34^th Sunday of Ordinary Time – Christ the King!

Opening Prayer

Our Lord and Shepherd,

You shelter us and keep us safe from harm;

You tend to our hurts and heal our wounds;

You lead us in ways which may seem rough, but you NEVER leave us!

Though evil may lurk in the shadows; YOU protect us!

May we learn from your example and care for others with love and compassion.

Journal/Reflection Questions

Ezekiel 34:11-12, 15-17

• How can you relate God to a shepherd? In what ways does God shelter you?  Tend to your needs?  Heal your wounds?
• Where do you see God “scattered among the sheep”? What image(s) come to mind?

1Corinthians 15:20-26, 28

• What does this scripture mean by the phrase “destroy death”? How did Jesus destroy death?  How do you or could you help to make this statement true in your life?
• Have you seen examples of “enemies under foot”? Reflect on how God might want you to use these examples to show how He conquers death.

Matthew 25:31-46

• Imagine yourself in this scripture. Where do you see yourself?  Reflect back on the past year and identify times when you had the opportunity to do these things; did you do them?
• How does this scripture make you feel? What does it tell you about God?
• Why does the Catholic Church celebrate Christ the King (Solemnity of Jesus) the last Sunday of the Liturgical Year (this weekend)? What significance does it hold?  Why would this particular Gospel be the reading for this celebration each and every year?  What might this motivate you to do?  Are there “new year’s resolutions” you might work on for this coming year?

General Questions for Journaling

• How are you like a shepherd? A leader?  How do you lead?
• What qualities of a shepherd do you emulate? Which ones would you like to work on?
• How can serious illness or death challenge your faith?
• Have you experienced a restoration of life? What is needed to restore life?  Where do you see the need for life to be restored?
• Why would Jesus come, not as a King but as a Servant?
• Can you relate better to the poor and suffering or the rich and powerful? Share how it is easy or difficult to relate to both.
• When was the last time you gave to another? How did this experience affect you?
• Consider how you could make time to volunteer in a big or small way. Set a goal to volunteer a couple days a year, a few hours a month or more regularly.

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Christ Jesus, you show your strength by giving to the weak;

ALL:  YOU alone are power!

Leader:  Christ Jesus, you shine your light through our darkness;

ALL:  YOU alone are splendor!

Leader:  Christ Jesus, you direct our path to salvation;

ALL:  YOU alone are righteous!

Leader:Christ Jesus, you bore a crown of thorns & have a cross for a throne;

ALL:  YOU alone are KING!

Challenge for the Week:   Sheep rely on their sense of smell to stay close to the flock.  Reflect this week on how you should do the same.  Are those you are close to faithful to their walk with Jesus and work to live out the Corporal Works of Mercy listed in the Gospel?  Can you identify some goats mixed in among your flock?  Are you deceived by some wolves in sheep’s clothing; one who might smell like a sheep and look like a sheep on the outside but truly doesn’t live out Christian values?  Could you be a goat or a wolf?  Also consider how the ninety-nine sheep whom are left behind know what to do while the shepherd goes in search of the one he lost.  Jesus knows these sheep will not go astray while He is gone because they have one another.  If you believe you are one of the ninety-nine, what keeps you from going astray?  Could you be the one He seeks?  Have you lost your sense of smell?

33^rd Sunday of Ordinary Time

Opening Prayer

We humbly pray…

May we boldly give our lives in service to others

so your love will be shown through our actions.

May we meet the needs of others with love and compassion

just as you have modeled for us with your life.

May we not be afraid of the gifts we have been given

and share them unselfishly with everyone we encounter.

We ask all of this through Christ our Lord.

Journal/Reflection Questions

Proverbs 31:10-13, 19-20, 30-31

• How might this woman be judged by the standards in today’s society? How was she judged during her time?  How do they compare and contrast?
• What is the woman’s return investment? What is it worth?

1Thessalonians 5:1-6

• What emotions are conjured up within you when you hear this reading?
• Describe the behaviors which indicate a person who lives in the light vs one who lives in the darkness. What about someone who lives in the shadows?  Is the shadow light or dark?

Matthew 25:14-30

• Imagine yourself in this scripture. Where do you see yourself?  As the landowner?  One of the servants?  What examples can you give to support your answer?
• Are there talents you still have hidden? Do you have talents you no longer use but used at a different time in your life?  How did you discover the talents you have?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• List ways a person can show “fear of the Lord” or “wonder and awe” of God. Are any of these ways woven into your daily routine?
• How does one become holy? Is it through word?  Is it through action?  Is there a recipe to follow for someone to become holy?
• Are you fearful God will come to take you before you are ready? How does someone prepare to die?
• What are some reasons you might bury your talents?
• Are you a risk-taker? On a 1-10 scale how would you rate yourself?
• Name some of the places in your life where risks might be necessary for growth? (identify specific places where you took a risk to grow in faith, grow in love or grow in trust)
• God takes a risk on us by giving us all of His love, grace and mercy. What do we risk for God in return?
• Which voice inside do you listen to when determining decisions? Do you respond out of obligation or fear?

Closing Prayer

Leader:  You gave us the gift of life, created in your image.

ALL:  All we have is because you loved us first.

Leader:  You gave us the gift of grace, to wipe away our sin.

ALL:  All we have is because you gave us your Son.

Leader:  You gave us the gift of salvation, promise of eternal life.

ALL:  All we have is because Jesus died for us.

Leader:  You gave us the gift of humility, so we may serve you.

ALL:  All we have is because you served us first.

Challenge for the Week:  Imagine you hear your doorbell ring as you are preparing to sit down for dinner with your family.  You are at a climatic point in the preparation and you hesitate answering the door.  Despite your desire to ignore the doorbell, you go to answer it.  When you open the door, you see Jesus standing there, looking just as you had always imagined.  He calls you by name, extends his hand and says, “Are you ready to go?”  How would you respond to Jesus if he came to your door?  Would you tell him to wait?  What things would you need to do before you would be ready to go?  Are there things you would want to take with you?  People you would need to forgive?  Others you need to apologize to?  We do not know the day, we do not know the hour but like a thief in the night we can be gone.  Are you ready?

Feast of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica in Rome

Opening Prayer

Lord,

Let YOUR concerns be our FIRST concerns.

Let YOUR actions be our FIRST actions.

Let YOUR ways be our ONLY WAY!

May we hear YOUR Word

and follow with courage and understanding

Please fill us with YOUR Spirit

so we know which way to go!

Journal/Reflection Questions

Ezekiel 47:1-2, 8-9, 12

• What symbolism can be drawn from the “directions” given in this reading? What does the water represent?
• How does the water change or transform what it encounters? Does the water you come in contact with on a daily basis contain the same ability?

1Corinthians 3:9c-11, 16-17

• What would you say is the foundation of your faith?
• How do you know the Holy Spirit is within you?

John 2:13-22

• What do you think caused Jesus’ reaction to those selling items for sacrifice outside the temple?
• What do you think causes Jesus to act this way?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• Reflect on the many uses for water. Is all water created equally?  What is the source of the water you use?  How does water improve your quality of life?
• Can you see God building something in your life? Can you feel God building something in your life?
• Who are the people in your past who helped to solidify your foundation?
• Do you get a choice in who helps build your foundation? What can you do to help build your foundation?
• Who do you help build their foundations? Are you a solid example to help build a secure foundation?
• How does thinking of yourself as a temple, change your perception of yourself?
• If you are God’s temple, how well are you taking care of God’s temple? What can you do to improve how you care for your body, soul and mind?

Closing Prayer

Leader:  God of endless compassion,

ALL:  YOU meet us where we are, not matter how far away.

Leader:  Jesus, the ambassador of reconciliation,

ALL:  YOU heal us and make us whole.

Leader:  Spirit of unconditional love,

ALL:  YOU bring peace, grace and mercy to all.

Leader:  May we forever proclaim how

ALL:  YOU forgive, YOU restore and YOU strengthen!

Challenge for the Week:  The Gospel story tells us about how Jesus got angry because people had made the Temple (OUR Father’s House) into a Marketplace.  How often do we do the same?  How often do we rationalize how if we are obedient to going to services every week that God will give us something in return?  How often do we offer God our commitment if He would only answer one little prayer?  Did you recently offer an exchange of faithful behavior if God would remove a heavy burden from your life?  Is this really any different than those trading “goods” and “services” outside of the Temple?  Consider how Jesus feels about us bartering with Him instead of coming to Him in prayer, open to His will for us.  Jesus already gave us everything we need by giving His live and has laid the path before us to follow.  We show our distrust in God when we begin to treat our faith as a marketplace; being jealous of other people’s gifts, telling Him we will give more and be more if only He would give us what we want (as if God doesn’t already know what is best for us), or picking and choosing which commandments we will follow and which ones we don’t think are as important.  Something to ponder as we begin to prepare for the holiday season; reflecting on the things which we are thankful for at Thanksgiving and preparing for the GIFT of Jesus’ birth at Christmas; do we give all we can to God or are we still out there looking for a better deal?

Feast of All Souls

Opening Prayer

Father,

YOU call us out of darkness

to abide in your light.

YOU fill our hearts with love

to spark the light within.

YOU dwell in our souls

and shine through us.

Lord Jesus, THANK YOU for

being an example and

showing us how to live

as light in the darkness!

Journal/Reflection Questions

Wisdom 3:1-9

• Reflect on what it means to “shine and dart about as sparks through stubble. What images come to mind?  Are there any examples of you experiencing this in your life?
• Describe the process of refining. What happens to something when it is refined?  How does it change?  What do you see being refined in your life?

Romans 5:5-11

• What are you willing to die for? What are you living for?  Are they the same?
• What bring you hope? Is it a thing?  Is it a person?  Is there only one or are there several things which give you hope?  What is it about that thing or those things which make you hope-filled?

John 6:37-40

• What does it mean to have eternal life? Who gets to have it?  Is it something earned or given to anyone?
• Do you know what the “will of God” is in your life? How did you find out?  How can someone find out?  Once you know God’s will, is it easy or difficult to follow?

General Questions for Journaling

• Share an example of a sacrifice in your life. Do you sacrifice things daily?  What benefit comes from sacrifice?
• When was the last time you sacrificed something for someone? What was it?  Who was it for?  Did you expect anything in return for your sacrifice?
• When was the last time you sacrificed something for God? What was it?  Did you expect anything in return?
• How can you tell if a person is refined? Do you know anyone whom you would describe as defined?  (dead or alive)
• How does Jesus dying for you, give you hope?
• What role does hope play in your life? How do you share it?  How do you express it?

Closing Prayer

Leader:  For God the Father,

ALL:  We remember and pray…

Leader:  For God the Son,

ALL:  We remember and pray…

Leader:  For God the Spirit,

ALL:  We remember and pray…

Leader:  For all Holy Men and Women,

ALL:  We remember and pray…

Leader:  For the promise of eternal life,

ALL:  We remember and pray!!!

Challenge for the Week:  Pope Francis says the Feasts of All Saint and All Souls are days of hope.  Spend some time considering what he means for the faithful to learn from that statement about life and purpose.  This week as you experience the changing of the season from fall to winter, consider some of the parallels of what is happening in nature right now to what is happening in your life.  Reflect on where in our life are experiencing a “fall” season and how hope is showing through in the changing of the leaves that are falling.  Then take it a step further and allow this new insight to move you into action OR give you the strength to let nature take its course and believe in the promise of spring!

30^th Sunday of Ordinary Time

Opening Prayer

Lord

Help us to see like you see

Help us to hear like you hear

Help us to love like you love

Let us have hearts which open to others

so YOUR love may overflow onto all we meet.

Journal/Reflection Questions

Exodus 22:20-26

• How are we called, like the Israelites to repay God’s love? Identify 1-3 ways you show God love throughout the week.
• Does this scripture inspire you to reach out to someone? Perhaps God has placed it on your heart to help someone and you have been holding back…What is God calling you to do?

1Thessalonians 1:5c-10

• When have you felt this “joy” from the Holy Spirit St Paul is taking about? How can you channel this joy more often in your life?
• How can you “send forth” God’s message of love to others? Identify one person whom you know who sends forth God’s love.  Identify one person whom you will share God’s love with this week.

Matthew 22:34-40

• Where would you rate how you love your neighbor on a scale of 1-10? Explain why you would give yourself this rating.
• Reflect on the people in your family. Are there people whom you can give love to freely and others whom you feel it takes much effort to show or give love?  What is the difference?
• Jesus says the Greatest Commandment is LOVE. How do you show or express love to God?  Your neighbors?  Yourself?

General Questions for Journaling

• Consider how you respond to others. How do you treat people you know?  How do you treat people you don’t know?  How is it similar?  How is it different?  ‘
• How do you define love? What does it look like?  Where does it come from?  What does it feel like?
• How do you show love? How do you receive love?
• Where do you see love in the world?
• How does God teach you to love? Where is God’s love needed?  What can you do to bring God’s love to where it is needed?
• Reflect on a time when someone showed you love. Did you welcome their love or reject it?  Why?
• Who taught you how to love?
• What are human expressions of love? What are examples of how God expresses His love?
• Does God put expectations on love? If yes, what are the expectations?  If no, why not?
• Draw a picture of God’s love.

Closing Prayer – Poem by Elizabeth Barrett Browning

How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.

I love thee to the depth and breadth and height

My soul can reach, when feeling out of sight

For the ends of Being and ideal Grace.

I love thee to the level of every day’s

Most quiet need, by sun and candlelight.

I love thee freely, as men strive for Right;

I love thee purely, as they turn from Praise.

I love with a passion put to use

In my old griefs, and with my childhood’s faith.

I love thee with a love I seemed to lose

With my lost saints, I love thee with the breath,

Smiles, tears, of all my life! and, if God choose,

I shall but love thee better after death.

Challenge for the Week:  God calls us His “Beloved” but what does beloved mean?  According to the Merriam Webster Dictionary it means “deeply loved” or “close to the heart”.  Do we as human beings even have the ability to understand what it means or how it feels to be close to the heart of Jesus?  YES!  God created us for the purpose to be loved by Him!  This week, the challenge is to seek out these moments when we feel we are God’s beloved.  If you aren’t sure what this looks like or how it feels, consider the two words within the word beloved… be-loved.  This is the simplicity of feeling God’s love.  We need to slow down enough to recognize and feel God’s love in our lives.  He is reaching out to us and we too often pass Him by.  Seek Jesus!  He is waiting to show YOU love, how will you let Him?!?!?

29^th Sunday of Ordinary Time

Opening Prayer

Creator of all things good,

You made us out of nothing, to live and be and breathe.

O, how can we repay you!

Make us blind to the promises of this world;

so we may live as you intended us to live.

Teach us to live from the inside out;

to give from the abundance you planted within!

Journal/Reflection Questions

Isaiah 45:1, 4-6

• Identify three ways God is showing His power in this scripture.
• How do you make sense of the last line, “I am the Lord and there is no explanation,” how can you explain?

1Thessalonians 1:1-5b

• St Paul is telling the Thessalonians that they have been chosen by God and so they must act in a way worthy. Share one way you acted worthy of the call this past week.
• Explain the role of the Holy Spirit in this scripture passage.

Matthew 22:15-21

• Name 10 ways you give to God what belongs to God.
• How do you think the Pharisees expected Jesus to respond to their question?

General Questions for Journaling

• Can you identify people who “breakdown” walls or free people from “bondage”? Who are these people?
• How much of the Word of God would you say you hear each week? How much do you put into action?
• How would someone act out of conviction? How do you know if you are convicted of something?
• What are characteristics of a person who is full of the conviction of the Holy Spirit?
• On a scale of 1-10, rate your ability to think before you speak. How often do you check with Jesus before you say something?  How would your words be the same or different if you consulted Jesus before you spoke?
• Reflect on the Gospel message of giving to God what belongs to God and to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and identify parallels of what the world values still today.
• What have you given to God this week? Do you attempt to “hide” things away from God which you know He would not approve of and fool yourself into thinking you succeeded?

Closing Prayer

Leader:  You welcome the sinners, Jesus

ALL:  as though they are Saints!

Leader:  You walk with the angry and those full of doubt

ALL:  as well as the patient and joyful!

Leader:  You love us and forgive us

ALL:  even though we neglect you!

Leader:  May we know and understand

ALL:  that it is through Christ we are redeemed!

Challenge for the Week:  If we live our lives for Christ, then we become a new creation, not of this world.  This task is not for the faint of heart!  It requires us to learn how to balance the both/and of life.  We can get caught up in only following what God teaches and neglect our obligations of this life and separate ourselves from the realities of this world or we can put God on a shelf and visit Him on Sunday or occasionally throughout the week.  Finding balance helps us not become like the hypocrites who say one thing and do another.  Strive to live from the inside out, work on building up the Jesus within you and then there shouldn’t be any effort needed for His grace, mercy, love and forgiveness to overflow from you.  God wants us to live with mission and purpose, bringing Him into every aspect of our lives.  Work this week on bringing God into one or more of your daily tasks whether it be mowing the lawn, driving kids to school or at a meeting for work.  Focus on the Jesus within you and say a prayer to help you be aware of His presence within you…be open to listening to how He guides your thoughts and your words and allow HIM to come out!

28^th Sunday of Ordinary Time

Opening Prayer 

Generous Lord,

We are invited to the glorious banquet,

May we come to understand the value of this honor.

Let our words and actions reflect that it is YOU who covers us,

Who makes us worthy to clothe ourselves in Christ!

No matter our circumstances, all are welcome!

Journal/Reflection Questions

Isaiah 25:6-10a

• How does the idea of a banquet translate into how God calls you to live out your daily life? How is your daily life lived out as a banquet?
• This scripture says God takes away all sorrow and tears, but people still experience sorrow and shed tears. What do you read in this scripture which can help you understand about the veil which separates people from God in times of sorrow, pain and loss?

Philippians 4:12-14, 19-20

• God gives without measure. Can you say you give without measure?  When you give, do you do it with expectation or out of obligation?
• Identify a struggle you face currently. Make a decision to pray this scripture each day as you face the challenge; then write down your thoughts and feelings about this struggle each day.

Matthew 22:1-14

• Imagine yourself as a guest at the banquet. How do you feel?  How do you interact with the other guests?
• How does this scripture change your perspective, knowing you are invited to attend the banquet? What can you do to get ready for the banquet?

General Questions for Journaling

• Identify a time when someone came to your aid. What kind of trouble where you in?  How did they help?
• How does God wipe away our tears and sorrows?
• Make a list of 20 things that are worth celebrating. What makes them worthy of celebration?  Are they only important to you or to others as well?
• Are you open or closed to God’s invitation to join Him at the feast?
• What feelings are associated with an invitation? How do you feel when you send out an invitation?  How do you feel when you receive an invitation?
• What would you serve if Jesus came to your house for a meal?
• Describe the feast God has prepared for you TODAY!

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Father, YOU are with us through our sorrow;

ALL:  We feel your loving arms surround us.

Leader:  Jesus, YOU console us when we need comfort;

ALL:  We feel your loving arms surround us.

Leader:  Holy Spirit, YOU wipe away the tears and lead us on;

ALL:  We feel your loving arms surround us.

Leader:  Holy Trinity, YOU are alive in us

ALL:  YOU satisfy every longing and give us all we need!

Challenge for the Week:  Whatever season of life you are in, there is “fasting” and “feasting” involved.  For example, a newlywed couple might be in a “fasting” season of time spent with friends or family because they are “feasting” on the new married life relationship.  They are focused on building their lives together as one and adjusting to the give and take of joining two households together.  Through this season, there are “personal” things they give up such as their bottle cap or stuffed animal collection to make room for “their” things and in turn “feast” in the joy of new memories made together.  Reflect this week on the things you “fast from” and “feast on” during the season of life you are currently in.  What drives the things you fast or feast from?  Do you have some kind of control over the things you fast from?  Are the things you feast on helping to build the kingdom of God in your midst?  Where is Christ in your fasting and feasting?

27^th Sunday of Ordinary Time

Opening Prayer 

Lord, You must become frustrated.

Your Word is strong and true;

It never changes.

Somehow we still get anxious;

And worry about trivial things.

Help us to understand that…

YOU are always with us!

YOU watch over us!

YOU never leave us!

Journal/Reflection Questions

Isaiah 5:1-7

• Compare the world to a vineyard. What do you imagine is growing; identify the weeds, the bugs and the different types of grapes.  What are the fertilizers or the pesticides?  What good is coming from the vineyard?
• What can you learn from the vineyard owner, how does he work the field to produce a bounty? What kind of work do you do to produce good fruit?

Philippians 4:6-9

• What does St. Paul say you need to do to guard you fears, worries and anxieties? How can this become a reality?
• What is true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, gracious, excellent and worthy of praise? If you have it is there space for anything else?

Matthew 21:33-43

• How do you identify with the Gospel reading? Are there people or situations in your life which you visualize as you hear the Word spoken?
• What emotions or feelings come up from inside of you when you hear this reading? What do you feel motivated to do?
• The Gospel reading doesn’t sound too much different than what happens in the world today? How did God react to the wretched way people treat one another in the parable?  How does Jesus’ response play out in today’s society?

General Questions for Journaling

• What are some of the obstacles which keep you from being a better “keeper of the vineyard”? How can you be more aware and intentional with your words and actions?
• What do you devote your time to? Does the way you spend your time accurately express your devotion?
• Are there things in your life which cause you constant worry or anxiety? What is it about those things that you can’t let go of?
• Where do you find peace? How can you cultivate it?
• Is it possible to have peace all of the time? Is it a fantasy?
• What in your life do you embrace which keeps you from embracing the sacred?
• Who might you consider to be one of God’s messengers? Are there current day messengers?
• Is there an injustice which you feel called to speak out against? What do you do to bring light to the situation?

Closing Prayer

Leader:  O Master of the vineyard…

ALL:  Plant in us seeds of grace

Leader:  Plant in us seeds of hope

ALL:  Plant in us seeds of mercy

Leader:  Plant in us seeds of love

ALL:  Plant in us seeds of forgiveness

Leader:  Plant in us seeds of faith

ALL:  May we grow all of these in abundance!!!

Challenge for the Week:  Consider the definition of each of the qualities Saint Paul says should take the place of our worry and anxiety.  Are there people in your life whom you would describe as true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, gracious, excellent and worthy of praise?  Breakdown each quality and reflect on a person in your life (living or dead, that you know or know of) which has that quality.  What makes that a trait of that person?  How can you express these qualities?  They are already planted in you…are you tending to the vineyard?

26th Sunday of Ordinary Time

Opening Prayer
Saving Lord
You are always with us.
You never leave us.
Even when we turn away, YOU are near!
Bring us into Your Spirit,
so we may be mindful of your presence.

Journal/Reflection Questions
Ezekiel 18:25-28
• Reflect on a time this week when you turned away from wickedness. How did you recognize the wickedness? Did you turn to God instead?
• Define “Conversion”. What does this mean to you?
Philippians 2:1-11
• Who are some of the people whose needs we put first, before our own?
• Are there people in our lives who put our needs before their own? Reflect on the examples of when then this has happened…what is the relationship between you and the person who puts your needs ahead of their needs?
Matthew 21:28-32
• Which son is need of conversion? Consider how BOTH might work toward conversion. How can you relate to both of them? Have you been where they are at one time or another in your life?
• How do the Elder’s change their ways because of Jesus’ words? How are you called to change because of His words?

General Questions for Journaling
• Have you experienced a conversion in your life? Is it a one-time event or can it happen repeatedly?
• How easy or difficult is daily conversion? What would/does this look like in your life?
• Consider some of the saints…reflect on one or two of them who put the needs of others before their own needs. What can you learn from their example and put into practice in your life?
• What does it mean to you to be a “slave” to Christ? Share an example.
• How would you say you resemble God? What qualities do you emulate? Which qualities do you wish to work on so you might be more like God?
• Are good words or good deeds better? Why?
• Is there an area in your life which is in need of conversion? Map out a plan on how you might achieve this, what you will do, who you will ask for assistance, be specific.

Closing Prayer
Leader: When we struggle with a decision…
ALL: Let our works imitate our words!
Leader: When we face our fears…
ALL: Let our works imitate our words!
Leader: When the road seems too rough…
ALL: Let our works imitate our words!
Leader: When we are surrounded by difficult people…
ALL: Let our works imitate our words!
Leader: May we call on you to shine through!

Challenge for the Week: Sometimes we become blind to our own sin and get wrapped up in what we see around us as a way to not have to look at what is going on inside of us. We should spend less time pointing out the wrong doings of others, and focus on our own wrong doings. When we do this, we become more aware of the working of God in our lives. Once aware of God’s presence in our lives, we begin to ignore our own self-interests and become conscious of what God wants for us. Then our words and our works become more in line with one another. Reflect this week on a specific way your words and actions conflict, what can you do to balance them out? What is causing the imbalance? Are there actions you can take to keep from getting out of balance?

Opening Prayer
Lord,
Though we may grumble and complain,
YOU continue to stay close to us.
Let us be more mindful of your presence,
in ourselves and in others.
May we learn to look more deeply
into the truth which is Your Word.

Journal/Reflection Questions
Isaiah 55:6-9
• Where is God present in your life right now? How often do you see, here or feel God’s presence within a 24 hour period?
• Are there times when God is more or less present? When is He more? When is He less?

Philippians 1:20c-24, 27a
• Identify at least one person in your life who “magnifies” God. What qualities “magnify” God? How do you “magnify” God?
• What work in your life produces “good fruit”? How do you engage in “fruitful labor”?

Matthew 20:1-16a
• Share an example of how a person can live out the Gospel message in a positive way.
• Do you know people who live a life of generosity? How can you follow their example?

General Questions for Journaling
• How would you respond to someone if they asked you how you know God is near?
• If God is always near, why do we need to seek Him? What make it hard to find Him sometimes?
• Would God ever hold back mercy or forgiveness? Why or why not?
• Have you ever held back from giving or showing mercy or forgiveness? What was the situation? How can you grow and change from the experience?
• Follow your family tree back and identify family members who have been examples of “fruitful laborers”, “workers for the kingdom”. Spend time in prayer giving thanks for their example.
• How is grace given in the ways of the world? What does grace look like in these terms? How is it similar or different than the way God gives grace?
• Is generosity earned? How does one become worthy of being the recipient of a generous act?

Closing Prayer
Leader: When we grow weary and tired after a long day…
ALL: Let us turn to You, You are our reward!

Leader: When we find ourselves full of stress and worry…
ALL: Let us turn to You, You are our reward!
Leader: When we are limited by rules and regulations…
ALL: Let us turn to You, You are our reward!
Leader: When we think we are not enough or are alone…
ALL: Let us turn to You, You are our reward!
Leader: Generous God, you are all we need!

Challenge for the Week: Some of the first lessons we learn as a child are to be fair and to share. When we share our things everyone gets equal time or equal pieces so it is “fair”. However, the Gospel is not a very good example of being fair. I’d bet most people get offended by how unfair this story comes across at face value. Like most of Jesus’ parables, we need to dig into it and know there is a deeper message within. Our lesson is to know that it is never too late for us to turn to God and receive His love and abundant blessings in our lives. When we know and love God, we know peace. This week as you go about your tasks, share this message with others. Let them know if they do not already have a relationship with Jesus that it is not too late to start. God will give everyone the same amount of love, forgiveness, mercy and grace no matter when they come and no matter what they have done. Share this good news with all you meet!