for you to be aware of God’s presence in your life?

 Mark 1:40-45

• Jesus reached out in pity, when have you felt Jesus reach out to you with pity? What was the situation?  What was the outcome?
• Would you be able to contain yourself if you were healed and not tell anyone or would you be like the leper who shared with everyone the good that was done?
• How is the leper in the first reading treated differently or the same as the leper in the Gospel reading? What lesson do you take from this?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• Do you bear a scar or flaw which you cover up so others cannot see? Why are you afraid for others to see?
• Have ever felt shunned or left out? What was the outcome of the situation?
• Do you cover your scabs or leave them exposed? What is the benefit of both?
• Have you ever left someone out because of an imparity?
• Do you have a hero? An idol?  What characteristics draw you to them?
• Who in your family do you take after? What traits do you have in common?
• Did you “inherit” family traits which you are proud of or ones with which you struggle?
• What traits do you have in common with Jesus? Do these come naturally or do you work at them?
• Have you ever done something which caused you much attention?
• How can you use your scars to bring healing to others?

 

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Lord, let me see what you see!

 ALL:  When I see illness,

Leader:  Lord, you see wellness.

ALL:  When I see something broken,

Leader: Lord, you see it whole.

 ALL:  When I see poverty,

Leader:  Lord, you see richness.

ALL:  When I see sin,

Leader:  Lord, you see forgiveness.

ALL:  When I see death,

Leader:  Lord, you see life.

ALL:  Lord, let me see what you see!

 

Challenge for the Week:  A movie I saw a while back was about a 30 year old woman who had been overweight in high school gathered her group of friends together to celebrate meeting her weight loss.  Her weight had kept her from participating in activities and stood in her way as an obstacle.  It was even a source of jokes among her friends and she accepted and allowed the derogatory names.  Her journey in losing the weight was not just a physical journey but an emotional and spiritual one as well.  She changed her thoughts.  No longer did she allow people to call her names or make jokes about her size, nor did she hesitate to participate in the things she wanted to, even if it was more difficult because of her weight.  When she called her friends together, they didn’t recognize her.  She had imagined being able to celebrate this achievement of her weight loss with her friends and that they would be proud of her.  Instead, they all were wrapped up in their own battles of self-loathing they were unable to be happy for their friend.  The people she had looked up to and wanted to be like had become “Ugly People”(I believe this is the title of the movie).  I share this as a challenge for you to make sure you are not too focused on your faults or scars that you are unaware of others around you.  Also to perhaps open you up to something you will work on over the upcoming weeks of Lent.  Jesus saw many unclean people, riddled with many diseases and he welcomed them in so they could be healed.  What can you do this Lent to follow in Jesus’ footsteps?  Remember though, you must first be healed before you can go out and give healing to others.