Second Sunday of Ordinary Time

 

Opening Prayer

Lord Jesus,

You are generous beyond compare.

The wellspring of your love never runs dry.

You are the giver of all that is good.

We shout from the rooftop… praise to YOU above all!

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Isaiah 62:1-5

• How do you know God loves you? How would you explain this kind of love to someone who had never met God?
• God calls you His delight and promises not to forsaken you…what other names does God give you? What other promises does He make?

 1 Corinthians 12:4-11

• What gift(s) do you have? How do you use it/them?
• Are you jealous of a specific gift? Why?  What would you do with it if you had it?
• When have you seen a variety of gifts work together for good?
• What specific gift is needed in your family right now? In your work place?  In your community?

 John 2:1-11

• Compare your life to the wine which was served first and your future to the water which was turned into wine. Can you find hope in the comparison?
• Put yourself in the scripture. Imagine yourself as the head waiter, the bride/groom, the guests, Mary.  What are you thinking?  How do you make sense of what happened?  Whom do you share this occurrence with and how?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• What names do you call God?
• Does comparing God’s love to the marriage union still hold value when people get divorced or don’t get married at all? Why or why not?
• How does God know you love Him? Do you tell Him?  Do you show Him?  What do you do?
• Does God show partiality among denominations? Why or why not?
• Do you believe the phrase, “you get what you pay for”? What does it mean?  How can you translate it to faith?
• Have you ever wished for something? Do you believe in wishes?
• Is there anyone in your life whom you trust will provide for all of your needs? Do you think it is a rarity or surplus in life to have one or more people?
• Have you ever been asked to give more than you thought was expected? What was the situation?  How did it affect your attitude?  What was the outcome?

 

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Created for a purpose…

ALL:  turn us into wine.

Leader:  Washed clean by our Baptism…

ALL:  turn us into wine.

Leader:  Saved by your power…

 ALL:  turn us into wine.

Leader:  Made whole with your love…

 ALL:  turn us into wine.

Leader:  Changed from water into wine…

ALL:  to be a witness of YOUR miracles!

 

Challenge for the Week:   One name for God is King of Glory and we call Jesus the King of Kings who reigns over the Kingdom of God.  The First Reading says we are “crowned” as children of the Most High King.  What does it feel like to have a crown?  If you were to actually wear a crown, how would it change your behavior?  What words would you use to describe royalty; do any of these words describe you?  Why or why not?  This week during your prayer time, before you get out of bed or after you brush your teeth, make a point to crown yourself with an imaginary crown and remind yourself of your royal bloodline!

Baptism of the Lord

 

Opening Prayer

Lord

We cry out to YOU,

seeking grace and mercy;

But we stumble and fall

on the rugged path.

Like a Shepherd, you scoop us up

in your arms and care for us;

YOU give us what we long for…

Fill us Lord, make us whole!

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Isaiah 42:1-4, 6-7

• What are some of the things God would be pleased about in the world today? Be specific.
• How is God pleased with you?

 Acts 10:34-38

• Why does God give us salvation?
• God is so generous with His gifts; what can you do to be more giving of love, mercy and understanding?

 Luke 3:15-16, 21-22

• When have your or did you last see someone whom you knew had Jesus within them? How do/did you know?  What did you feel?  What did you see?
• Do you live your life as though you were baptized with the FIRE of the Holy Spirit? What does that look like?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• Where do you see God’s love?
• When did you last experience Baptism? What can you do to keep that experience real and close to you all the time?
• How has God built you up? What gift (s) do you have which others do not have?
• How have you been delivered from darkness?
• Is there anyone you know who lives in darkness? What can you or have you done to share God’s light with them?
• When do you feel strongest in spirit?
• What does the power of God feel like?
• What does the power of the devil feel like?
• How do you connect people to God? In what ways do you do this?
• Who are the people who have pointed to God in your life? How did their example form you?
• What are you doing to pass on the faith to others?
• Where do you go and what do you do to keep strong in the faith?
• How do you stay close to Jesus?
• How do you stay connected to your baptism?

 

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Through the waters of Baptism…

ALL:  We are CLEANED!

Leader:  Through the waters of Baptism…

ALL:  We are PURE!

Leader:  Through the waters of Baptism…

 ALL:  We are SATISFIED!

Leader:  Through the waters of Baptism…

 ALL:  We are WHOLE!

Leader:  Through the waters of Baptism…

ALL:  We are LOVED!

 

Challenge for the Week:   If we believe we are saved and redeemed by God’s grace and that HE is merciful and full of forgiveness….and if we believe Baptism washes away our sin; why do we not feel worthy of God’s praise?  How come we don’t feel as though we are worthy of God’s saying our name and then ‘you are my son/daughter; with you I am well pleased’?  Is there ever a time when we will feel “good enough” or “holy” enough to be worthy of these words to be said to us?  Allow these words to be said to you each day, multiple times in the day.  Say them to yourself as a part of your daily prayer and devotion time.  Say them out loud when you find yourself being tempted to sin.  Let God’s love, grace, mercy and forgiveness wash over you as though it is the waters of Baptism.

Epiphany of the Lord

 

Opening Prayer

Savior

May we rise each morning

with the fire of your spirit within us.

May we run toward the light

and find you waiting with anticipation.

May we soak up the splendor of your love

until it overflows onto all we encounter.

Let us live forever changed

by your loving presence!

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Isaiah 60:1-6

• Where do you see God’s light shining in your life? In your family?  In your community?  At work?
• How can you celebrate God’s Glory?

Ephesians 3:2-3a, 5-6

• Can you measure the love of God? The grace of God?  The mercy of God?  The forgiveness of God?
• Describe how you are a co-partner in the promise of Christ.

 Matthew 2:1-12

• How did the magi know, after their long journey, the baby Jesus was the one they had come to see?
• What can you learn from the magi in this scripture about faith?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• What draws people to love God?
• Where do people go to search for God? Do you think they find Him there?
• What are some things which might keep people from finding God?
• Do you think you live up to the potential God has in mind for you?
• Share a time when you witnessed God’s grace at work.
• Name three gifts which God has given you which are precious to you.
• Name three gifts which God has given you which are precious to others.
• Have you ever felt motivated by God to do something which seemed out of the ordinary or ridiculously crazy?
• Define a pilgrimage. Have you ever been on a pilgrimage?
• What has been the furthest distance you have traveled? What was the purpose of your traveling?
• What do the stars tell you about God?

 

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Lord, you are a shining light…

ALL:  shine so we might find you in the darkness.

Leader:  Lord, you are a shining light…

ALL:  let your light be a beacon when we are weary.

Leader:  Lord, you are a shining light…

 ALL:  spotlight the path we must follow.

Leader:  Lord, you are a shining light…

 ALL:  consume us so others see your glow within us.

Leader:  Lord, you are a shining light…

ALL:  awaken us to your radiance!

 

Challenge for the Week:   God is shining His light on us all of the time, even when we aren’t feeling too much like being radiant.  Imagine having a spotlight on you all of the time, how would you feel, how might you act differently?  What happens when the “spotlight” shines on some people…some shy away from the light and others ham-it-up.  Reflect this week on the difference of God’s light verses the spotlight of the world.  What can you do to change which light you seek to shine on you and how can you shine God’s light on others so they might seek to shine in God’s light on their own.

Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph

 

Opening Prayer

Jesus

We pray with great anxiety

for there are times when we cannot find you.

We search and we search

and we often overlook your presence.

May we be calmed by your Word

May we be settled by the sound of Your voice

You are there, calling out to us when we are lost

You will never leave us!

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Sirach 3:2-6

• Are there those whom you have trouble loving? How does knowing God loves them, help you love them too?
• Does the love you have for God look the same or different than the love you have for others?

 Colossians 3:12-21

• Where to do you see these qualities (compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience) at work in the world?
• How do you express these qualities? How often and to whom?

 Luke 2:41-52

• Can you relate to Mary and Joseph in this reading? Can you also relate to Jesus?  What is the difference?
• Where do you feel welcome and accepted? What does it look like?  Who is also there?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• Where does family rate in your life?
• How do you express your feelings toward your family? Do your actions express your feelings?
• What is the purpose of a family? Do you think your family fulfills its purpose?
• Does God get center reign in your family? Why or why not?  How do you know?
• What do you present to God as an offering for your commitment to Him?
• Have you ever bargained with God? What happened?
• Recall a time when you lost something of great value to you…what did you do? How did you feel?  Were you able to recover it?  Where did you find it?  Who helped you?
• Describe what remember of yourself as a child. What did you look like?  What were some of your favorite things?

 

Closing Prayer

Leader:  We are given our first breath

ALL:  because you love us!

Leader:  We serve in YOUR name

ALL:  because we love you!

Leader:  We accept and forgive

 ALL:  because you love others!

Leader:  We hold YOU close

 ALL:  because we love you!

Leader:  We are blessed

ALL:  because you love us!

 

Challenge for the Week:   +The Holy Family was not perfect in the eyes of the world.  Instead, it was made perfect through the eyes of God.  Think about how your family is also made perfect through the eyes of God.  How does this cause you to see others differently?  Are there people whom you will treat differently with this new perspective?  Perhaps there are some whom you need to forgive and welcome back in.  Allow God to make your family perfect J

Fourth Sunday of Advent

 

Opening Prayer

Prince of Peace and

Lord of Lords, be near to us.

Let your loving presence

fill our hearts and minds.

Be our strength

so we might do your will.

May we jump for joy

for you have come to be.

Embrace us in your love!

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Micah 5:1-4a

• How has God called you forth? What did He call you out to do?  What gifts has God given to you so you can complete the task He’s called you to do?
• How is peace given? How do you show it?

 Hebrews 10:5-10

• How did Jesus to the will of God? What ONE thing can you change to help you be more like Jesus?
• How do you prepare your body for the reception of Jesus’ body and blood at communion?

 Luke 1:39-45

• What causes you to leap for joy?
• With whom do you share your joy? How does family fit into your celebration?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• Where is God in poverty? Where is God in wealth?
• How do you embrace what you have been given? Do you show gratitude even when it is not what you expected it to be?
• When have you been disappointed in what you have been given? Are your expectations to blame for this?
• What would you say is the overall mission of all Christians?
• What do you sacrifice for the sake of faith/religion/God?
• Reflect on a time when you opened your doors to welcome another. What was the circumstance?  How was hospitality shown?  Was it easy or difficult?
• When were you shown hospitality from another? What made you feel welcomed?
• Light shown the way to where Jesus could be found, how are you shining light for others to find their way to Jesus?
• Mary visits her cousin, Joseph travels with his family to their place of origin…how are you drawn to family or where you come from this holiday season?
• What can you do to be more connected to family (and friends) this year?

 

Closing Prayer

Leader:  When we are weary…

ALL:  Come to us, Lord Jesus!

Leader:  When we are alone…

ALL:  Come to us, Lord Jesus!

Leader:  When we have no place to go…

 ALL:  Come to us, Lord Jesus!

Leader:  When darkness surrounds us…

 ALL:  Come to us, Lord Jesus!

Leader:  Be the star which guides our way…

ALL:  Come to us, Lord Jesus!

 

Challenge for the Week:   What is it about a newborn child which draws us in?  Some people are even hesitant to reach out to touch or hold a newborn for fear of what…afraid to hurt or harm or damage the precious child?  How does the “new life” change the lives of those around them?  Take time this week to consider what causes these feelings, this reaction.  Then relate it to your own feelings and reaction to the coming Jesus. 

Third Sunday of Advent

 

Opening Prayer

Sing with joy!

Sound the trumpets!

Awake!

Bring peace!

Shout out…the Savior is coming!

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Zephaniah 3:14-18a

• What keeps you from jumping for joy as you hear this scripture?
• Draw a picture of what you see happening in this scripture. Who is there?  What colors would you use to paint the scene?
• The scripture says, God will rejoice over you….what do you think He says?

 

Philippians 4:4-7

• How do you make your petitions known to God? Do you only focus on what you want/need?  How do you make the community prayers known?
• What keeps you from rejoicing the Lord always?
• What keeps you from showing kindness to all?

 

Luke 3:10-18

• Who do you turn to seeking direction? Who do you ask “what should I do”?
• Who are those who turn to you for guidance in answering this question?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• How do your celebrate God?
• When was the last time you shared the “Good News” with another person in everyday conversation?
• How does God show you He is present?
• How do you “cry out with joy or gladness”? Is it an oxymoron like “jumbo shrimp”?
• How much of your heart and mind would you say God consumes?
• Are there places you will not go because you fear God is not there?
• How do you let go of anxiety and stress?
• Is generosity taught? How does a person learn to be generous?

 

Closing Prayer

Leader:  When anxiety and fear overtake you…

ALL:  Be still the Lord is near.

Leader:  When judgement and accusations fill you…

ALL:  Be still the Lord is near.

Leader:  When weariness and fatigue consume you…

 ALL:  Be still the Lord is near.

Leader:  When you have no more to give…

 ALL:  Be still the Lord is near.

Leader:  He is waiting for you with open arms…

ALL:  Be still the Lord is near.

 

Challenge for the Week:   When the President of the United States enters a room; “Hail to the Chief” can be heard.  This week reflect on what song would play when God/Jesus/Holy Spirit enters the room, would you say harps?  What does a “Choir of Angels” sound like?  Does it sound like a strong wind? Gentle breeze?  The sound of the waves crashing or lapping on the shore?  A trickling stream?  There are many possibilities.  Then, perhaps even more challenging, determine YOUR song, what would you have play as you enter into a room?  What instruments would be used?  What is the tune, familiar or original? Who would sing it?  And if there are words, what do they say?

Second Sunday of Advent

 

Opening Prayer

Jesus

When our days are filled with activity;

…may we remember not to get wrapped up in the busyness

…may we not become consumed in the hustle and bustle

Instead, help us to take time;

…to spend a quiet moment with you

and watch for you in hopeful anticipation!

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Baruch 5:1-9

• What do you put on yourself each day like a robe? What do you allow others to put on you?
• What does God robe you with? How does it fit?

Philippians 1:4-6, 8-11

• How can you “partner” with the Gospel? What does that look like?
• Where do you see God’s Glory?

 Luke 3:1-6

• How is your life proclaiming the Gospel?
• How does the Word of God come from you?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• How does the awareness of God’s presence affect your decisions? How often do you allow God to affect your decisions?
• When you make decisions; do you seek God’s perspective?
• How does God lead you to find joy? How often do you search for it?
• Do you pray for joy? Write a prayer for joy.
• How does God show affection?
• What is God a witness to in your life? How are you a witness to God?
• Is there a time when you felt so overwhelmed you cried out to God and your faith lead you through?

 

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Awaken the gifts;

ALL:  the gifts we have before us!

Leader:  Enliven the joy;

 ALL:  the joy within each soul!

Leader:  Ignite the hope;

 ALL:  the hope around us!

Leader: Revive the peace;

 ALL:  the peace deep within!

Leader:  Kindle the love;

 ALL:  the love which brings us together!

 

Challenge for the Week:  Consider this…God planted in you all the gifts you will ever need to bring Him glory and share His love with others.  How are you sharing these gifts?  Do you believe all of your gifts have been opened?  Perhaps there are a few gifts left under the tree (within you) unopened; full of new and unimaginable gifts.  As you go about your week, ponder the gifts you have been given which help you bring Glory to God and share His love…then go the extra step and dream about gifts you would need to possess in order to bring more attention to God.  What does that look like?  Are those gifts already opened in your life and you have discarded them or left them in the box?  Awaken to the possibilities…God always gives us what we need and He gives us the BEST gifts!

First Sunday of Advent

 

Opening Prayer

Father

You create us to love,

Only we can give your love

You show us your love,

Only we can spread your love

Teach us, mold us, open us

Until your love is spread throughout the world!

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Jeremiah 33:14-16

• How do the promises of Christ live out/on in your life?
• What has God risen up in your life? How do you show gratitude for it?

1Thessalonians 3:12-4:2

• How can you “strengthen” your heart? What exercises are needed to build up your heart?
• What is the difference between full of mercy and full of grace?

 Luke 21:5-28, 34-36

• How do you see/imagine Jesus coming?
• How does Jesus “return” each day of your life?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• How does God bring Justice to the world?
• Where does your security come from?
• When do you feel the safest?
• What can you rely on? What is consistent in your life?
• How has your life been blessed because of your faith in God?
• Do you believe in God because you fear Him? Why or why not?
• What do you need to do to be more holy? What does that mean?
• Is there a synonym for holy?
• What good has come from a recent struggle you experienced?
• Are there things which cause your stress? What is it about these things that make you anxious?

 

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Find us seeking you in our daily schedule…

ALL:  We are ready!

Leader:  Find us seeking you in the highs and lows…

 ALL:  We are ready!

Leader:  Find us seeking you in the decisions we make…

 ALL:  We are ready!

Leader: Find us seeking you in the joys and sorrows…

 ALL:  We are ready!

Leader:  Find us seeking you every minute of the day…

 ALL:  We are ready!

 

Challenge for the Week:  This time of year our schedules begin to fill up, there are extra activities with the kids, gathering of family and friends and additional expectations as a Christian to keep Jesus as the reason for the season.  No wonder we get this warning about not getting drowsy in this week’s reading!  There is a long road ahead of us…some might call it the Christmas Season but I’m referring to the Advent Season.  When we take our discipleship seriously we should be able to see this holiday season not as long lines and wintry slush…instead we rest in the knowledge Jesus is on his way!

Solemnity of Christ The King

 

Opening Prayer

Lord

Let us come to you in the morning

At the beginning of our day

so we can take you with us.

Let us come to you in the daytime

In the middle of the day

so we can stay connected to you.

Let us come to you in the evening

At the end of the day

so we can review our day together.

Let us know you are with us always!

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Daniel 7:13-14

• What does this scripture tell you about the majesty of God? How is this description similar of different than how you define the majesty of God?
• How does God have dominion over you in your life?

 Revelation 1:5-8

• Jesus is a faithful witness. How are you a faithful witness to Jesus?
• How do you feel that Jesus will come again for all…everyone?

 John 18:33b-37

• Pilate is listening to the crowd and following the majority. When have you listened to the majority and followed the crowd?
• What kept those who loved Jesus from standing up for him?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• Describe the kingdom of God. Are these hopes of what you expect it to be or understanding from someplace else that this is what the kingdom of God really is?
• How is God’s kingdom similar or different than the kingdoms of the old centuries? How is it similar or different from those who govern the countries of the world today?
• When can you first remember thinking about Jesus?
• What was the last “project” you started and finished? How long did it take?  Were feelings of accomplishments associated with the completion?  Did you experience any setbacks?  Will you do it again?
• Are there areas in your life which you are proud of? Would Jesus also be proud of those things?
• How do you know when someone is lying to you? Is it subjective?
• Could you describe Jesus’ voice? Do you think it is the same all the time?  Does Jesus’ voice sound different to different people?

 

Closing Prayer

Leader:  The injustice that happens each day…

ALL:  We are called to see.

Leader:  The cries of those in need and hurting…

 ALL:  We are called to listen.

Leader:  The forgotten, the lost and the forsaken…

 ALL:  We are called to love.

Leader: The stranger and the neighbor…

 ALL:  We are called to help.

Leader:  Broken but mended by the power of faith…

 ALL:  We are called children of God.

 

Challenge for the Week:  It might seem early but the Catholic Church’s liturgical year ends with these readings; time for a “New Year’s Party”!  Take time this week to consider what you can leave behind and what you want to take with you in the coming year.  Shed some things, go to reconciliation, begin the New Year with a new slate.  Think about what you need to live in God’s kingdom and make a point to continue those practices and let go of the things that weigh you down in this world.  It’s time to make some resolutions!

Thirty-Third Sunday of Ordinary Time

Opening Prayer

Lord

Why do we search in all the wrong places to find you?

When we look in the darkness,

You are not there.

When we look behind, above and below,

You are not there.

You are in all things at all times…yet we struggle to find you!

Thank you for not turning away;

Thank you for your grace, love and mercy;

Thank you!  Thank you!  Thank you!

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Daniel 12:1-3

• What qualities do you learn are important to have as a witness of Christ through this scripture? Do you possess any of them?  If so, which ones?  If not, what can you do to build up these qualities within?
• Who are “stars” who shine brightly? Are there people in your life who let God’s light shine and worked toward justice?  Can you name some people in history who have been examples of “stars”?
• How might your life be different if you followed the stars?

Hebrews 10:11-14, 18

• Why is sacrifice needed? What sacrifice(s) do you make for your relationship with God?
• How does one become perfect in Christ? Is this even possible?  Why or why not?
• Consider, through the words of this scripture, the importance of the sacrifice of Mass. What is happening at Mass and do we understand the meaning as it is happening?

Mark 13:24-32

• What is Jesus telling us about what we can take with us when we die? How does this change how you think of material things?  How does this change how you might spend the rest of your life?
• Does this scripture cause you fear or another emotion? What emotion do you think Jesus wants us to feel?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• In the past week, where did you see God’s light shine? Who did it shine through?
• Where do you turn for comfort when you are in distress? Is God there?
• Would you consider yourself a leader or a follower? Why?
• What was the last thing you took the lead on? Who was it for?  What was the task?  How did it turn out?
• What kind of leader are you or would you be? Why?
• How can you make your sins go away? What do you do to ensure you don’t ever sin again?
• What does God do or can God do to help you defeat sin?

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Though we are sinners;

ALL:  You made one sacrifice for our sins.

Leader:  Though we are ignorant;

ALL:  You continue to teach us your ways.

Leader:  Though we often lose direction;

ALL:  You continue to guide us on the right path.

Leader: Though we waste much;

ALL:  You continue to give us what we need.

Leader:  Though we continue to fall short;

ALL:  You continue to build us up.

ALL:  Thank you Lord, for your constant love!

 

Challenge for the Week:  Attend Mass.  It really doesn’t matter if you do it on the weekend or during the week, the outcome is the same…you have witnessed a living sacrifice.  What does this even mean?  Well, when you go to Mass, it shouldn’t be just out of obligation so you can get it checked off of your “to do list” or because you get to see friends or enjoy coffee and donuts afterwards.  Nor should you attend Mass and not be an active participant.  Mass is the “shortened” version of what is actually called the “Holy Sacrifice of the Mass” where Catholics come together to remember the sacrifice Jesus made for us.  This act of love is monumental and deserves a response from each of us who gather to remember it.  Jesus died for us and in return as believers, we should sacrifice some of ourselves each time we come to take the Eucharist.  We should leave a piece of ourselves behind each time we receive a piece of Jesus at Communion, this is how we become more like Him!  So, go…make a sacrifice this week and leave behind the grumpy, negative, judgmental part of you and let the joyful, positive and accepting light of Jesus shine through!