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!

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Acts 10:34a, 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 have been lived out in your life.
• Identify your source of strength when you witness (testify) to God’s love, mercy, forgiveness, etc.

 Colossians 3:1-4

• How have 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

• Who are the people in your life who have your back? How do you know?
• 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?
• How has your Lenten experience helped you prepare for the Triduum?
• 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

Holy are you Lord

King of Kings

Lord of Lord

Son of God

Hosanna in the Highest

All praise and honor to YOU!

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Isaiah 50:4-7

• Define a well-trained tongue. Would you say your tongue is well trained?
• Where do you see God each morning? How do you know He has your back?

 Philippians 2:6-11

• How have you emptied yourself to Christ this Lenten season? It is not too late.
• How does your body language show respect or disrespect to God when you pray? How can you better show the reverence you say you have with your words, through your body language?

 Luke 22:14-23:56

• What have you done to reject God in the last month, week, day, hour? What was the “benefit” we received?
• When did you last serve another person? How did you serve them?  What was your motivation?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• Who are the people in your life who have your back? How do you know?
• When have you defended another person’s honor or integrity or character?
• Have you ever had someone stand up for your honor, integrity or character?
• When do you desire for things to stay the same? What are the conditions which cause you to want things to stay the same?
• How do you feel about change? When do you desire change?
• 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 our life where we have fallen asleep? How might God be calling you to wake up?

 

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:   Choose a scripture passage (limit to 3-5 words) from this weekend’s readings to focus on this week.  As we approach Holy Week, in the Catholic Church we sometimes get wrapped up in the ritual and movement, forgetting the meaning behind all of the pomp and circumstance.  Use the scripture passage you chose to connect in a deeper way to the experience of Jesus, of the people around Him and the situation at hand.  Seek to find a connection to an experience or situation you are currently or recently have been dealing with and then determine how God is leading you to conversion through this experience or situation.  Don’t worry if the experience or situation doesn’t directly relate to you; we should learn from others mistakes and triumphs just as well.  What will your scriptural mantra be this week???

Fifth Sunday of Lent

 

Opening Prayer

Lord,

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!

 

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

• How can you accept loss? What does that look like?
• 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?

 Luke 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?  What caused you to overcome?
• How has God shown His presence to you today?
• 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?

 

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.

Fourth Sunday of Lent

 

Opening Prayer

Lord, Let us come to you,

when we are weak and weary.

Have us reach out to you,

when we don’t know the way.

May we cling to you,

when we are overcome…

with darkness AND with joy,

YOU, Father, are all we ever need!!!

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Joshua 5:9a, 10-12

• How does God care for the Israelites? How does He care for you today?
• The Israelites were guided to the Promised Land…can you relate your life to the journey of the Israelites? How is it similar?  How is it different?

 2Corinthians 5:17-21

• Where do you see reconciliation in the world? In the church?
• Can you let things go? How can you allow God to release you from your burdens?

 Luke 15:1-3, 11-32

• What message does Jesus send with this parable? Can you list at least three?
• Where do you find yourself in the parable at this point in your life? Are you working hard, doing what you are supposed to be doing like the Older Son?  Are you squandering away the gifts God has given you like the Younger Son?  Can you find it in yourself to welcome the sinner home with open arms like the Father?  Are you

 

General Questions for Journaling

• How is Lent like the Israelites wandering in the desert? What was their final destination?  How is that like our Lent/Easter?
• What traditions do you have? Where did they come from?  Are they hereditary?  Are they cultural?  Are they religious?  How do these traditions form you?  What makes them so sacred?
• What can you do to learn from God how to forgive and forget?
• What do you give to Jesus to make Him righteous? How do your words or actions give Jesus “wings” or a “leg to stand on”?
• Does Christ live within you? How do you know?  Can others tell?
• How do you rejoice when you find something you have lost?
• Is it easier to give forgiveness or ask for forgiveness? Why?

 

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Each time we turn our backs on you…

ALL:  Lord, you welcome us home!

Leader:  Each time we ignore your Words…

 ALL:  Lord, you welcome us home!

Leader:  Each time we whine and complain…

 ALL:  Lord, you welcome us home!

Leader:  Each time we go in the wrong direction…

ALL:  Lord, you welcome us home!

Leader:  Each time we say the wrong thing…

ALL:  Lord, you welcome us home!

Leader:  Each time we sin…

ALL:  Lord, you welcome us home!

 

 

Challenge for the Week:   Make a list of the synonyms of forgive.  How many can you come up with?  Try this week to use these synonyms in your life through word and action.  Where can you “restore harmony”?  Is there a “hatchet” you need to “bury”?  Once you have used all of the synonyms on yourself in your own life, see what injustices there are which you can help to “reconcile” in your community.  Aim to use each synonym you come up with at least once, get out there and “patch things up”!

Third Sunday of Lent

 

Opening Prayer

Lord

We are planted in the garden of life

starting as a tiny seed;

tucked away in the darkness.

Your word feeds us…Good works nourish us…

We struggle to break through

emerging ever slowly;

reaching toward the SON!

Your spirit sustains us…Love surrounds us…

AMEN!

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Exodus 3: 1-8a, 13-15

• Put yourself in the place of Moses…what do you feel? What do you do?  How are you called to action?
• Can you see evidence of the trinity in this scripture?

 1 Corinthians 10:1-6, 10-12

• What spiritual food and drink do you consume?
• What evil do you desire?

 Luke 13:1-9

• A gardener needs to pull weeds, cut off dead branches and prune in order to generate new growth; when have you seen new growth in your life from pulling, cutting and pruning?
• How is God like a gardener to the world? To you?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• Where do you find holy ground? What is your definition?  What makes it holy?
• When have you witnessed something holy? Where were you?  Did you know it was holy at the time or was it revealed to you in retrospect?
• How is God calling you into action today?
• In what ways do you care for the earth? Do you do it out of obligation or another reason?  Be specific.
• What are some of the qualities you value in friendship? Who are the people whom you spend the most time?  What do you have in common with them?  What keeps you connected?
• Where does God/Jesus/Holy Spirit fall in line with your friends? What value do you place on your relationship with each of the members of the trinity?
• God wants us to tend to one another; what can you do to fertilize others around you?

 

Closing Prayer

Leader:  You call us by name…

ALL:  Here I am Lord!

Leader:  You wait patiently for our answer…

 ALL:  Here I am Lord!

Leader:  You walk with us through the desert…

 ALL:  Here I am Lord!

Leader:  You sit with us during the storm…

ALL:  Here I am Lord!

Leader:  You carry us when we turn away…

ALL:  Here I am Lord!

Leader:  You call us each to fulfill a purpose…

ALL:  Here I am Lord; find me READY!

 

 

Challenge for the Week:   In the first reading we see Moses’ conversion, his turning from the old ways and beginning anew with God.  When have you experienced a conversion?  During Lent each person is called to a conversion of self, turn away from sin and toward the Gospel.  We should be letting go of a bad habit or trying to practice a new life-giving habit.  Check in this week on how you are doing so far this Lent.  Have you made progress in developing a deeper relationship with God, yourself and others?  Can you see evidence of a conversion happening?  It is not too late to make this Lent a meaningful one…make sure you are on course for having a productive Lent!

Second Sunday of Lent

 

Opening Prayer

Lord

We are reminded of your covenant

as each new day brings us a fresh start.

You shine on us bringing forth the light

which you planted within each of us.

Leading us down the path of righteousness

walking with us through the dark places.

With you Lord, each day of the journey

is filled with peace and joy!

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Genesis 15:5-12, 17-18

• How would you respond to God if you were Abram?
• What covenant does God make with Abram? How do the terms of the covenant affect you?
• What is the purpose of sacrificing animals? What is being communicated through these offerings?

 Philippian 3:17-4:1 or 3:20-4:1

• What earthly things are keeping you from Jesus?
• How do you imitate God?
• How do you know if something is glorified? Does it look, smell, taste, feel different?

 Luke 9:28b-36

• Why do you think people in the Bible go up to the mountain to pray? What is the significance?  What should we learn from this action?
• Why is it good for the disciples to be there on the mountain? Why is it also good for the disciples to come down?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• Have you ever promised God something? What was it and did you make good on the promise?
• How does God make himself known to you? Where do you see/feel Him?
• Is the God of the Old Testament different than the God of the New Testament? Why or why not?  What do the scholars say?
• How does your life change when you turn toward Jesus or turn away from Jesus?
• What does God ask each Christian to let go of in order to be a Christian?
• God loves your enemies? What can you do to follow His lead?
• How do you come to know Jesus better? Write down all you know about Jesus.  Do you know anyone who needs to have this information?
• Where have you seen God in everyday situations?
• How do you know God is real?

 

Closing Prayer

Leader:  As the day comes to a close and darkness fills the sky…

ALL:  I hear your voice, Lord.

Leader:  When I surrender to the silence of the night…

 ALL:  I hear your voice, Lord.

Leader:  In the birds who chirp their welcome to a new day…

 ALL:  I hear your voice, Lord.

Leader:  As I say my prayers and pause for a response…

ALL:  I hear your voice, Lord.

Leader:  When I go forth to see what my day has in store…

ALL:  I hear your voice, Lord,

        guiding me, leading me up the mountain!

 

 Challenge for the Week:   Jesus said our joy may be complete in HIM.  What does this mean?  How do you find joy?  Is it something you can put on like a shirt?  Can it be fake? NO!  Joy comes from God and doing what is right and pleasing to Him.  Lent is a time of discipline, fasting and remembering the sacrifices Jesus made for us…spend time finding the joy in all of that!

First Sunday of Lent

 

Opening Prayer

Heavenly Father

You lead us through the desert places of our lives

so we may be refreshed and made new

You put before us a banquet feast to nourish us

so we may be filled with your goodness

You gave your life to show us love without conditions

so we may share that gift with others

Thank you Lord!

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Deuteronomy 26:4-10

• What do you lay at the altar of God?
• How does being in the desert change your perspective?

 Romans 10:8-13

• How do you proclaim Jesus as Lord? Is it evident you are a Christian through your words? Your actions? Both?
• When did you last call on God? What was it for and what was the response?

 Luke 4:1-13

• The devil tempts Jesus to be self-glorifying; where do you see this behavior in the world today?
• How does the devil tempt you to turn away from God?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• When has God delivered you from a bad situation?
• Identify a time when you felt alone or abandoned. Can you look back and see God there with you?
• What are the communities which you dwell? Give them each a rating on a 1-10 scale on how they show/share the Gospel message.
• How can love be blind?
• When did you first understand unconditional love?
• Does love require effort? Why or why not?
• How are you exercising your faith?

 

Closing Prayer

Leader:  We are called from the desert places

ALL:  to share your love with others.

Leader:  We are called from the desert places

 ALL:  to set captives free.

Leader:  We are called from the desert places

 ALL:  to visit the lonely and oppressed.

Leader:  We are called from the desert places

ALL:  to show mercy and kindness.

Leader:  We are called from the desert places

ALL:  to shine YOUR light for all to see!

 

 

Challenge for the Week:   Do you have a faith story?  Of course you do!  Just like in the business world where people have “elevator speeches” which describe and highlight their accomplishments and successes; Christians should have a faith story.  Spend time this week putting together your own personal faith story; include pivotal moments, desert places and mountain top experiences.  Include specific scripture passages which carried you through the bad times or sustain you in the good times.  Write it down and then put it in your Bible so it can be added to the many other stories of our salvation HIStory!

Fifth Sunday of Ordinary Time

 

Opening Prayer

Father,

I hear you calling but I’m held back by…

fear and resentment

judgment and selfishness

sin and shame

Wipe away those things that bind me

Let me walk with you to edge

and take the leap of faith!

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Isaiah 6:1-2a, 3-8

• Whom do you fear? Of what are you afraid?  Where does your fear come from?
• How to you tell God you are ready to do His will?

 1Corinthians 15:1-11 (15:3-8, 11)

• Have you fallen asleep to the purpose you have been called for? What can you do to find the passion and drive to go on?
• How would you describe someone who is “fit” to serve God?

 Luke 5:1-11

• When have you doubted God? What was your situation?  How did God change your heart?
• Are there people who are in deep waters who need you to come and bring them to the shore?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• How has God made you worthy of His love?
• Have you ever been paralyzed by fear?  What was the situation?  How did you overcome the fear?
• How has your life been shaken up?  Where was God during the storm?
• What has God called you to do?  Do you minimize the importance of your purpose?
• How many people from the Bible (old and new testaments) can you name who encountered God but felt they were not worthy?
• How many people from the Bible (old and new testaments) can you name whose lives were changed when they took a leap of faith to trust God entirely?
• How is grace distributed?
• What “work” is required to receive faith?  Grace?  Love?

 

Closing Prayer

Leader:  You created me with the will to choose…

ALL:  Let me choose YOU!

Leader:  You gave me a name and purpose…

 ALL:  Let me serve YOU!

Leader:  You walk the road ahead of me…

 ALL:  Let me follow YOU!

Leader:  You call me into the deep waters…

ALL:  Let me trust YOU!

Leader:  You welcome me to the shore…

ALL:  Let me be there with YOU!

 

 Challenge for the Week:   Spend time reflecting this week on a time in your life that is comparable to the experience of the fishermen…when was God asking you to do something you didn’t want to do because you thought you had exhausted all possibilities.  Did you do as He asked anyways?  Did you choose to ignore the suggestion and go a different direction?  Regardless of which path you took, share your story with someone to show how God blew you out of the deep water and onto the shore and how you would do it all over again (the same or differently) as a witness of your faith.

Fourth Sunday of Ordinary Time

 

Opening Prayer

Father

You knew us before we were born

You know where our path leads

You continue to love and guide us

You open your arms to welcome us

Home!

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Jeremiah 1:4-5, 17-19

• Jeremiah is trying to stir up the people to prepare for battle; what battles are you gearing up for which requires you to be firm in your faith and understanding of who God is to you?
• Who cries out for peace and justice today? What do they say?  Do people believe and follow?

 1Corinthians 12:31–13:13

• What does this scripture tell you about love? Have you seen love like this?
• How do you learn of love? How is love taught?  Where does it come from?  Does love have limits?  Is there a capacity for love?

 Luke 4:21-30

• What does it mean to be humble? How is humility shown in this scripture?
• Are there people in your life whom you have a hard time believing? What is it that causes you not to trust their words or actions?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• Are there things in your life which you are willing to die for?
• What are things which require a fight?  Are you fighting or simply a spectator?
• Do you feel called to step up and step in to lessen an injustice?  What holds you back?
• Where does your strength to fight an injustice come from?  Is it provoked from outside or stirred up from inside?
• Does God ask too much of you?  When?  How?
• Can good come from bad things?  How does one grow through conflict?
• Can you love too much?  Why or why not?
• Can you be loved too much?  Why or why not?

 

Closing Prayer

Leader:  You created me out of love…

ALL:  without YOU I am nothing!

Leader: You breathed life into me…

ALL:  without YOU I am nothing!

Leader:  You gave me a purpose…

 ALL:  without YOU I am nothing!

Leader:  You laid out the laws…

 ALL:  without YOU I am nothing!

Leader:  You cleared a path…

ALL:  without YOU I am nothing!

Leader:  You surrendered and died…

ALL:  without YOU I am nothing!

Leader:  You rose and gave me new life…

ALL:  without YOU I am nothing!

 

Challenge for the Week:   Make a list of ways people can say and show love.   How many can you come up with?  Are there ways in which love can be expressed that you don’t feel comfortable sharing?  When you give love, do you always get love in return?  Sometimes we do and other times the love we give isn’t reciprocated…is that a requirement of love?  Be mindful of the love you give this week, does it have limits, restrictions, requirements?  Does the love you receive from others?  Reflect on the second reading as you focus on love; what is your heart needing to hear?

Third Sunday of Ordinary Time

 

Opening Prayer

God of day and God of night,

Each morning the sun rises

and shimmers light upon the earth;

The trees bend and sway

giving way to the winds of each season;

Creatures scurry about

completing the days work;

As the light fades into darkness

may we be content as we rest in YOU!

 

Journal/Reflection Questions
Nehemiah 8:2-4a, 5-6, 8-10

• Why does Ezra say this day is holy? What makes it so?
• What in this reading gives you cause to celebrate?

 1Corinthians 12:12-30

• What does this scripture tell you about the gifts you have been given? How does God see them and their value?
• Do some gifts have more importance than others? Have you discounted some of your gifts?  Why?  What can you do to see your gifts as God sees them?

 Luke 1:1-4 – 4:14-21

• How does Jesus fulfill the scripture he read in the synagogue?
• All who are baptized in the Holy Spirit have been anointed with the ability to bring good tidings to the poor, set captives free and give sight to the blind…how do you live out these tasks?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• How does the past affect your future?
• Can someone live in the past? Can someone live in the future?
• What is the difference between living forward and living backward?
• How does God share His hope for your future?
• What gifts have been highlighted in your today?
• What gifts have you seen in others today?
• Share a time when you experienced working together with others to achieve a common goal. What did it feel like?  Were there conflicts?  What was the outcome?
• Is there a gift you share with others more than another?
• Have you ever intentionally kept gifts you keep to yourself?
• Do you have gifts you don’t use?

 

Closing Prayer

Leader:  May we rest in God’s Spirit…

ALL:  as we begin each day.

Leader:  May we rest in God’s Spirit…

ALL:  as we struggle to focus.

Leader:  May we rest in God’s Spirit…

 ALL:  as we encounter giants.

Leader:  May we rest in God’s Spirit…

ALL:  as we celebrate victories.

Leader:  May we rest in God’s Spirit…

ALL:  as we embrace a loving God!

 

Challenge for the Week:   Take time this week and unfold the second reading (the long version).  Identify the characteristics of a person whom would be each of the different parts of the body described in the scripture.  Then write a prayer to help you remember the importance of each of these personality types and to help you to accept the challenges and joys of working together