Bible Journal

Sunday, November 7th Readings

32nd Sunday of Ordinary Time

Opening Prayer

Father in heaven,

Each day I work hard to please you

but this is not what you ask of me.

You ask for me to love you with all my heart.

You ask me to find you in others.

and want me to share your love.

Love you and share your love…this is what you ask;

Help me to stay focused on the goals you have for me.

Amen

Journal/Reflection Questions

1 Kings 17:10-16

  • What does the widow do to receive the generosity of another?
  • Are there only a few people whom you would sacrifice the last of something for or would you sacrifice the same for a stranger/anybody?
  • What is God saying to you in this scripture about being ready to accept Him into your life?

Hebrews 9:24-28

  • What is the significance of one sacrifice?
  • How does one find salvation according to this scripture?
  • What is the core message you hear in this scripture? Each person will hear something differently according to their experience…share!

Mark 12:38-44

  • What is Jesus telling you about giving? Is He only talking about money to the church? Be specific.
  • What are the two types of people Jesus is referring to in this scripture? What characteristics are being highlighted as good and bad? Where would you rate yourself on the scale?
  • How are you like the widow? In what ways do you want to be more like the widow?

General Questions for Journaling

  • What do you have that never runs empty?
  • What do you have that limits you?
  • Is there anything you wouldn’t give away? What would it be and why?
  • Define generous spirit. Would you say you have a generous spirit? Why or why not?
  • Share a time when you recently did something for another person. Did they ask you to do it or did you do it because you saw a need.
  • What is the difference between doing something you are asked to do and doing something because you saw a need?
  • What is needed to create a habit of giving? Do you have these qualities?  Who do you know has them?
  • What good comes from helping others?
  • Are there always rewards for doing good things?
  • When you think of what God brings to your relationship and what you bring, do you think God is measuring like you do? Why or why not?
  • What do you think God is saying about what you bring to your relationship?
  • Is generosity about how much you give or how you give? What is the difference?
  • Make a list of the things God love most about you.
  • How do you define a “leap of faith”, share some examples.

Closing Prayer

Leader:  When I am held up at a red light…

ALL:  Help me make room for YOU!

Leader:  When I give up control of the remote…

ALL:  Help me make room for YOU!

Leader:  When I let someone else choose…

ALL:  Help me make room for YOU!

Leader: When I hold my tongue…

ALL:  Help me make room for YOU!

Leader: When I sacrifice time or money for another…

ALL:  Help me make room for YOU!

Challenge for the Week:  Jesus uses the widow woman to show how one gives from the heart, all they can possibly give.  This week, make a point to not just do the minimum needed or required of whatever task is in front of you.  Give a little more effort in preparing the meal for your family, take a bit more time enjoying the beauty of the colors of fall, and be more attentive when your spouse is telling you about the events of the day…whatever you have in front of you, give yourself completely.

GET CONNECTED DAILY!  Find more reflections and prayers at Making Scripture Relevant on Facebook and Instagram.  Join the Weekly Scripture Journal email list by contacting heather@makingscripturerelevant.com

Sunday, October 31st Readings

31st Sunday of Ordinary Time

Opening Prayer

Lord

Teach me what it means to love.

Show me how to serve.

Give me the strength to do both!

Amen

Journal/Reflection Questions

Deuteronomy 6:2-6

  • What do you hear God saying in this scripture? How is your message different than others? How is it the same?
  • Share examples of where you see following God’s commandments are good.
  • Share examples of where you see following God’s commandments are bad.

Hebrews 7:23-28

  • What does this scripture teach you about the Eucharist? Is this an old or a new insight?
  • How does this scripture help you understand how sacrifice is good? Does it make you more or less willing to make a sacrifice for God? For others?
  • What is God calling you to sacrifice right now?

Mark 12:28b-34

  • How does Jesus determine or measure our nearness to the kingdom of God according to this scripture?
  • Does loving God come easy? Why or why not?
  • Describe God’s love. What words do you use? 
  • Do you love God the same way He loves you? Why or why not?

General Questions for Journaling

  • Does love have a capacity? Explain
  • How does God love vs how you love? Is it different? Is it the same?
  • Imagine your heart. Draw a picture of it and then write down the things that you carry in your heart. Is your heart big enough to carry all of those things and be able to love God too?
  • How does having God in your life make your life better?
  • Where do you see God’s presence? In your home? Your spouse? Your kids? Neighbors? Co-workers? Fellow parishioners? Be specific.
  • What does it mean to you when people pray for you? What does it mean for you to pray for others?
  • Do you believe those who have passed can provide you support, understanding and companionship? Why or why not?
  • How do you put God above others? Give an example.
  • What do you do to “work” on your relationship with God?
  • Shouldn’t love come easy?  What makes loving God or others or yourself difficult?
  • Do you feel you know God? Understand Jesus? Are connected to the Holy Spirit? What kind of things can you do to deepen your relationship with each part of the Holy Trinity?
  • What significance does scripture, tradition and sacrifice have on your relationship with God? What significance do these things have on your personal relationship with others?
  • Explain how the Eucharist is an expression of love.

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Lord, come live in me…

ALL:  so I can understand the sacrifice of love.

Leader:  Lord, come live in me…

ALL:  so I can teach others through my actions.

Leader:  Lord, come live in me…

 ALL:  so I can give hope by sharing the Gospel.

Leader:  Lord, come live in me…

ALL:  so I can be a place of refuge.

Leader:  Lord, come live in me…

ALL:  so I can become more like YOU!

Challenge for the Week: Jesus took the 10 commandments and condensed them into simpler language for people to understand.  He didn’t change the message of what the commandments say, the tasks are still the same.  Just because the language is simpler, what God wants you and I to do is not simpler. 

Take the first piece, “love God with all your heart, mind and soul.”  When you think about loving God, it’s easy to think, oh yeah, that is no problem!  However, do you give God you ALL?  Jesus says to love with ALL your heart, mind and soul but many times in your lifetime, you can find you’ve turned your back on God and not acknowledged God for the blessings in your life, either because you forget or get busy or dismiss the blessings as things you deserve.  This request isn’t so easy after all.

Then the second part of the message is to, “love your neighbor as yourself” which comes with a long list of obstacles.  First and foremost, can you say you love yourself?  If you can, then you’re halfway there but if you can’t say that you love yourself, then you’ve gotta figure out how to do that so then you can begin the work of loving others. 

Is it even possible to love God and love others equally AND love ourselves too?  This is what God wants from you and even though it is hard the relationship you have with the Holy Trinity can give insight.  Spend time this week reflecting on the commandments through the lens of the Holy Trinity, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, then apply what you learn to living them out!

GET CONNECTED DAILY!  Find more reflections and prayers at Making Scripture Relevant on Facebook and Instagram.  Join the Weekly Scripture Journal email list by contacting heather@makingscripturerelevant.com

Sunday, October 24th Readings

30th Sunday of Ordinary Time

Opening Prayer

Lord,

I shout for joy because you

heal me from my hurts,

you protect me from my enemies

and you provide me with peace of mind!

Your Word continues to guide me and lead me,

by teaching me your ways.

Thank you for always being there for me so

I can be Christ to others.

Amen

Journal/Reflection Questions

Jeremiah 31:7-9

  • Who are the burdened and downtrodden in this scripture? How does God provide them with support?
  • Where do you find security in this scripture? How is it or how can it be played out in your life?

Hebrews 5:1-6

  • What can you learn from this scripture about dealing with people who try your patience?
  • What does this scripture say about weakness? What are your weaknesses?

Mark 10:46-52

  • What do you say when you cry out to Jesus?
  • Are you persistent in making your desires known to God? What do you do about making your needs known and then acting on them?

General Questions for Journaling

  • Where do you seek consolation? Is it from a person or is it a place or something else?
  • Who comes to you for support when they are weary? What do you offer?  Is it too much?  Is it not enough?  How do you know it is what they need?
  • Have you ever felt the path you are on has too many curves or bumps? What can be done to level out the road a bit? How can you help yourself with this task? What can you do for others?
  • When did you recently sacrifice something for another person’s good? When has someone done the same for you? Has this happened with or without regret or expectation?
  • Make a list of 5-10 good qualities you possess which would draw people to you.
  • When someone comes to you for counsel, do you look for how you will benefit or how they will benefit? OR do you turn to the Holy Spirit for guidance in the counsel you give? What does this look like?
  • Jesus stood up for you and died for your sins; who do you stand up for? How do you let them know you stand up for them even in their weakness?
  • Are there people who refuse to “be quiet” in your life or in the community? Do they stay on one topic or do they harp on many?  What do you think their goal is?
  • Are there times when you should hold your tongue or the opposite, speak out more?  Identify those moments.
  • Where do you see Jesus working today? What is He doing to shout out the message of forgiveness, mercy and healing?
  • Is there somewhere Jesus needs you to go out to shout the good news?

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Jesus, have pity on me and restore my soul

ALL:  for I am weak.

Leader:  Jesus, have pity on me and restore my soul

ALL:  for I am blind.

Leader:  Jesus, have pity on me and restore my soul

ALL:  for I am crippled.

Leader: Jesus, have pity on me and restore my soul

ALL:  for I am ignorant.

Leader: Jesus, have pity on me and restore my soul

ALL:  for I am a sinner.

Challenge for the Week:  Take time this week to think about what it would be like to be blind.  How would you feel?  How might you be different?  How would you define the word see if you were blind, not having the experience of knowing what it truly was?  Then spend time considering what makes you “blind”?  What keeps you from seeing the positive in people or situations rather than the negative?  What things in your life or within yourself do you refuse to see and change?  How much time and effort do you spend trying to keep these things hidden from others, from God?  Pray…”Jesus, son of David, have pity on me.”

GET CONNECTED DAILY!  Find more reflections and prayers at Making Scripture Relevant on Facebook and Instagram.  Join the Weekly Scripture Journal email list by contacting heather@makingscripturerelevant.com

Sunday, October 17th Readings

29th Sunday of Ordinary Time

Opening Prayer

Jesus

You humbled yourself; You sacrificed.

You carried my sin, my guilt and my shame.

May I remember the pain and suffering you endured for me.

Let me not forget it was for my good and the good of all!

Jesus, you know and understand what I need!

Amen

Journal/Reflection Questions

Isaiah 53:10-11

  • Share some examples of how a person gives their life as an offering for sin. What does this mean?
  • Have you ever wanted to take the place of another person who was suffering? Share the experience.

Hebrews 4:14-16

  • What tests did Jesus have to go through? Share the times in scripture when Jesus was put to the test. What was he tested for/about?
  • Name the emotion you feel knowing Jesus knows how you feel when you are reluctant to spent time with him or go to confession or to help someone in need.
  • When do you recall Jesus showing weakness? When did he suffer? What makes you know Jesus understands us when we have done wrong?

Mark 10:35-45

  • When have you been like the disciples and not understood what you were truly asking?
  • What do you understand from Jesus’ response to the disciples? What does this tell you about how he will respond to your unknowing?
  • From the scripture, so the disciples come to understand Jesus? Why or why not?

General Questions for Journaling

  • Is it better suffer alone or with others? Explain your answer.
  • Do you feel others suffering? What can you to for those who suffer?  Be specific.
  • Have you seen how God’s message is spread through suffering? Share some examples in your personal experience and in the world.
  • How does suffering through something cause you to draw closer to God? How does it separate you?
  • How does it feel to know God understands your joys and your sorrows? Reflect on EXACTLY what that means and how you can bring God to the forefront of those experiences instead of an afterthought.
  • What is your definition of weakness? How can you redefine it in a positive way?
  • What is the difference between sympathy and empathy? How can both of these affect suffering?
  • What good can come from suffering?  Share an example.
  • Do you feel as though you are being tested? Who is testing you?
  • What is it about power that is so alluring?
  • Why do you think it is fun to be “king of the mountain”? What do you think about when you are the one in charge?
  • How can you be a better servant to others? Share a specific example you will work on this week. (family, friend, community)
  • Conflict in the world and in our lives is unavoidable. What things are worth fighting for? What are you willing to sacrifice for? What is worth suffering?

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Moses an abandoned child and Leader of the Israelites.

ALL:  Through suffering, YOU are light

Leader:  Joseph imprisoned and champion of dreams.

ALL:  Through suffering, YOU are light

Leader:  Jesus crucified and resurrected.

ALL:  Through suffering, YOU are light

Leader:  Peter denied and head of the Church.

ALL:  Through suffering, YOU are light

Leader:  Destruction of the world and a brilliant sunrise.

ALL:  Through suffering, YOU are light

Challenge for the Week:  The corporate ladder coined the phrase to “one up” someone which means to move up a rung of the ladder ahead of another.  This type of competition isn’t anything new to human nature, it happened with the disciples and even the sons of Adam and Eve!  There is always someone who thinks they are better or smarter or better looking; they believe they deserve the high praise and recognition, but Jesus is saying the one who deserves to live in the kingdom is the one who suffers.  Since it is human nature to compare oneself to another, watch yourself this week.  When you think someone did a better job than you, tell them.  If someone is having a good hair day, let them know.  Recognizing and acknowledging the good of others is a practice of humility and that can be painful.  Though this acknowledgement is not the same type of suffering Jesus endured, it is a way of letting go of pride and ego.  Jesus isn’t asking you to suffer alone, He knows how you feel because He has been there!

GET CONNECTED DAILY!  Find more reflections and prayers at Making Scripture Relevant on Facebook and Instagram.  Join the Weekly Scripture Journal email list by contacting heather@makingscripturerelevant.com

Sunday, October 10th Readings

28th Sunday of Ordinary Time

Opening Prayer

God,

Your WORD is like a warm blanket

It keeps me company when I am lonely

And warms my soul and comforts me.

Blessed am I that I can wrap up in your WORD!

Amen

Journal/Reflection Questions

Wisdom 7:7-11

  • What do you imagine is priceless to God? What is priceless to you? How do the two differ? How are they the same?
  • Can you identify with the emotion expressed in this scripture? To what could you compare it?

Hebrews 4:12-13

  • This scripture explains God sees everything and knows everything, how does knowing God already knows what you have thought and what you have done or not done change your daily prayer?
  • Human instinct is to, like Adam and Eve, try to cover up sin. What might happen if you didn’t cover up what you did wrong?
  • How is God naked before you? Does God conceal anything? Explain.

Mark 10:17-30

  • How do you relate to the Rich Man? When have you felt God ask you to do something you were not ready to do?
  • Does God REALLY want you to give up everything to follow Him? What is the ultimate message here?
  • Have you ever been discouraged like the Rich Man in the Gospel reading because you have been faithful but Jesus continues to ask for more from you?
  • There is a saying that “anything worth doing is worth doing right”, how does this saying relate to the Gospel message? What does this mean for you?

General Questions for Journaling

  • For what do you pray? How does God respond to your prayers?
  • Reflect on your prayers; are they the same each day?
  • Are your prayers specific or general?
  • Do you plead with God only when you are in trouble?
  • How are pleading and begging the same or different? Can you bargain with God?
  • What prayer are you waiting on God to answer for you? Are you waiting because God hasn’t given you the answer you desire?
  • What causes you to “trip up” before God? Are there specific things God asks of you that you hesitate to accomplish? What holds you back?
  • How would another person know what you valued? What do you do with your valuables? How do you treat them? How are they displayed?
  • Do your actions affirm your values or do you say you value something because it makes you feel better to say so? Give an example.
  • What has God provided to you which is priceless? Have you thanked God for this?
  • Do you think God gives more to a person who is giving than to a person who isn’t as giving?
  • Who is the most giving person you know? What qualities about them do you admire the most?
  • What is your process for making decisions? Where does God fit into your discernment?
  • Who can be saved? What does it mean to be saved?
  • Do you think anyone can ever stop being good? Honest? Faithful?
  • What motivates you to be a better person?
  • How does clinging to something cause harm?

Closing Prayer

Leader:  May I seek out where YOU lead…

ALL:  Fill my spirit with WISDOM!

Leader:  May I be glad today and everyday…

ALL:  Fill my spirit with REJOICING!

Leader:  May I reach out to others…

ALL:  Fill my spirit with KINDNESS!

Leader:  May I sing YOUR praises…

ALL:  Fill my spirit with CELEBRATION!

Leader: May I follow YOUR heart…

ALL:  Fill my spirit with LOVE!

Challenge for the Week:  Identify one thing which is keeping you from giving yourself completely to Jesus?  What it is that you just can’t let go of or stands in your way of fully embracing the life God intended for you to live?  Jesus says to let go and follow me.  Consider how you feel when you don’t have someone’s full attention; perhaps a child when you are disciplining them or a spouse when you are sharing about the ups and downs of your day.  This must be how God feels when He is speaking to you and sharing His desires with you, but you don’t listen or pay attention or take action.  This week work on shedding ONE obstacle which causes you to not be in full communion with Jesus.  Work on breaking the habit and creating a new one which keeps you on the path toward a better relationship with God, the ultimate JOY!

GET CONNECTED DAILY!  Find more reflections and prayers at Making Scripture Relevant on Facebook and Instagram.  Join the Weekly Scripture Journal email list by contacting heather@makingscripturerelevant.com

Sunday, October 3rd Readings

27th Sunday of Ordinary Time

Opening Prayer

God

You created man and woman

to share in the fullness of Your love.

You call both to be in community

with one another and in communion with You.

What you bring together cannot be torn apart.

Your love cannot be removed or taken away.

It is a blessing to share, in good times and in bad

and it remains even when conflicts arise.

Let Your love be seen, felt and shared.

May I share Your love with others,

and seek Your love in others to

build up the kingdom together!

Journal/Reflection Questions

Genesis 2:18-24

  • What does this scripture remind you about in terms of your role and responsibility as a human being?
  • Does this scripture cause you to think of a woman as an afterthought? Why or why not?
  • God created Eve for Adam, why do you think God wanted to create a suitable partner for Adam?  Do you think He created a suitable partner for everyone?  Share your thoughts.

Hebrews 2:9-11

  • What does this scripture tell you about Jesus’ love?
  • How do you feel about being called a brother and sister of Jesus? What does that mean to you?
  • How are you consecrated with Jesus? What does it mean to be consecrated in Jesus?

Mark 10:2-16

  • Read this scripture as though you are a child. What different thoughts or insights do you gather?
  • This scripture says divorce is a man written law, that the people had Moses to re-write the law.  How is this practice played out today, not just with divorce but other laws created to guide us?  Explain.
  • What does Jesus mean when he says, “don’t prevent them from coming to me”? Do you think he is talking about children literally or figuratively? How does this change your understanding of the scripture?

General Questions for Journaling

  • How do you rate in terms of being an environmentalist? Do you recycle? Care for animals? Tend to the earth?  What does this reading say about your responsibility to care for God’s creation?
  • What comfort do you get from knowing Jesus spent time on earth?
  • Describe how you feel the presence of God when you are alone.
  • What can you do to find the Jesus in each person you meet? Is it possible to see Jesus in someone whom you don’t like or who doesn’t know Jesus? Explain.
  • How does Jesus’ death bring salvation to all? Does it make sense to you that you receive God’s salvation whether you believe it or not? Does that bring you comfort or cause you distress? Explain.
  • Describe the characteristics of man as you believe God created man to be.
  • Describe the characteristics of woman as you believe God created woman to be.
  • How do men and women complement each other? Is this how God created them to be?  Why or why not?
  • What causes men and women to clash? Is this how God created them to be?
  • What is your experience of divorce? How do Jesus’ words affect your opinion of divorce? How does your experience affect how you understand the scripture?
  • Do you think the fear of getting divorced keeps people who are suitable partners from getting married? What other things might keep people from getting married?
  • What makes a marriage a “perfect union”? Do you think this exists? Why or why not? Do you believe a marriage without God can last? Why or why not?
  • Make a list of some non-negotiables of a marriage God joins together?

Closing Prayer

Leader:  As I awake and begin each morning…

ALL:  May I rejoice in Your love!

Leader:  As I settle into the routine of the day…

ALL:  May I rejoice in Your love!

Leader:  As I encounter struggles and stress…

ALL:  May I rejoice in Your love!

Leader:  As I celebrate blessings and joys…

ALL:  May I rejoice in Your love!

Leader: As I lay down to rest in Your embrace…

ALL:  May I rejoice in Your love!

Challenge for the Week:  Think of a married couple you know and reflect on their relationship through the lens of these readings.  How do they complement one another?  Can you see the partnership between the two of them?

GET CONNECTED DAILY!  Find more reflections and prayers at Making Scripture Relevant on Facebook and Instagram.  Join the Weekly Scripture Journal email list by contacting heather@makingscripturerelevant.com

Sunday, September 19th Readings

25th Sunday of Ordinary Time

Opening Prayer

Jesus

Give me the ability to step out of the way;

to allow a pause and not be impatient.

Keep me from feeling I am the only one,

who is able to find an answer or complete a task.

Let my faith overcome my fear…

Let me allow you to complete the good work,

for you can bring beauty to the completion of all things!

Amen

Journal/Reflection Questions

Wisdom 2 :12, 17-20

  • How does this scripture paint the wicked? What do they lack?
  • Where does Jesus say someone should prove themselves worthy? How does this scripture contradict what Jesus teaches?
  • Explain how this scripture is a model for bullying. What can you do in opposition?

James 3:16-4:3

  • What obstacle had God helped you overcome? How does this scripture give you the words to explain the experience?
  • Conflict can bring good outcomes and bad outcomes. Share examples from scripture of each AND/OR share examples from you own experience of both.

Mark 9:30-37

  • Explain Jesus’ actions in this scripture. Actions speak louder than words so what is He saying here when He takes the child into His arms?
  • Share examples of how Jesus modelled for the world how to be “servant of all”.
  • What are the qualities Jesus deems most important in a disciple? Identify at least five you can learn about in this scripture.
  • Do you think the disciples knew arguing over who would be the greatest was the wrong thing to be arguing about? Share a time when you were arguing about something you knew you shouldn’t.

General Questions for Journaling

  • What characteristics of other just seem to “turn you off”? What do you want to do when you encounter someone who does it?
  • Share examples of situations where you feel “tortured” or “trapped”. How can God or did God help you in this situation?
  • What brings you comfort when you feel you have no control?
  • Share a time when you broke the rules intentionally. What caused you to do so? Were there consequences?
  • Does wickedness exist in the world today? Where? What feeds it?
  • Where do you see evil in the world? What is being done to keep it from growing?
  • Have you experienced God’s patience? Describe what it is like. What specifically can you learn about patience from God?
  • Do you have conflict with God? Why or why not?
  • Can you have conflict within yourself? How can you wage war on yourself? Does this affect others? Is it influenced by others?
  • Think of a time when you acted out of anger or frustration; what were you angry or frustrated about? How did your anger or frustration help or hurt the situation?
  • How do conflicts arise between people? What causes conflict?
  • How many things are you passionate about? Is there a limit?
  • What do your words and actions say you are passionate about?
  • Do you share your passion with others or keep it for yourself?
  • How do you react when you hear that something will happen in a different way than you expected?
  • Do you treat children differently than you do adults? Why or why not?
  • What do you do when you don’t understand something? How does it change your attitude?
  • What qualities of a child do you possess when it comes to your faith? Be specific.

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Lord, teach me to cultivate good fruits

ALL:  through my words and actions.

Leader:  Lord, teach me to cultivate mercy

ALL:  and show compassion to all.

Leader:  Lord, teach me to cultivate peace

ALL:  with honesty and just decisions.

Leader:  Lord, teach me to cultivate love

ALL:  through sacrifice for greater good.

Leader:  Lord, teach me to cultivate humility

ALL:  and give you honor and praise!

Challenge for the Week:  Borrowed from Ronald Rolheiser’s reflection on the scriptures; he shares thoughts in the words of Marilynne Robinson about our inability to genuinely love our neighbor.  Marilynne Robinson submits that, even in our failure to live up (to) what Jesus asks of us, if we are struggling honestly, there is some virtue. She argues this way: Freud said that we cannot love our neighbor as ourselves, and no doubt this is true. But since we accept the reality that lies behind the commandment, that our neighbor is as worthy of love as ourselves, then in our very attempt to act on Jesus’ demand we are acknowledging that our neighbor is worthy of love even if, at that this point in our lives, we are too weak to provide it. Spend time with this challenge and consider how this resonates with you.

GET CONNECTED DAILY!  Find more reflections and prayers at Making Scripture Relevant on Facebook and Instagram.  Join the Weekly Scripture Journal email list by contacting heather@makingscripturerelevant.com

Sunday, September 12th Readings

24th Sunday of Ordinary Time

Opening Prayer

Father

All the times when you step in

to protect me,

to give me the things I need,

to show love,

to teach me,

to give me strength or understanding,

to show patience,

I KNOW I AM YOURS…Thank you, Father!

Amen

Journal/Reflection Questions

Isaiah 50:5-9a

  • This scripture gives birth to the phrase, if God is for me, who can be against me? Which line of scripture gives you the most strength and understanding of this fact?
  • What advice does this scripture give on how to face turmoil or trouble? What attitude must one have when facing opposition? Is this attitude strictly for when people oppose your faith or beliefs or can it be true when facing any conflict?

James 2:14-18

  • What does this scripture say about how you should treat others? Is it easy to follow? Why or why not?
  • Look closely at yourself. Draw a diagram or chart to map out how your faith and works compare over the past week, month or year.  Are there trends?  Are there obstacles which deterred them from coming together?  Or on the positive side, are there situations which cultivated them to overlap?

Mark 8:27-35

  • The cross Jesus bore was made of wood, full of the sins of those He loved. What is your cross made of?  What do you carry?
  • Have you, like Jesus in this scripture, ever been misunderstood by faithful companion(s)? What happened? How was the misunderstanding resolved?

General Questions for Journaling

  • Consider a time when you lived out the first scripture. What was the situation?  How do you know God was on your side?
  • Imagine the first scripture playing out in a movie or play. What emotions would you feel to witness someone turning the other cheek?  How are those feelings different if you were the one who turned your face for another blow?
  • What in the first scripture lets you know you are not supposed to simply let people abuse you or trample you under foot? Is it a fine line or a wide divide between what the scripture teaches and physical, mental or emotional abuse?
  • Are you listening to what God is saying to you? What is the difference between listening and hearing?
  • Can you identify the “satan” in your life? What is it that consistently causes you to step backwards instead of leaping forward?
  • What does it truly mean to “deny one’s self”? Is it like saying no to a fourth piece of pizza or skipping dessert?  Why or why not?
  • The world teaches people to serve only themselves but Jesus says to serve others, on a scale from 1-10, how are you doing with this task?
  • Jesus wants to know he is fully loved and fully known, the way He fully loves and fully knows you. Share examples of how you can do this.
  • What specifically can you gain if you lose your life? What role does God play in this scenario?
  • Is saying Jesus is the Christ wrong?  Are there times when you should keep you mouth shut and your faith to yourself?  Give examples.
  • Make a list of reasons Jesus may have told the disciples not to tell anyone He is the one who is spoken about in the Old Testament.  What repercussions could occur if everyone knew?

Closing Prayer

Leader:  May I not turn my back on a person in need.

ALL:  Open my heart to YOUR love!

Leader:  May I not be quick to judge a person or situation.

ALL:  Open my heart to YOUR love!

Leader:  May I not rely on what the world says is truth.

ALL:  Open my heart to YOUR love!

Leader:  May I not use words to strike out and cause harm.

ALL:  Open my heart to YOUR love!

Leader: Empty me Lord so I may be made new…

ALL:  Open my heart to YOUR love!

Challenge for the Week:  Make of list of well-meaning phrases which mean nothing without love.  If you are paying attention, it is easy to see through body language or hear through tone of voice if someone truly wishes you to have a “good” morning or if they are just saying the words to fill the quiet.  It means much more to you that someone says Happy Birthday to you, even if it is a day late, than a “oh, it’s your birthday? Happy Birthday…”  This is not to say you can’t tell someone Happy Birthday without giving them a gift, but you should give them Christ’s joy.  You are God’s messenger, how are you getting the message of love across to your neighbor?  This goes for “have a nice day” or actually stopping to listen when you ask someone “how are you doing”.  Being Christ’s love in the world is a tough job…are you willing to work to put this into practice at least once a day each day this week?  Who knows it might catch on!

GET CONNECTED DAILY!  Find more reflections and prayers at Making Scripture Relevant on Facebook and Instagram.  Join the Weekly Scripture Journal email list by contacting heather@makingscripturerelevant.com

Sunday, August 15th Readings

Assumption of Mary, Mother of God

Opening Prayer

God of creation,

You set everything in motion

        for Mary before she was conceived.

You knew she would be the one

        whom would give birth to Your Son.

It was never a question for you

        if she would say YES!

I pray, this is true for me too!

Journal/Reflection Questions

Revelation 11 :19a ;12 :1-6a,10ab

  • What signs do you seek to confirm your faith?
  • What emotions do you feel when you read/listen to this scripture? 
  • How could you explain this scripture to someone hearing it for the first time and not knowing who Mary is or who Jesus is?

1Corinthians 15:20-27

  • Share your thoughts about what you think will happen and what it will look like when Jesus comes again.
  • How have you died and been brought to life?  Is this something that has happened once or several times?  Explain.

Luke 1:39-56

  • What does this scripture say about knowing God?  About faith?
  • What example can you take from this scripture to work to live out in the coming month and perhaps make into a permanent habit?

General Questions for Journaling

  • What is your image of Mary? What does she look like physically? How do you imagine he voice sounding? What characteristics, in addition to the ones you read about in scripture, do you think she had?
  • Do you have a specific devotion to Mary? What is it and how did it start?
  • What is your image of heaven? What would be the perfect heaven for you?
  • Have you ever heard God’s voice? If yes, what did God say? If no, what do you think God’s would say or is saying?
  • When Jesus said he has prepared a place for you, what do you think that looks like?
  • What are your thoughts about the pain of childbirth? Why do you think this is mentioned in scripture? What lesson is there?
  • God created man and then woman, but gave women the honor of carrying life within her. What does this say about God? What does this say about women?  Why do you think God chose to have woman carry the child and not man?
  • Why do you think it takes 9 months for a woman to give birth?
  • Mary is called many names. What is your favorite name for Mary?
  • Have you seen an image, statue or stain-glass of Mary that is prominent in your mind? Where was it and what did it look like?
  • How do you explain death to a child? How do you describe heaven?
  • What does it mean to be filled with the Holy Spirit?
  • In addition to saying YES to God to bear His child, what other important things has Mary done?
  • Mary went away to be with her family during her pregnancy. Do you think the scripture is giving an example of the importance of family or something else?  Explain.
  • If you are a woman, what is your favorite memory of being pregnant? If you are a man, what is your favorite memory about the mother of your child while she was carrying your child?

Closing Prayer – Prayer on the Assumption of Mary

Leader:  Father in heaven,

ALL:  all creation rightly gives you praise,

Leader:  for all life and holiness come from you.

ALL:  In the plan of your wisdom

Leader: she who bore the Christ in her womb

ALL:  was raised body and soul in glory

Leader:  to be with him in heaven.

ALL:  May I follow her example

Leader:  in reflecting your holiness

ALL:  and join in her hymn

Leader:  of endless love and praise.

ALL:  We ask this through Christ our Lord, AMEN!

Challenge for the Week:  Mary was taken to heaven by the heavenly host of angels.  Spend time this week thinking about this glorious event and what it might have looked like and what it meant to Jesus.  Consider further what it will look like and what it will mean when you are raised up on the last day.

GET CONNECTED DAILY!  Find more reflections and prayers at Making Scripture Relevant on Facebook and Instagram.  Join the Weekly Scripture Journal email list by contacting heather@makingscritpurerelevant.com

Sunday, August 8th Readings

19th Sunday of Ordinary Time

Opening Prayer

Lord

Give me the courage to step out

You have shown me the way

Let me move forward

Allow your love and mercy

        overflow from me

So wherever I go, others see YOU!

Amen

Journal/Reflection Questions

1 Kings 19:4-8

  • Share a time when you were able to look back on a situation in your life and see how God prepared you to be able to continue forward.
  • Reflect on how this scripture teaches the difference between what you want and what God wants and how God cares for you even when you aren’t willing or able to continue.

Ephesians 4:30-5:2

  • St. Paul says to be “imitators of Christ”.  What about this statement is difficult for you to follow?  Be specific.  What holds you back from imitating Christ more often in your daily life?   
  • Bitterness, fury, anger, shouting, reviling, malice…what is it about these emotions that are difficult for you to let go?
  • Explain how a “sacrificial offering gives a fragrant aroma”.  More specifically, how does Jesus’ sacrifice give a fragrant aroma?

John 6:41-51

  • How does the imagery of Jesus being the bread of life feel to you?  Do you think this is a good comparison or would another image/comparison make more sense to you?  Explain.
  • The people in the crowd have a difficult time believing and understanding.  What is their roadblock?  Do you have any roadblocks when it comes to your faith? 

General Questions for Journaling

  • How does it make you feel that God is still cheering for you, providing your needs when you are ready to give up?
  • When has God pulled you out of a pity party?  What specifically did he say to make you smile?
  • Where do you go to hide from others?  God?  Yourself?  What about this place gives you comfort?
  • People say, God only gives you what you can handle.  Share a time when you screamed at God, ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!
  • Do you believe angels still speak to people today?  Has God ever sent you an angel?  Share the experience.
  • Do you remember your dreams?  Do you think God speaks to you through your dreams?  Explain.
  • Make a list of 5-10 things that will bring you back from a bad mood. 
  • How do you grieve?  Are there levels to your grief?  Where is grief in relation to sadness or pain or emptiness or devastation?   
  • When was the last time you forgave someone?  Is there need for you to forgive someone now?
  • When was the last time you forgave yourself?  Are you in need of forgiveness?
  • What is the significance of the Body and Blood of Jesus for you?  Explain.
  • What is your favorite part of the Eucharistic celebration?
  • Are you always in the right mindset to receive the Body and Blood of Christ?  How important do you think it is for you to be prepared and what exactly does that mean or look like?

Closing Prayer

Leader:  I want to be a part of your life forever…

ALL:  Jesus, you were with me at the moment of my first breath!

Leader:  I want to be a part of your life forever…

ALL:  Jesus, you were there when I stumbled and helped me get back up!

Leader: I want to be a part of your life forever…

ALL:  Jesus, you helped me see my life is about serving others, not myself!

Leader:  I want to be a part of your life forever…

ALL:  Jesus, you taught me what it means to love!

Leader:  I want to be a part of your life forever…

ALL:  Jesus, you never leave me, you are always with me!

Leader:  I want to be a part of your life forever…

ALL:  Jesus, you gave me life, everlasting!

Challenge for the Week:  Like Elijah in the first reading, each of us is on a journey to the Holy Mountain.  Reflect this week on that journey.  When have you wanted to just give up because you didn’t feel you were making an impact or doing as much as those before you?  It is hard for us not to get wrapped up in productivity.  Instead, God has a plan for each of us and he knows already when we sit and when we stand…even the thoughts in our head that tell us we can’t go on.  As you reflect, take time to thank God for those times when he has come to your aide to help you and give you what you need to continue on the journey.  The journey is long and we have many lessons to learn along the way but the Lord has prepared a place for you and you are on the pathway to find it.

GET CONNECTED DAILY! 

Find more reflections and prayers at Making Scripture Relevant on Facebook and Instagram.  Join the Weekly Scripture Journal email list by contacting heather@makingscripturerelevant.com