Bible Journal

Sunday, January 16th Readings

2nd Sunday of Ordinary Time

Opening Prayer

Lord Jesus,

You are generous beyond compare.

The wellspring of your love never runs dry.

You are the giver of all that is good.

I want to overflow with praise for you,

And shout from the rooftop that You are God!

AMEN

Journal/Reflection Questions

Isaiah 62 :1-5

  • Jesus is the King of Kings, how does this scripture describe your relationship with him?
  • What does this scripture tell you about how God loves? Does it help you understand God’s love more or less?

1 Corinthians 12:4-11

  • Where do you see yourself in this scripture? How does the Spirit manifest within you?
  • When have you seen these gifts work together for good in your community or in your life?
  • Where have your gifts been called upon and gathered for a specific purpose or did they come together organically? Explain.

John 2:1-11

  • Compare your life to the wine which was served first and your future to the water which was turned into wine. Can you find hope in the comparison?
  • Put yourself in the scripture. Imagine yourself as the head waiter, the bride/groom, the guests, Mary. What are you thinking? How do you make sense of what happened? Whom do you share this occurrence with and how?
  • How do the words, “do whatever he tells you” change meaning when you hear them coming from Mary, speaking of Jesus?

General Questions for Journaling

  • How do you know God loves you? How would you explain this kind of love to someone who had never met God?
  • God calls you His delight and promises not to forsaken you; what other names does God give you? What other promises does He make?
  • What gift(s) do you have? How do you use it/them?
  • Are you jealous of a specific gift? Why? What would you do with it if you had it?
  • When have you seen a variety of gifts work together for good?
  • What specific gift is needed in your family right now? In your workplace? In your community?
  • There is a time to speak up and a time to be silent. Share examples of each and explain.
  • When you call on God, what name do you use? What name does God use to call on you?
  • Would you say you have experienced love to its greatest extent? Share the experience.
  • Do you feel favored by God? Why or why not? 
  • What does it mean to you to be favored by God?
  • How do you compare God’s love for you and the love of a parent?
  • How do you compare God’s love for you and the love of a spouse?
  • Does comparing God’s love to the marriage union still hold value when people get divorced or don’t get married at all? Why or why not?
  • How does God know you love Him? Do you tell Him? Do you show Him? What do you do?
  • When have you seen the Spirit at work? Do you have to look hard to see it?  How often do you experience this?
  • Are there gifts God has given to you which you are afraid to use?
  • Do you believe there are still gifts of God within you which haven’t been manifest yet? Why or why not?
  • Do you believe the phrase, “you get what you pay for”? What does it mean?  How can you translate it to faith?
  • Is there anyone in your life whom you trust will provide for all of your needs? Do you think it is a rarity or surplus in life to have one or more people who take care of you to this extent?
  • Have you ever been asked to give more than you thought was expected? What was the situation?  How did it affect your attitude?  What was the outcome?
  • How does the saying “save the best for last” apply to your life? Share examples of when this is true.

Closing Prayer

Leader: Lord, you are the miracle in my life,

ALL:  turning water into wine.

Leader:  Lord, you are the miracle in my life,

ALL:  healing the sick and lame.

Leader:  Lord, you are the miracle in my life,

ALL:  providing for every need.

Leader: Lord, you are the miracle in my life,

ALL:  making the ordinary, extraordinary.

Leader:  Lord, you are the miracle in my life,

ALL:  pouring mercy over sinners.

Leader:  Lord, you are the miracle in my life,

ALL:  giving eternal life through death.

Challenge for the Week:  One name for God is King of Glory and Jesus is referred to as the King of Kings who reigns over the Kingdom of God.  So when you read the First Reading which says you are “crowned” as children of the Most High King, how does that make you feel?  Have you ever wished to have a crown?  How does wearing a crown, potentially change your behavior?  What words would you use to describe royalty; do any of these words describe you?  Why or why not?  This week during your prayer time, before you get out of bed or after you brush your teeth, make a point to crown yourself with an imaginary crown and remind yourself of your royal bloodline!

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, January 9th Readings

Baptism of the Lord

Opening Prayer

Jesus

You meet me in the wilderness

You understand the rocky path

You hear my cry for help

You bring cleansing rain

You give me new perspective

You open my eyes to see

You clear the pathway before me

AMEN

Journal/Reflection Questions

Isaiah 42 :1-4, 6-7

  • Use your own words to describe what it means for God to be pleased with you.
  • Do you want to God to be pleased with you? What do you want God to be pleased about?
  • Describe a real-life desert experience. Where do they exist and what positive things can come from wandering through the desert?

Acts 10:34-38

  • Why does God give salvation?
  • What does it mean that God has no partiality? How does that affect the way you accept others? How does that affect the way you accept yourself?

Luke 3:15-16, 21-22

  • The scripture says the people waited in anticipation for the Baptism; explain in your own words how baptism makes you feel. Must you have a personal connection to the one who is baptized to feel this anticipation? Why or why not?
  • John the Baptist brought many believers to follow Jesus. Who first introduced you to Jesus?
  • When did you last see someone whom you knew had Jesus within them? How did you know? What did you feel? What did you see?

General Questions for Journaling

  • Where do you see God’s love?
  • When did you last experience Baptism? What can you do to keep that experience real and close to you all the time?
  • How do you give thanks for the extravagant gift of eternal life God has given to you?
  • God is so generous with His gifts; what can you do to be more giving of love, mercy and understanding?
  • Where do you find value in your life? What validation do you seek?
  • Do you ever find faith hard to comprehend or figure out how it works?
  • Why does turning on the light in the middle of the night when it is dark hurt? Describe the feelings and thoughts you have in those seconds it takes to adjust to the light.
  • On the flip-side, how do you adjust to the darkness when you turn off the lights? How often is there complete darkness?
  • How do you proclaim your dedication to God?
  • Can you always see darkness coming? Is it possible to avoid darkness?
  • What can you do to get yourself out of darkness? Is it possible to do it alone?  How can you help others out of darkness?
  • When do you feel strongest in spirit?
  • What does the power of God feel like?
  • What does the power of the devil feel like?
  • Do you see/feel God’s presence guiding you as this new calendar year begins? Be specific.
  • How do your “new year resolutions” pertain to your faith?

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Through the waters of Baptism…

ALL:  I have been CLEANED!

Leader:Through the waters of Baptism…

ALL:  I have been made PURE!

Leader:  Through the waters of Baptism…

 ALL:  I have been SATISFIED!

Leader:  Through the waters of Baptism…

 ALL:  I have been made WHOLE!

Leader:  Through the waters of Baptism…

ALL:  I am LOVED and called BELOVED!

Challenge for the Week:  There is not one person who has ever wanted to be the last one picked to be on a team.  The anticipation of being the next person chosen can be agonizing, silently screaming “pick me, pick me” and then the feeling of defeat when your name is not the one called.  This is not a feeling God EVER wants His children to experience. So when it comes to His choosing you, God chose you BEFORE you ever existed.  This is one amazing thing to contemplate!

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, January 2nd Readings

Epiphany of the Lord

Opening Prayer

Savior

May I rise each morning

with the fire of Your spirit within me.

May I run toward the light

and find You waiting with anticipation.

May I soak up the splendor of Your love

until it overflows onto all I encounter.

Let me live forever changed

by Your loving presence!

AMEN

Journal/Reflection Questions

Isaiah 60 :1-6

  • Where do you see God’s light shining in your life? In your family? In your community? At work?
  • How can you celebrate God’s glory today?
  • What can you do to celebrate God’s glory more often in the coming year?

Ephesians 3:2-3a, 5-6

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

Matthew 2:1-12

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

General Questions for Journaling

  • What draws people to love God?
  • Where do people go to search for God? Do you think they find Him there?
  • Where are some places people are surprised to find God?
  • What are some things which might keep people from finding God?
  • Do you think you live up to the potential God has in mind for you?
  • Share a time when you witnessed God’s grace at work.
  • Name three gifts which God has given you which are precious to you.
  • Name three gifts which God has given you which are precious to others.
  • Do you think there are gifts you have that have yet to be revealed? Why or why not?
  • Have you ever felt motivated by God to do something which seemed out of the ordinary or ridiculously crazy?
  • Define a pilgrimage. Have you ever been on a pilgrimage? If so, share the experience.
  • What has been the furthest distance you have traveled? What was the purpose of your traveling?
  • What do the stars tell you about God?

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Lord, you are a shining light…

ALL:  shine so I might find You in the darkness.

Leader:Lord, you are a shining light…

ALL:  let your light be a beacon when I am weary.

Leader:  Lord, you are a shining light…

 ALL:  spotlight the path I must follow.

Leader:  Lord, you are a shining light…

 ALL:  consume me so others see Your glow within me.

Leader:  Lord, you are a shining light…

ALL:  awaken me to Your radiance!

Challenge for the Week:  God is shining His light on you all the time, even when you aren’t feeling too much like being radiant.  Imagine having a spotlight on you all the time, how would you feel, how might you act differently?  Think about what happens when a spotlight is shone someone, the reaction is to shy away from the light, however there are some who desire for it to shine on them always.  Reflect this week on the difference of God’s light verses the light of the world, primarily thinking about the light being a spotlight.  What does God’s light say?  What does the world’s light say?  What are the things God wants to shine the spotlight on vs. the world?  Then consider what you can do to change which light you seek to shine on you and how you can shine God’s light on others so they might seek to shine in God’s light on their own.

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, December 26th Readings

Feast of the Holy Family

Opening Prayer

Jesus

I pray with great anxiety

for there are times when I cannot find you.

I search and I search

and often overlook Your presence.

May I be calmed by Your Word

May I be settled by the sound of Your voice

You are there, calling out to me when I am lost

You will never leave!

AMEN

Journal/Reflection Questions

Sirach 3 :2-6, 12-14

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

Colossians 3:12-21

  • Where to do you see compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience at work in the world? Give an example of each.
  • How do you express these qualities? How often and to whom?

Luke 2:41-52

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

General Questions for Journaling

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

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Father God, You gave me my first breath

ALL:  because you love me!

Leader:I listen to and follow Your Word

ALL:  because I love You!

Leader:  I learn to accept and forgive

 ALL:  because You ask me to love others!

Leader:  I hold You close

 ALL:  because I love you!

Leader:  I am blessed

ALL:  because you love me!

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

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, December 19th Readings

Fourth Sunday of Advent

Opening Prayer

Prince of Peace and Lord of Lords,

I know you will soon be near.

Let me feel your loving presence

and fill my heart and mind with Your love.

May it be my strength, so I can do Your will.

I want to jump for joy so all can see You have come.

Come, to embrace humanity in Your love!

AMEN

Journal/Reflection Questions

Micah 5:1-4a

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

Hebrews 10:5-10

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

Luke 1:39-45

  • What causes you to leap for joy? What does it look like when you leap for joy?
  • With whom do you share your joy? Do they share the joy with you or disapprove?

General Questions for Journaling

  • Where is God in poverty? Where is God in wealth? Give examples of both.
  • How do you embrace what you have been given?
  • Do you show gratitude even when it is not what you expected it to be?
  • When have you been disappointed in what you have been given? Are your expectations to blame for this? Be specific.
  • What would you say is the overall mission of all Christians?
  • What do you sacrifice for the sake of faith/religion/God?
  • Reflect on a time when you opened your doors to welcome another. What was the circumstance? How was hospitality shown? Was it easy or difficult?
  • When were you shown hospitality from another? What made you feel welcomed?
  • Light shown the way to where Jesus could be found, how are you shining light for others to find their way to Jesus?
  • Mary visits her cousin and Joseph travels with his family to their place of origin; what message can you derive from the parents of Jesus spending time with family before His birth? Do you think there is significance?  If so, why and if not, why not?
  • How are you drawn to family (like Mary) or where you come from (like Joseph) this holiday season?
  • What can you do to be more connected to family (and friends) this year?
  • Who are the family members you will miss this year and what is it about them that you will miss? Is there a way you can be close to them in your celebration, even though you can’t physically be together?

Closing Prayer

Leader: When I am weary…

ALL:  Lord Jesus, You give me strength.

Leader: When I am alone…

ALL:  Lord Jesus, You come to me.

Leader: When I have no place to go…

 ALL:  Lord Jesus, You show me the way.

Leader:  When darkness surrounds us…

 ALL:  Lord Jesus, You shine light on the path.

Leader:  Be the star which guides my way…

ALL:  bright as the star that shone to lead the wise men to You!

Challenge for the Week:  The birth of a child is a significant moment in not only their life, but in the life of those around them.  As you hear the stories of preparation before Jesus’ birth in scripture and sing along to the Christmas Carols telling of the baby in the manger, recall the special births you have been a part of in your life.  Perhaps it includes memories of your own children, grandchildren, or other family members and/or friends’ children.  Recall the special preparations that took place prior to their birth, what the circumstances of their birth were and your role within.  Reflect on who was there and the emotions you felt, and maybe even share a special memory with them if you can, telling them of the experience.  Of course, you can’t remember the details of your own birth, but you might have been told some stories, enough to be able to reminisce on the occasion.  Consider how each of these births (Jesus, family, friends, yourself) have impacted you and your life.  What role do you continue to play in their lives and visa versa? 

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, December 12th Readings

Third Sunday of Advent

Opening Prayer

O my people,

Sing with joy!

Sound the trumpets!

Awake!

Bring peace!

Shout out;

the Savior is coming!

AMEN

Journal/Reflection Questions

Zephaniah 3:14-18a

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

Philippians 4: 4-7

  • How do you make your petitions known to God? Do you only focus on what you want/need? How do you make the community prayers known?
  • What keeps you from rejoicing the Lord always? Identify three specific things.
  • What keeps you from showing kindness to all? Is it in your control to change this?

Luke 3:10-18

  • Who do you turn to seeking direction? Who do you ask, “what should I do”?
  • How big is your circle of influence (the people you ask for help determining God’s will in your life), who is included, are there people who should be included who are not, are there people whom you should reconsider?
  • Who are those who turn to you for guidance in answering the big questions about life, love and faith?

General Questions for Journaling

  • How do you celebrate God? Jesus? Holy Spirit? Do you celebrate them as one or have special ways of honoring each?
  • When was the last time you shared the “Good News” with another person in everyday conversation?
  • On a scale from 1-10 how comfortable are you sharing your faith with others?
  • How does God show you He is present?
  • Are there places where you feel more at ease to share the “Good News” of Jesus?
  • How does the church’s celebration of Advent/Christmas and Lent/Easter help open the door for you to share your faith?
  • How do you “cry out with joy or gladness”?
  • Do you think, “cry out with gladness” is an oxymoron like “jumbo shrimp”? Explain.
  • How much of your heart and mind would you say God consumes? Draw a picture to illustrate what consumes your heart and mind; be honest.
  • Are there places you will not go because you fear God is not there? Is there something you can do to overcome this fear?
  • How do you let go of anxiety and stress?
  • How often do you find yourself in a state of worry or overwhelmed with stress?  Do you think it is too much, just right or not enough?
  • Is generosity taught? How does a person learn to be generous?
  • Where is God calling you to show generosity today?

Closing Prayer

Leader:  When anxiety and fear overtake you…

ALL:  Be still the Lord is near.

Leader:When judgement and accusations fill you…

ALL:  Be still the Lord is near.

Leader:  When weariness and fatigue consume you…

ALL:  Be still the Lord is near.

Leader:  When you have no more to give…

 ALL:  Be still the Lord is near.

Leader:  He is waiting for you with open arms…

ALL:  Be still the Lord is near.

Challenge for the Week:  When the President of the United States enters a room; “Hail to the Chief” can be heard.  This week reflect on what song would play when God/Jesus/Holy Spirit enters the room.  What instruments would be playing, harps?  What does a “Choir of Angels” sound like?  Does it sound like a strong wind? Gentle breeze?  The sound of the waves crashing or lapping on the shore?  A trickling stream?  There are many possibilities but spend time exploring each of them until you find the right combination of sounds that expresses how you feel when you encounter God/Jesus/Holy Spirit. 

Then, perhaps even more challenging, determine YOUR song.  What would you have play as you enter into a room?  What instruments would be used?  What is the tune?  Is it something familiar or original? Who would sing it?  And if there are words, what do they say?

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, December 5th Readings

Second Sunday of Advent

Opening Prayer

Jesus

When my day is filled with activity;

may I remember not to get wrapped up in the busyness.

When I face a long list of tasks;

may I not become consumed in the hustle and bustle.

Instead, help me to take time to spend a quiet moment with you

and watch for you in hopeful anticipation!

AMEN

Journal/Reflection Questions

Baruch 5 :1-9

  • What do you put on yourself each day like a robe? What do you allow others to put on you?
  • What does God robe you with? Do you feel comfortable with what God puts on you? Why or why not?
  • How is what God puts on you different or similar to what you or others put on you? Explain.

Philippians 1:4-6, 8-11

  • How can you “partner” with the Gospel? What does that look like?
  • Where do you see God’s Glory? Where do you feel it? Can you hear it or taste it or smell it?
  • Can you name at least five good works God began in you? Can you list ten?

Luke 3:1-6

  • How is your life proclaiming the Gospel?
  • How does the Word of God come from you?
  • Describe three ways you relate to the words from the Prophet Isaiah.
  • How does this scripture speak of your life’s journey?

General Questions for Journaling

  • How does the awareness of God’s presence affect your decisions? How often do you allow God to affect your decisions?
  • When you make decisions; do you seek God’s perspective?
  • How does God lead you to find joy? How often do you search for it?
  • Do you pray for joy? Write a prayer for joy.
  • How does God show affection? Do you have to ask for it or does God show it freely? Describe the last time you felt loved by God.
  • What is God a witness to in your life? How are you a witness to God?
  • In a 24-hour period, on average, how often are you a witness to God?
  • Do you believe God can “make paths straight” and “move mountains” and “part the waters” and “level the valleys”? Why or why not?  Share an example of time when you were witness to this happening.
  • Is there a time when you felt so overwhelmed you cried out to God and your faith lead you through?
  • Make a list of images of God’s power and draw a picture of one.
  • Where do you see the hope of Christ in the world today? Where do you see hope in your community? In your family?
  • What is the purpose of having hope? What value do you put on it?

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Awaken the gifts;

ALL:  the gifts we have before us!

Leader:  Enliven the joy;

ALL:  the joy within each soul!

Leader:  Ignite the hope;

ALL:  the hope around us!

Leader: Revive the peace;

ALL:  the peace deep within!

Leader:  Kindle the love;

ALL:  the love which brings us together!

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

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, November 28th Readings

First Sunday of Advent

Opening Prayer

Father

You created me to love,

so I can give Your love.

You showed me how to love,

So I can spread Your love.

Please continue to teach me, mold me, and open me

until Your love is spread throughout the world!

Amen

Journal/Reflection Questions

Jeremiah 33 :14-16

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

1 Thessalonians 3:12-4:2

  • How can you strengthen your heart? What exercises are needed to build up your heart?
  • Do you know the instructions God has given to you?  If so, what are they?  If not, what can you do to learn what instructions God has for you?

Luke 21:25-28, 34-36

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

General Questions for Journaling

  • What is the difference between full of mercy and full of grace?
  • How does God bring justice to the world?
  • Where does your security come from?
  • When do you feel the safest?
  • What can you rely on? What is consistent in your life?
  • How has your life been blessed because of your faith in God?
  • Do you believe in God because you fear Him? Why or why not?
  • What do you need to do to be more holy?
  • Identify a synonym for holy?
  • What good has come from a recent struggle you experienced?
  • Are there things which cause your stress? What is it about these things that make you anxious?
  • Is there something you are anticipating right now?
  • Write a prayer asking God for strength.

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Find me seeking You in my daily schedule…

ALL:  I am ready!

Leader:  Find me seeking You in the highs and lows…

ALL:  I am ready!

Leader:  Find me seeking You in the decisions I make…

ALL:  I am ready!

Leader: Find me seeking You in the joys and sorrows…

ALL:  I am ready!

Leader:  Find me seeking You every minute of the day…

ALL:  I am ready!

Challenge for the Week:  The holiday season brings added expectations.  It’s a time when schedules fill up with extra activities with the kids at school, planning and attending gatherings of family and friends and as a Christian, you have the extra stress of trying to keep Jesus as the reason for the season.  It appears the scriptures this week with their warning about not getting drowsy is extremely timely!  The time between Thanksgiving and Christmas is ideally supposed to be spent reflecting on the people and things for which you are grateful and sharing in memorable moments giving gifts everyone loves.  In an attempt for people to meet this ideal season, many people can find themselves overwhelmed and stressed out.  The Catholic Church provides a solution, Advent.  Instead of looking at the long road ahead full of crowded shopping centers and depleting bank accounts, embrace the gift of the Advent Season.  When the world is screaming Christmas, look at the red everywhere as a clue to STOP.  And open yourself up to the colors of Advent, purple and pink, calling you to slow down and seek refuge from the chaos.  When your calendar is so filled with holiday expectations, you risk getting weary and becoming drowsy.  This is what the scripture warns you against.  Take advantage of the Advent Season to prepare yourself and your family for the coming of Jesus.  Look at your holiday calendar and determine what you MUST say YES to and then say NO to anything else that comes up along the way.  Be sure to put on your calendar time to participate in Advent activities such as gathering around the Advent wreath daily for prayer.  It’s a gift you will be glad you gave yourself and your family.

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, November 21st Readings

Solemnity of Christ the King

Opening Prayer

Christ the King

Let me come to you in the morning;

at the beginning of my day,

so I can consciously take you with me.

Let me come to you in the daytime;

in the middle of the day,

so I can stay connected to you.

Let me come to you in the evening;

at the end of the day,

so I can review the day together.

Jesus, help me to be mindful of you throughout the day!

Amen

Journal/Reflection Questions

Daniel 7 :13-14

  • What does this scripture tell you about the majesty of God? How is this description similar or different than how you define the majesty of God?
  • How does God have dominion over you in your life? It is something that comes naturally or do you have to work to allow God to move, guide and direct you? Explain.

Revelations 1:5-8

  • Jesus is a faithful witness. What would you say Jesus is a faithful witness of?
  • Are you a faithful witness to Jesus? How? Be specific.
  • How does it make you feel being told in scripture that Jesus will come again for the sake of everyone? Identify what Jesus means by everyone.
  • How does this understanding affect your words and actions in the world right now? Is it reflected in the decisions you make and how you live your life? Share examples.

John 18:33b-37

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

General Questions for Journaling

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

Closing Prayer

Leader:  The injustice that happens each day…

ALL:  You are called to see.

Leader:  The cries of those in need and hurting…

ALL:  You are called to listen.

Leader:  The forgotten, the lost and the forsaken…

ALL:  You are called to love.

Leader: The stranger and the neighbor…

ALL:  You are called to help.

Leader:  Broken but mended by the power of faith…

ALL:  You are called children of God.

Challenge for the Week:  Jesus was consistent in faith throughout his time on earth.  Stories of Jesus as a child reflect how he was faithful to his studies and loved being among the elders of the church to learn.  Jesus modeled for all how to live faithfully, by accepting everyone and teaching the faith through works of service to others.  Even up to death, Jesus stood strong in faith and wasn’t going to back down or blasphemy to save himself.  In the Catholic Church, a new liturgical year begins which means, as believers there is yet another opportunity to reflect, repent and renew our faithfulness.  No matter how dedicated or committed to faith a person is, one can always benefit from a self-evaluation of faithfulness to stay focused on the journey to the Kingdom of God!

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, November 14th Readings

33rd Sunday of Ordinary Time

Opening Prayer

Lord

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

When I look in the darkness,

You are not there.

When I look behind, above and below,

You are not there.

You are in all things at all times,

yet I struggle to find you!

Thank you for not turning away;

Thank you for your grace, love and mercy;

Thank you!  Thank you!  Thank you!

Amen

Journal/Reflection Questions

Daniel 12 :1-3

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

Hebrews 10:11-14, 18

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

Mark 13:24-32

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

General Questions for Journaling

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

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Though I am a sinner;

ALL:  You made one sacrifice for my sins.

Leader:  Though I are ignorant;

ALL:  You continue to teach me your ways.

Leader:  Though I often lose direction;

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

Leader:  Though I waste much;

ALL:  You continue to give me what we need.

Leader:  Though I continue to fall short;

ALL:  You continue to build me up.

ALL:  Thank you Lord, for your constant love!

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

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