First Sunday of Easter

Opening Prayer

Heavenly Father,

You breathed into us at creation,

You sent YOUR Son to breathe with us,

You left YOUR Spirit to fill us with the breath of life.

May we show gratitude for this gift you have given

so when we breathe in we are aware of you filling us!

Journal/Reflection Questions

Acts 4:32-35

• Can you imagine what this community looked like? How does it compare/contrast with the community in which you live?
• Where can you find examples of places who live and work in the manner described in this scripture? What can we learn to do to better live in this way?

 

1John 5:1-6

• What have you done out of love for Jesus today, this week, this month? How do you know it was out of love for Him?
• The scripture says the commandments are not burdensome. Do you agree or disagree?  How might one NOT find them burdensome?

 

John 20:19-31

• When have you, like Thomas doubted Jesus? Perhaps it was doubt of His existence or doubt of His presence?
• When did you first experience the presence of the Holy Spirit in your life? Share the feelings and emotions which cause you to KNOW the Holy Spirit was there.

 

General Questions for Journaling

• We can sometimes have a hard time sharing our possessions. What lesson can we learn from those early Christians about our possessions?
• Who are the needy around you? Is there someone in need within your reach?  What can you do to help satisfy their need?
• How does your life bear witness to Christ? How does your church or place or worship bear witness to Christ?  How does/can your workplace/school bear witness to Christ?  How does your home/family bear witness to Christ?
• Is there something about faith which you struggle with believing or agreeing? What action should you take to learn more about it?  How can you come to a better understanding instead of accepting unbelief?
• What does through the “water and spirit” mean to you? What is your personal story involving the “water and spirit”?
• How does the “water and spirit” come alive in your life and help you witness Christ’s love?
• How can you carry the promises of Easter on throughout the Easter Season and the rest of the year?

Closing Prayer

Leader:  We gather because of your loving sacrifice,

ALL:  May your love bind us to one another

Leader:  We celebrate together at the table,

ALL:  May your love bind us to one another

Leader:  We pray for our common needs,

ALL:  May your love bind us to one another

Leader:  We are united in heart and mind,

ALL:  May your love bind us to one another

Leader:  We join in community to remember,

ALL:  May your love bind us to one another

Challenge for the Week:   As Christians we can sometimes miss the mark on the true meaning of Christian.  Simply being a Christian means you believe in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior.  However, as Christians we don’t always act as though we believe this fact.  When you believe in something you must live it out but when we intentionally hurt others with our words or actions we aren’t showing that we are followers of Jesus and his teaching.  The old song, They will know we are Christians by our LOVE reminds us that saying we are Christian means a whole lot more than doing our novenas or sitting in the pew on Sunday.  Take time this week to check in and answer the question whether you are Christian because of what God has done for you or because what you do for God?

Easter Sunday

 

Opening Prayer

Jesus

You suffered and died so we might be free from sin,

May this Easter season teach us to listen more attentively

to your Spirit so we might walk in your light

and be an example for others.

Journal/Reflection Questions

Acts 10:34, 37-43

• How are you a witness to Christ?
• What can you learn from Peter’s example in this scripture?

 

Colossians 3:1-4

• Where do you see compassion? Is it alive in the world today?
• When one seeks what “is above” what do they seek? Can you see it?

 

Mark 16:1-7

• Define, “see and believe”.
• What words do you use to define love? How is it measured in your life?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• What draws you to act out of compassion? What moves your heart into the action of service to and for others?
• Reflect on the past 24 hours, the past week, the past month…How would you say your time was divided? What does this say you are a witness to?  Yourself?  Others?  God?  Your Job?  A hobby?  Media?
• How does the love of Christ consume you?
• What emotion does the Easter season fill you with? How can this emotion work for the good of others?
• How does the spring weather fall in line with the spirit of Easter for you?
• Identify the last time you felt at peace. Where were you?  Who were you with?
• How often do you feel at peace?
• Where can you find consolation when you are feeling confused or depressed? Where have you been able to find consolation?
• Where can you “hear the cry of the poor” in your community? In your family?

Closing Prayer

Leader:  You heal the sick and lame;

You take time for the lost and the forsaken.

ALL:  Help us to be more compassionate like you!

Leader:  You treat us with love and respect,

even when we ignore or hurt you.

ALL:  Help us to be more gentle and generous like you!

Leader:  You take time,

even in your own suffering to care for others.

ALL:  Help us to be more kind and giving like you!

Leader:  You held nothing back from us,

you gave everything…you put us first!

ALL:  Help us to be more humble like you!

Leader:  You never tire of giving us another chance

when we make a mistake or do the wrong thing.

ALL:  Help us to be more patient like you!

Challenge for the Week:   For years I have overlooked the sacrifice and courage it took for the women who anointed Jesus’ body to actually do so.  It has been one of those small details which I’ve really not paid any attention to and have taken for granted.  Perhaps you are like me in coming to this understanding for the first time.  The challenge this week is to dive into what it meant for these women to prepare Jesus for burial.  This tradition was sacred and required much time and attention to detail out of respect.  Did they simply act out of obligation to the law?  Where they showing compassion for Jesus?  How come the authorities allowed the women to do this?  What if the women would have been too afraid to ask?  When have you ever acted out of compassion or fought to do the right thing despite the cost or potential punishment?  During this HOLY WEEK, spend some time reflecting on what the action of these women means to you, means to the church and what can we learn from their actions.

6th Sunday of Lent – Palm Sunday

 

Opening Prayer

Open my eyes so I can SEE YOU

in the faces of those around me.

Open my ears so I can HEAR YOU

in the cries of the poor and neglected.

Open my heart so I can FEEL YOU

in my sin and weakness.

May my senses be open to YOU

as you pour out all you have upon me!

Journal/Reflection Questions

Isaiah 50:4-7

• How have you or can you speak on God’s behalf? How can your actions speak for God?
• How does this reading speak of Jesus? Isaiah shed light on the coming of Jesus and the suffering He would endure.  What do you suffer for Jesus sake?

 

Philippians 2:6-11

• How did Jesus empty himself for us? How can we mimic this in our own lives?
• Make a list of the ways Jesus was a slave in the stories of the Gospel. What is the definition of a slave?

 

Mark 14:1-15:47

• How do you relate to this woman “wasting” precious oil on Jesus? What do you give to Jesus in such abundance that it could seem to be wasted?
• Is there a precious gift you can give to Jesus? What does this reading say God wants from you?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• What message is God filling you with morning after morning?
• Do you need to train your tongue?
• What makes it hard to turn your back on those who hurt you or cause you harm?
• What causes interest in bad news? What is it that draws people to want to know?
• How do you show God/Jesus/Holy Spirit honor? How do you bow before them?
• How have your actions caused pain for Jesus? Have you turned your back on him?
• Are there things in your life which you mock? Where could you find the good in that thing?

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Lord, you humble yourself so you can be emptied

ALL:  We love you, we honor you, we thank you

Leader:  Lord, you hold your tongue when others accuse you

ALL:  We love you, we honor you, we thank you

Leader:  Lord, you turn your back on those who beat you

ALL:  We love you, we honor you, we thank you

Leader:  Lord, you show obedience to God’s way

ALL:  We love you, we honor you, we thank you

Challenge for the Week:   Pope Francis poses a very interesting challenge for us.  He suggests we take some time to reflect on our life of faith.  Have we fallen asleep in our faith?  Are we living our faith out with fever or simply going through the motions?  Do we slumber through attending our weekly obligation or are we alive and growing?  Take time to think about this question.  Are you asleep?  Are you on the path of falling asleep?  OR Are you walking, skipping, jumping, dancing or even flying?  Do you know others who have fallen asleep in their faith; what can you do to help them “stay awake for Jesus”? 

5th Sunday of Lent

 

Opening Prayer

Lord Jesus

YOU came to remind us there is no life; except for life within YOU.

YOU teach us and guide us in YOUR way.

YOU call us YOUR own, YOU forgive us, YOU love us.

Help us to die to this world, so we might rise with YOU!

YOU give us all we need!

Journal/Reflection Questions

Jeremiah 31:31-34

• God says, “go and sin no more”. He shows us how we should forgive.  How easily do you forgive yourself and others?  What can you learn from God to help you forgive more easily?
• How can you tell or how do you know God has written on your heart?

 

Hebrews 5:7-9

• Do you tell God what you want? Do you shout out to Him when you are suffering or in trouble?  Tell Him NOW!
• We are not meant to suffer alone, who is with us? How do we know?  What keeps us from believing God is with us?

 

John 12:20-33

• Jesus travelled from town to town healing the sick and comforting the weary; what keeps you from believing He can do the same for you now?
• Do you share with others how God has healed you or do you remain quiet? Do you tell people of God’s healing power or do you give credit to others or yourself?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• How does God make a mark on your heart?
• Where do you see God’s promises come alive in your life?
• How has your faith been passed onto you? Is it the same faith of your parents?
• What conditions would cause you to have a stony heart?
• What causes you to have a heart of flesh?
• How has Jesus healed you in the past year?
• What causes your heart to break?

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Father, when we come to you with a troubled mind

ALL:  YOU call out the demons so we are free!

Leader:  Father, when we come to you with a troubled heart

ALL:  YOU give us comfort so we can be whole!

Leader:  Father, when we come to you with a troubled soul

ALL:  YOU forgive us so we can begin anew!

Leader:  Come, Savior, Come

ALL:  YOU deliver us from the troubles of this world and give us the promise of everlasting life!

Challenge for the Week:   Reflect back on the past few weeks of your Lenten journey.  Have you been able to empty yourself so God can fill you up with Easter blessings?  It is not too late to shed the things that weigh you down.  Let go of the things holding you back.  Be like the grain of wheat falling to the ground; surrendering to God.  Let God tend to you and cultivate you these remaining days of Lent so you can bear much fruit this Easter Season!

4th Sunday of Lent

 

Opening Prayer

Heavenly Father,

You gave yourself to us through Jesus.

You came to be one of us so we could know you better.

You taught us, you healed us, you brought us new life!

Even after Jesus’ death we are not left abandoned or orphaned;

for we have YOUR Spirit here, moving, guiding.

God, YOU are in all things, at all times.

May we forever seek YOU!

Journal/Reflection Questions

2Chronicles 36:14-16, 19-23

• Do you believe God sends messengers now?
• In the Old Testament we hear God sent messengers “early and often” to His people. In the Gospels we learn about Jesus, God himself who came to share God’s plan for His people.  Then in the New Testament the Holy Spirit is left to dwell in and among His people.  How are the messengers of the Old Testament the same and how do they differ from the Holy Spirit?

 

Ephesians 2:4-10

• How is grace received? Where does it come from?  What is its purpose?
• Reflect on the phrase, “dead to our transgressions”. This word is also in the Our Father prayer.  How hard or easy is it for you to live this out?

 

John 3:14-21

• Do you recall the story of Moses and the serpent? Reflect on how these scriptures relate.
• Why do you think of all of the scripture passages, John 3:16 is the most commonly known and memorized verses?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• Are you open to receiving messages from God? Are there obstacles which keep them from coming through to you?
• Has God given you a message but you are unsure how to pursue it? Afraid you don’t have the strength to accomplish it?  Do you fear ridicule or abandonment of family or friends?
• Consider what your fear says about your faith in God and how it affects your relationship.
• How do you define grace? Is it a noun?  A verb?  An adjective?
• Could God be talking to you and you simply are not listening?
• Share an example of a time when you think God might have spoken to you but you ignored the message…what happened?
• Describe a time when you think you heard God speak to you and you stayed faithful to the request…what happened?
• Create a list of “good” things that happen in the dark, what needs darkness to live or survive?
• Are you ever or have you ever completely in the dark? Describe what it is like?

Closing Prayer

Leader:  When there is darkness, YOU send the light.

ALL:  The God of heaven and earth; create us anew!

Leader:  When we are hurt, YOU bring healing.

ALL:  The God of heaven and earth; create us anew!

Leader:  When we feel alone, YOU offer comfort.

ALL:  The God of heaven and earth; create us anew!

Leader:  When we sin against you, there is grace and mercy.

ALL:  The God of heaven and earth; create us anew!

Challenge for the Week:   The Sacrament of Reconciliation just may be one of the most misunderstood traditions/practices of the Catholic Church; not only among non-Catholics but within the circles of practicing Catholics too. Many wonder WHY we need to tell someone our sins especially when we don’t even want to think about them ourselves.  This kind of thinking simply keeps us from the grace we can receive through the Sacrament.  The word Sacrament comes from the Latin word sacramentum meaning “a sign of the sacred.”  The word Reconciliation also comes from a Latin word, reconciliationem which means to “re-establish”.  Toss in the definition of the word “of” and we learn that at the core, the Sacrament of Reconciliation is “a sign of the sacred coming from re-establishment”.  The “sign of the sacred” is the one on one personal encounter with Christ (represented by the Priest to whom you confess) you have when you confess your sins and ask God for forgiveness; the Priest then lays his hands over you calling down the grace by which your sins will be absolved.  As humans we kid ourselves into thinking God doesn’t already know the sins we have committed, we may even think HE would NEVER forgive us!  There is nowhere in the Bible that says God is incapable of putting us back together if we get broken or become lost.  It is through the Sacrament of Reconciliation that God’s grace re-establishes our relationship with Him.  Some might say that “God already knows your sins so why do we need to confess?” but again when you look at the definition we realize it requires action on our part.  When we just tell God our sin, we haven’t really taken responsibility for the sin; we haven’t been given our penance.  This piece only comes when one receives the Sacrament, when they encounter God through the sacred sign.  Then and only then do we receive the grace we need to be healed.  Embrace the opportunity to go to the Sacrament of Reconciliation.  During Lent there are additional offerings of the Sacrament so if you don’t want to confess to your own parish priest, you can always attend a service at another parish.  If it has been a while since you have been, there are generally prayer aids provided by the parish to help you.  God’ grace is waiting to be poured on YOU!!!

3rd Sunday of Lent

 

Opening Prayer

Lord,

Rid us of foolish thoughts.

Keep away the nonsense of the world.

May we follow the commands you give

May we show your love to all we meet.

Journal/Reflection Questions

Exodus 20:1-17

• Which commandment do you have the hardest time understanding? Is it because you don’t understand it or perhaps it doesn’t seem to be valid for society today?
• Spend time reflecting on the 10 commandments. Then make a list of some “common” ways you or others break them.

 

1Corinthians 1:22-25

• How do you still look for signs and seek wisdom to confirm your faith and what you believe?
• What does Saint Paul say about God’s foolishness and weakness? Have you ever been witness to this in your life?  How?

 

John 2:13-25

• Jesus indicated, HE was the temple to be torn down and built back up. When have you felt this way?  What broke you down and how were you rebuilt?
• Jesus drove out the “demons” from the temple…what “demons” does Jesus need to drive out of you? Do you not think Jesus gets just as angry about the things we barter and rationalize that keep us from spending sacred time with Him?
• How can you live with more ‘zeal’? What does it mean to live with zeal? Or to have more zeal?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• If you could re-write the commandments, how would you?
• Why did Jesus say there were only two commandments? What did He mean when He said, “Love God and Love your neighbor”?  Does this make the other eight commandments invalid?
• How would you explain the 10 commandments to a child?
• Share examples of foolishness or weakness you see in the world. What can be done about it?
• Are there “stumbling blocks” in your life and/or faith which keep you from being the kind of disciple you wish to be?
• What “trips you up” and makes you feel weak or foolish? What holds you back from overcoming these obstacles?
• Have you ever did something which you knew was the right thing to do but others around you questioned? Consider how Jesus in the Gospel.  Take time to consider what Jesus was thinking at this point in the Gospel readings.  Do you think He simply flew off the handle or do you believe He knew what He was doing and others just didn’t understand?

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Give us sanctuary from worldly thoughts…

ALL:  give us wisdom!

Leader:  Give us sanctuary through the cross…

ALL:  give us power!

Leader:  Give us sanctuary in your commandments…

ALL:  Give us guidance!

Leader:  Give us sanctuary by your blood…

ALL:  Give us love!

Challenge for the Week:   When you come to receive communion, you come to receive Jesus.  In the Catholic Church, when you receive communion, you receive the Body and Blood of Christ. What is your disposition as you come to receive the Kings of Kings and Lord of Lords?  Then, once you receive Him, do you think about what a gift it is that you have Jesus within you?  Have you considered at that moment that you are the Tabernacle?  This week and from now on, work to show the reverence deserved as you come to receive Holy Communion; knowing you are a chosen vessel to bring Jesus’ message of love to others.

2nd Sunday of Lent

 

Opening Prayer

God of all creation,

You can turn the night into day;

the darkness into light.

You can create something out of nothing;

beauty from the ashes.

Shine your light into our dark places.

Transform our ashes into a new creation.

God you are with us!

Journal/Reflection Questions

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

• How does this story speak to you about Abraham’s love for God? His love for his son, Isaac?
• Can you imagine yourself as Abraham or Isaac in this story? Don’t listen to the scripture as though it is a story you are listening to or a movie you are watching, rather as a participant.  How does this change your perspective?

Romans 8: 31b-34

• Where has God interceded for you in your life?
• Is there someone who needs you to intercede for them? Make a plan to do so soon.

Mark 9: 2-10

• They were blinded by the light which shone on Jesus and were paralyzed. Share an experience when you felt God’s presence so intensely you were paralyzed.
• When was the last time you went away just to spend time alone with God?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• Can you recall the last time you just sat and gazed at the stars? Where were you?  Who was with you?  What did you see?  What did you reflect on?  When will you make time to do it again?
• How does your life reflect how much you blindly trust God? Is it something you can measure?
• Make a list of things you can truly turn over for God to control. What are the things you still need to control or be in charge of doing?  What makes it hard for you to let go and allow God to be in charge of the actions required of you in your life?
• Have you ever witnessed a heroic act?
• The world controls what news stories we hear about what is going on in the world, they are shining the light on one story to keep your gaze away from what is happening in the dark. What light do you follow?
• Are there things happening in your community, world which need illuminated? What can you do to shine light on them?
• In what events or activities do you experience or see the transfiguration happen in the world today?

Closing Prayer

Leader:  When we experience God’s presence

ALL:  We transform ourselves…

Leader:  When we live in God’s presence

ALL:  We transform others…

Leader:  When we share God’s presence

ALL:  We can transform the world…

ALL:  We are transforming agents of YOUR love!

Challenge for the Week:   If God is for us, then who can be against us?  Saint Paul reminds the Romans to be strong and courageous because God has a great plan for you.  YOU.  This is like the ultimate antidepressant!  So, why do so many of us feel like we are beaten up from drudging through each day, wondering why God hasn’t delivered us from the mess we wallow in.  It’s a fair question.  However, it’s all in our perspective.  Our alarm doesn’t go off so we grumble about how our day got off to a bad start and it just snowballs from there because we are thinking inwardly about all the bad things that are now going to happen to us; all because we got up late.  Imagine looking at it like this instead: The alarm doesn’t go off so we got some extra sleep we’d been trying to catch up on, we hustle to get ready and amazingly we do it in record time because we are not consumed with negative thoughts about all of the other things that can go wrong today, rather our focus is on praising God for all of the good things HE has in store for us today.  Many people hear about God’s promises and think they are too good to be true because they have not met anyone who truly lives their life like they KNOW, “If God is for me, then who can be against me”.  What can you do to become the person who lives like that!!!

1st Sunday of Lent

 

Opening Prayer

Lord,

Empty me this Lent.

Take from me the things which draw me from you.

Remove from my thoughts all that causes me to sin.

I surrender myself to you.

I am YOURS!

Journal/Reflection Questions

Genesis 9:8-15

• What does the rainbow mean to you? How do you share this with others?
• What did it mean to Noah and his family? Does it have the same value to you today?

 

1Peter 3:18-22

• How would you say your baptism has formed or changed you? What can you do to get in touch with the waters of baptism washing you clean?
• During Lent we are to imagine ourselves living in the desert; without water. Have you ever felt parched or thirsty for Jesus, the living water?

 

Mark 1:12-15

• What are the things which tempt you in the desert place?
• How have the angels of God ministered to you when you have been in the desert?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• If you were in charge of giving meaning to the rainbow, how would you explain the shape? The color?  The timing of it’s being visible?
• What do you feel when you see a rainbow? Is there any other feeling you would compare it to?
• Has God used another symbol to express His promises to you? What is it and how is it shared?
• Are there signs of promise you share within your family or with friends? What is it and is it valued like the rainbow?
• What lesson can you learn from the story of Noah? What can you take away from the 40 days or of the dove and fig leave?  How is this story relevant today?
• Imagine a baptism. What thoughts or feelings do you experience?  What do you think God thinks or feels?
• What does water do for you on a daily basis? Clean you?  Quench your thirst?  How does it cleanse and satisfy your soul?
• Can you make time this Lent to spend uninterrupted time with God? What demons do you need to face?  Where does God want you to go to minister to others?
• What conversion do you feel called to this Lent?
• Where is God in the desert you experience?

Closing Prayer

Leader:  A sign of covenant in a rainbow after a hard rain…

ALL:  YOU lead us out of the desert places, let our souls rejoice!

Leader:  A sign of courage in a slingshot facing a giant…

ALL:  YOU lead us out of the desert places, let our souls rejoice!

Leader:  A sign of hope in a star over Bethlehem…

ALL:  YOU lead us out of the desert places, let our souls rejoice!

Leader:  A sign of forgiveness on the cross at Calvary…

ALL:  YOU lead us out of the desert places, let our souls rejoice!

Challenge for the Week:   Lent is a time for us to make a promise to be a better person, a better friend, a better disciple.  God’s promise to love and protect us is symbolized with a rainbow and with a cross.  Spend time this week, as you enter into the Lenten season, thinking about a sign or symbol you can use to show God you are committed to fulfilling your Lenten promise of fasting, alms giving, and praying.  Find a sign or symbol which will help you stay focused on keeping your promise and to remind you God is always with you.

6th Sunday of Ordinary Time

 

Opening Prayer

Compassionate God

YOU silence every cry, YOU wipe away every tear.

Each of us are bound, bruised and broken,

but throughout history Lord,

everything YOU touch is made whole.

You are the healer and perfector of all creation.

Comfort us, Almighty Father.

Hold us in your arms…forever!

Journal/Reflection Questions

Leviticus 13:1-2, 44-46

• Do you know a leper? Is there someone in your workplace or community whom others have outcast or deemed “unclean”?
• What if your sins showed on your skin like the sores of leprosy?

 

1Corinthians 10:31-11:1

• Do you give thanks to God each time you eat and drink? Consider how many hands your food passed through in order to get to you and provide you with the nourishment you need.
• When do you give thanks to God? How many times on average do you give thanks to God?

 

Mark 1:40-45

• How can your hurt help others?
• Jesus was moved with pity by the leper. What has moved you with pity into action?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• Have you ever been outcast because of a physical ailment?
• Imagine how quickly a disease can spread. What can stop it?
• Do you have a physical feature which you try to hide or cover? What is it?  How could God use it?  How can you show God’s glory through this thing you try to hide?
• Can the glory of God spread by touch like the disease of leprosy? Why or why not?
• Are there times when it is easier to give thanks to God? Make a list of times when it is easy and another list of times when it is hard.
• How do you show God glory at dinner? Watching TV?  At work?
• Define “pity”. What is it, who has it and where does it come from?
• Is there something or someone within your grasp that needs a healing touch? What can you do?
• When have you experienced the healing touch of God in your life?

Closing Prayer – Inspired by Psalm 32

Leader:  When my thoughts, feelings and ideas are tossed aside as if

they were nothing but garbage.

ALL:  In times of trouble, fill me with the joy of salvation

Leader: When I am judged unfairly or accused of doing or saying things

I did not do or say.

ALL:  In times of trouble, fill me with the joy of salvation

Leader:  When I am beaten or abused by others words and there is no

where to turn for support.

ALL:  In times of trouble, fill me with the joy of salvation

Leader:  When I run to YOU with my troubled heart and broken spirit.

ALL:  In times of trouble, fill me with the joy of salvation

Leader:  When I confess all of my sins and YOU take away my guilt and

shame.

ALL:  In times of trouble, YOU fill me with the joy of salvation!

Challenge for the Week:   How do you show God glory each day?  Is in your morning or evening prayer enough?  Is praying before your meals sufficient?  Consider all of the “everyday” things you do such as brushing your teeth, driving or doing the laundry.  Make a list of all of the “everyday” things you do and then think of a way to do that same task for the “GLORY OF GOD”.  Then do it!

5th Sunday of Ordinary Time

 

Opening Prayer

Lord

At times the ways of this world consume our thoughts.

Help us so we may not become overwhelmed or weary

rather, let us follow you; for YOU alone can save.

Let us run to you when we are weak, restless and suffering.

We know your grace, mercy and love never ends;

but how we forget; let us cling to YOUR word to remind us!!!

Journal/Reflection Questions

Job 7:1-4, 6-7

• How can you identify with Job? Have you been in his shoes?  What were your circumstances and how were you able to come out of it?
• Compare Job’s description of his life on earth to how you describe your time on earth. How are the descriptions similar?  How do they differ?

1Corinthians 9:16-19, 22-23

• Saint Paul speaks of sacrifice for the sake of the Gospel. What are you willing to give up or sacrifice?  How is this shown in your life?
• Saint Paul says it is our obligation as a follower of Jesus to speak the Gospel. How do you fulfil this obligation?

Mark 1:29-39

• Imagine yourself as Jesus in this Gospel. What are you thinking?  Feeling?  How do you process all that happens?
• Jesus asked the people to not talk about the miracles which occurred. Would you be able to keep quiet about a miracle you witnessed?  What do you think is the purpose of keeping quiet?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• How do you respond when you hear, “How can you believe in God if He allows such suffering in the world?”
• Have you suffered through something recently which you have found fruitful in retrospect?
• What kind of hope can you offer someone who is in the midst of trials or suffering? What are some things you can say or do?
• How do you live your life as a “slave to the Gospel”? What can you do to live a life more in line with what the Gospel teaches?
• What are you passionate about? What drives your actions?  Do your actions follow your passions?  Why or why not?
• On a scale of 1-10 how much energy do you use to further the kingdom of God? How much energy do you use spreading the Gospel message?
• Is there some you need Jesus to heal? Write down what you are in need of healing and place it in your bible.  Let Jesus begin to heal you!

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Our humanness causes us to complain like Job;

ALL:  help us to show gratitude even in our suffering.

Leader:  Our humanness causes us to boast when we do good;

ALL:  help us to serve God out of obligation like St. Paul.

Leader:  Our humanness causes us to overpower others;

ALL:  help us to become companions to others like St. Paul.

Leader:  Our humanness causes us to be blind to God’s healing power.

ALL:  help us to make with God to be restored like Jesus!

Challenge for the Week:   Put yourself in the Gospel as Jesus.  Write down what you think Jesus prayed when he went away.  What do you imagine was the conversation between Jesus and God?  Spend time this week having this same conversation with God.  Remember to take time to listen to God’s response and consider how you may move forward with the mission which God has entrusted you with in your life.

AND

Jesus performed many miracles and healed many people in the Gospel, then went off to pray and restored himself.  Imagine yourself as a “fuel tank” or a “bank account”…how often do you run on empty?  What can you do to be more like Jesus?  Be intentional about scheduling time to revive yourself!