Blog

Sunday, August 21st Readings

21st Sunday of Ordinary Time

Opening Prayer

Lord,

YOU call out to me, and I come near.

YOU give me a heart of flesh to love.

YOU give me hands to reach out to help.

YOU give me the will to choose to follow.

May I never lose sight of ALL YOU give,

and always be grateful YOU are there

to give me what I need.  AMEN!

Journal/Reflection Questions

Isaiah 66:18-21

  • Isaiah says the Israelites are God’s chosen people. What indicates that they are chosen? How does that differ from being God’s chosen people by being baptized?
  • How are the Israelites set apart/chosen? Does God love you in the same way? How do you know?
  • Describe a time when you saw unity as described in this scripture.

Hebrews 12:5-7, 11-13

  • How does God use discipline to help you become the person you were created to be?
  • What does the word discipline mean? Is it hard? Does it hurt? Is discipline negative?
  • Give an example how God uses discipline or has used discipline in your life.  Do you think everyone receives the same discipline from God?

Luke 13:22-30

  • At the center of this reading is relationship. How would you rate your relationship with Jesus?
  • The narrow gate frightens some believers. Why do you think people are afraid of the narrow gate? How do you feel about it? What are you called to do that will help you fit through the gate? What does Jesus do to ensure you will make it through?
  • Where do you see mercy in this scripture?

General Questions for Journaling

  • Can you see anyone or any group of people who are excluded from God?  What can you do to be more inclusive when you share God’s love and mercy?
  • Think of a time when you were “chosen” first. How did it feel? Was there ever a time when you were “chosen” last? How did that experience differ from when you were chosen first?
  • If you had a choice to be included or excluded, which would you choose? Make a list of things you would like to be included in and a list of things you would like to be excluded from. What can you summarize about the two lists?
  • What clubs or groups do you belong which give you automatic benefits? As a child of God, you receive automatic benefits. Do you take for granted these benefits or give thanks? Give examples.
  • Is there a specific saint whose life speaks to you? Who is it and what is it about their life that draws you in? How did God relate to this saint? 
  • Where do you see God’s love in your life right now? Do you see Him in your struggles too? Give examples of each.
  • A popular phrase is “practice makes perfect”. What happens when you don’t practice faith? How can you strengthen your faith if you don’t practice it?
  • Where do you learn “spiritual discipline”? How do you practice “spiritual discipline”? What does it mean?
  • How do you exercise your faith? What areas do you need to work on?
  • What does your physical body/presence say about your spiritual health? Do you think they are related? How? Why?
  • Do you ever feel you give and give and give with nothing in return? What makes you continue to give?
  • What do you offer God?  What does He offer you?  Is it even?
  • Are there times when you don’t think you give enough? Whom are you trying to please or satisfy? Is satisfaction achievable?

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Lord, strengthen my relationship

ALL:  in the prayers I pray.

Leader:  Lord, strengthen my understanding

ALL:  through the scriptures.

Leader:  Lord, strengthen my focus

ALL:  as I follow the path.

Leader:  Lord, strengthen my witness

ALL:  as I speak truth.

Leader:  Lord, strengthen my commitment

ALL:  in acts of justice and mercy.

Leader:  Lord, strengthen me…

ALL:  make me your disciple!

Challenge for the Week:  Have you ever gone along with something because it was the popular choice, but you didn’t agree?  This is one of the challenges in life.  It can be difficult to stand up against the majority.  But when you become strong in your beliefs, and you know that the direction the crowd is going is unjust or has negative consequences, you can’t just go along.  It is a dilemma every person faces at some point in their life, sometimes multiple times.  There might even be times when you stand up in faith and still find opposition.  Matthew Kelly, founder of Dynamic Catholic, calls it being counter-cultural, when you go against the popular way and do things God’s way.  Some might call you a radical for doing this, but isn’t that what they said about John the Baptist too?  To live a life of a disciple means you practice what you preach and that means sometimes you will have to stand up against the majority.  Reflect this week on how you would rate the strength of your faith and determine if it is strong enough to withstand opposition.

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

Discipleship 5K: A Physical and Spiritual Journey to the Cross by Heather Neds, author of the Weekly Scripture Journal is more than a book, it is a guide to becoming a stronger disciple.  Grab and copy and start the journey!

Sunday, August 14th Readings

20th Sunday of Ordinary Time

Opening Prayer

Father

It is my nature to love you,

        but there are so many distractions.

Help me fight off the distractions,

        and be persistent in my commitment. 

Let me not be limited by love of things which don’t last,

        but seek Your love which is limitless.

Keep me open to Your everlasting love,

        so I can love without limits too!

AMEN

Journal/Reflection Questions

Jeremiah 38:4-6, 8-10

  • When have you interceded for another, like the Court Official in this scripture? Who was it? What were the circumstances?
  • Have you stood up against the crowd? How did the crowd react to your opposition? Have you ever not spoken out and kept your opposition within?  What did that feel like? What would happen if you did stand up? Would you be treated like Jeremiah? Would God be there with you too?
  • Jeremiah proves to be someone you can rely on. Who else in this reading could you rely on? Who in your life can you rely on? What qualities do these people have that make them good friends?

Hebrews 12:1-4

  • Describe “cloud of witnesses.” Is it the same for everyone? What is the specific purpose of a “cloud of witnesses?”
  • What does this scripture say about suffering, specifically about Jesus’ suffering on the cross?
  • Do you believe God wants you to suffer? Why or why not? Is this belief because of faith or experience?

Luke 12:49-53

  • How does God set the world on fire? What is consumed? What needs to be consumed? What is role in keeping the fire alive?
  • Have you ever been filled with “fire” or passion for something? Jesus came to rekindle the “fire” of faith and left the Holy Spirit to light up the world.  How do your actions show that you have been baptized?  Do you live as if you WERE baptized or ARE baptized?

General Questions for Journaling

  • Have you ever felt like you were sinking in the mud? What did it feel like? How were you able to get “un-stuck”?
  • Are there people who offend you? Who? Why? How does it affect how you act around them or how you treat them?
  • Are there laws which you don’t agree with but follow?
  • Have you ever worked to change a law which you found to be unjust?  Share. What did you do? What did you learn from the experience?
  • How does your faith/hope/love in Jesus affect how you deal with loss/struggles/suffering?
  • What would you say to someone who is struggling who doesn’t have a relationship with Jesus? How would you show them support or give comfort?
  • What do you focus your eyes on?  Jesus or something else?  What can you do to keep your focus on Jesus?
  • What divides you from others?
  • What is the definition of division? What is the opposite?
  • Where do you see divisions in the world, your community, your church, your family, your own heart? Is there a common thread in these divisions?
  • What are some of these things that divide the church today? Is there anything you can do to help the division dissipate? What ideas, concepts or theologies are you resistant to that cause division in the church, community, or family?

Closing Prayer

Leader:  May I never lose sight of the faith which fills me…

ALL:  Pray for me, Father Abraham!

Leader:  May I always find hope in the promise of heaven…

ALL:  Pray for me, Prophets of the Old Testament!

Leader:  May I always be waiting and listening for God…

ALL:  Pray for me, Mother Mary!

Leader:  May I never forget the sacrifice made on the cross…

ALL:  Pray for me, Jesus our Savior!

Leader:  May I always keep the Holy Spirit close and follow…

ALL:  Pray for me, Prophets of the New Testament!

Leader:  May I never turn away from the love which created me…

ALL:  Pray for me, Saints of today and yesterday!

Challenge for the Week:  Sometimes one little thing can cause a tornado of stress and worry in life. It could be something as simple as a paper cut that can flip your day upside-down.  If you look to the Prophets and Saints, you learn quickly that they know how it feels because they were human too.  They were also distracted by things (maybe even a paper cut) but persevered in learning to keep Christ centered in their lives.  Take time this week to seek out a Prophet or Saint (dead or alive) and consider how you might be able to learn a tip from them to fend off distractions in your life.

Examples: (1) Moses was “crippled” by his speech impediment but was able to put it aside to serve God and save the Israelites from slavery (2) Oscar Romero loved God and serving the Church so much he lived out his call as a priest despite the opposition…even to death.

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

Discipleship 5K: A Physical and Spiritual Journey to the Cross by Heather Neds, author of the Weekly Scripture Journal is more than a book, it is a guide to becoming a stronger disciple.  Grab and copy and start the journey!

Architect and Maker

I played a game as a kid that I think was called M.A.S.H but can’t really remember is that was an acronym for something and if it was, what it meant.  However, I do remember that one person would ask another person a series of questions where they could give 3 or 4 answers per category.  For example, you would ask them to name people they would like to marry, what kind of house they’d like to live in, how many kids they will have, etc.

Depending on who you played with, sometimes there were only a few categories, but others liked to get very detailed in their questions.  Such as asking you what type of car you’d like to drive and then asking what color you wanted your car to be.  Regardless, once all of the information was collected, you’d begin a process of eliminating the choices until there was only one item left in each category.  In the end, you’d have a full description of a person’s life. 

Of course, this is completely fictional.  No one is able to confidently know what their lives will look like, where they will live, who they will marry and what kind of car they will drive.  One could give an educated guess, but to know for certain what your life’s situation will be in five years, or even one year, it would only be a guess.

I mean, one year ago this week, my husband and I were in St. Louis celebrating my husband’s birthday by attending a couple of baseball games, and we got the call that my husband was acquiring a couple of projects in Austin.  We have had no idea that we were about to pick up and move after living in Kansas City for our entire 29-year marriage, and after I’d just began a new job in January.  It was a bit of a shock, but the decision to move was easy.

I imagine this is how Abraham and Sarah felt when God told them they were going to have descendants as countless as the stars; a little shocked but ready to do and accept whatever God had planned for them.  Abraham and Sarah probably had no idea it was possible for them to have a child at such an old age, but God made it happen.  For us, it was a desire to move to Colorado where we could spend more time outdoors hiking and biking.  We had no idea we could have the lifestyle we desired in Texas!

I realized that in real life, unlike in the game I played as a child, I cannot choose the options in each of the categories because they have already been chosen for me by God.  God knows where I will be in five years, and I just need to trust.  Yes, I could fight the changes and try to blaze my own trail, but I believe that God will get His way in the end.

God’s will for me will happen whether I let go and let God or if I try to be the captain of my own adventure.  I can make decisions (big and small) without God’s help, or I can turn to God for guidance.  This is really my only choice, whether or not I will open myself up to listen for God to lead me where I am to go today.  So, I choose to let go and let God lead my decisions because in the end, His is the one who created me for a purpose, and He knows what that purpose is.  I am not going to stand in the way of God’s plan, whatever it is, I trust it will be better than anything I could have imagined on my 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

Discipleship 5K: A Physical and Spiritual Journey to the Cross by Heather Neds.  It’s more than a book, rather a guide to becoming a stronger disciple through physical and spiritual exercises.  Get your copy and begin the journey!

Sweep Away

I love to watch KU basketball and have been a fan for several years.  Although I didn’t attend the University, I still love to follow the team and invest my time doing my best to catch every game.  My interest in the team is often talked about and supported by friends and family.

So, when a friend of mine gave me a hard time about being a KU fan I wasn’t surprised at first because I thought they were just playing around.  However, their comment was more accusatory in nature as to why I’d want to associate myself with people who obviously didn’t value the same things I do.  They couldn’t believe I’d root for a team whose fans would act in a negative way.

You see, they’d been at a KU night at a public venue and apparently the people at the event wearing KU hats and t-shirts were drinking a lot and had become belligerent.  I explained to my friend that not all fans of KU act that way.  He was making a sweeping judgement about all fans and tossing me into the mix.

So, when I hear the scripture story about Sodom and Gomorrah, where there were people who were pillaging and plunging, looting, and causing a great ruckus, I can’t help but think about my conversation with my friend.  It actually happens pretty regularly, where people hear about negative behavior and then group together everyone who identify with or might have membership within the community.

In fact, I heard it on the news today when the newscaster was talking about the Democrats in the House of Representatives.  The newscaster made a sweeping statement, clumping all of the Democrats together saying they all are supporting a specific argument.  People make these general statements often, forgetting that the only thing some of the Democrats in the House of Representatives have in common is that they identify as Democrats.

Potentially the same as in my situation, where the only thing I might have had in common with those people who were belligerent is that we like to cheer for the same basketball team.  However, I was being clumped in with a group of people and being judged by their behavior.  You can’t assume that just because someone identifies as being from some place or practicing a specific religion or roots for a sports team that they are good or bad.

Abraham is good to remind us of that fact.  Abraham told God that He could not destroy the cities because of the bad things that were happening; there would be innocent bystanders that would be destroyed as well.  This message is especially important to remember these days when there are some very hot button topics rolling around.  When you hear things like gun control or abortion slipping into conversation, often times you also hear some generalized statement, stereotyping and profiling people who may or may not fit into the mold.  It is just good practice for everyone to pause and think before making any sweeping judgements.

When reading the scripture, some might think that God is being harsh and can’t believe He’d even consider destroying His own people.  However, the interaction between God and Abraham is not about what God is saying, it is Abraham coming to understanding that there is good in all things, even when all you see is despair.  God wanted Abraham to learn that when you make a sweeping judgement about people, places or things, that you can cause more harm than good.

This lesson God is teaching Abraham is one everyone should learn.  Now, because you can’t change other people, you can only change yourself, take time today to ask God to reveal to you any places in your life where you are making sweeping judgments about individual or groups of people.  Then ask Him to help you remove the limited belief from you so you can be more open to seeing the good, rather than the bad.

___________________________________________________________________________________

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

Discipleship 5K: A Physical and Spiritual Journey to the Cross by Heather Neds.  It’s more than a book, rather a guide to becoming a stronger disciple through physical and spiritual exercises.  Get your copy and begin the journey!

Sunday, July 10th Readings

15th Sunday of Ordinary Time

Opening Prayer

Dear God

YOU created a complex world

        and in it YOU give beauty beyond words.

YOU told the sun when to rise

        and provide all creatures with their needs.

YOU wrote on the hearts of Your people

        the desire to love and care for one another.

Let the material things and the lies of the world

        be tossed away and take up space, no more.

Let YOUR Word fill me

        until they overflow from my lips.

AMEN!

Journal/Reflection Questions

Deuteronomy 30:10-14

  • What do you do with all of your heart and soul? Are there a lot of things? A few?    
  • How do know God has a plan for you?

Colossians 1:15-20

  • What do you learn about Jesus in this scripture? 
  • What does it encourage you to do to be more like Jesus?

Luke 10:25-37

  • Identify your neighbors. What are their needs? How can you show them the love of God?
  • Have you seen this parable lived out in your life? When have you been robbed and left for dead? When have you been the one who passed by? When have you been the one who helped? When have you been like the innkeeper?

General Questions for Journaling

  • How do you hear the voice of God? When?
  • How often do you follow God’s voice/words when you hear them?
  • Where do you go to find purpose or meaning in your life?
  • What does it mean to have something “written on your heart”?
  • Who are your confidants? What qualities do they have that you go to them for advice?
  • Do you live your life so others know God is first? Or is someone else put first in your life? Spouse? Greed? Children? Self?
  • Does peace come to you or is it something you work for? 
  • What does reconciliation feel like? Is it easy or difficult to achieve reconciliation?
  • Is there a limit to how much you can help another? Have you ever hit the limit?
  • When you are in need, are you open to others helping you? Why or why not?

Closing Prayer

Leader:  When I feel I’ve hit a dead end and don’t know what to do…

ALL:  YOU have the power to create a new path!

Leader:  When I am left with nothing and don’t know what to do…

ALL:  YOU have the power to share what I need!

Leader:  When I feel lost and don’t know what to do…

ALL:  YOU have the power to welcome with open arms!

Leader:  When I am blinded by fear/money/arrogance…

ALL:  YOU have the power to forgive my wrongs!

Leader:  When I feel I am on empty and don’t know what to do…

ALL:  YOU have the power to fill me up!

Leader:  Father, giver all good things…

ALL:  may I live my life in these truths!

Challenge for the Week:  How are the commandments relevant today?  Where do you see them lived out?  Spend time this week re-writing the commandments to make them specific to you.  Highlight the ones you struggle with so you can pay more attention to 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, July 3rd Readings

14th Sunday of Ordinary Time

Opening Prayer
Father
You knew life would be hard.
You knew there would be challenges.
You knew the choices would be difficult.
But you sent Jesus to model how to show
mercy, give forgiveness and be obedient to You.
Through Jesus’ example,
you taught me that your grace is enough
to carry me through anything hard,
challenging or difficult that might come my way.
Thank you for your grace, mercy, forgiveness
and especially your love.
I know you are with me
in the valleys and on the mountain tops,
Lord, I trust you will carry me!

Journal/Reflection Questions
Isaiah 66:10-14c

  • Where do you see God rejoicing today?
  • How does the imagery of a mother’s love hold true for you? Where might it fall short? Is there a better image for God to use to describe His love?

Galatians 6:14-18

  • Where do you see God’s grace in the world?
  • What does it mean to be a new creation?
  • In addition to your faith, what else do you value greatly?

Luke 10:1-12, 17-20 or 10:1-9

  • How are humans like lambs? How are they like the wolves?
  • Where do you see examples of lambs and wolves in the world?
  • What is the harvest Jesus is speaking of in this scripture? Why are the laborers few?
  • How do you see yourself in this scripture?

General Questions for Journaling

  • Describe your connection to your church, parish or place of worship. What is your connection to the community? What need(s) does the community meet in your life?
  • Do you believe the church holds the same purpose it did when they first began to form? Why or why not? What is the same or different?
  • Has God’s love for His people changed over time or does it remain the same? Does God love you as He did Adam & Eve? King David? Mary, Mother of Jesus? Jesus?
  • What laws of the world are non-negotiable? Why are they so?
  • Where do you see influences of the world and the laws of people in your household?
  • Where do you see influences of Jesus in your household?
  • How is peace achieved in your life? How often do you achieve resting in peace?
  • Where do you see mercy shown? What can you do show mercy to others more regularly? Are there opportunities which you sidestep?
  • How do you welcome others? Share a specific situation.
  • Where do you share peace? To whom do you give peace? From whom do you receive peace? How can you have it more abundantly?

Closing Prayer
Leader: Fill my heart with love and compassion
ALL: so I might bring comfort to a child.
Leader: Fill my heart with love and compassion
ALL: so I might see where my help is needed.
Leader: Fill my heart with love and compassion
ALL: so I might trust you more.
Leader: Fill my heart with love and compassion
ALL: so I might show love more deeply.
Leader: Fill my heart with love and compassion
ALL: so I might open my arms to others.
Leader: Fill my heart with love and compassion
ALL: so I know I am enough!

Challenge for the Week: Saint Paul in the second reading notes how the people are arguing over the laws of circumcision. He is telling them it doesn’t matter because Jesus came to save all people, circumcised or not. People are still taking sides on issues today. Make a list of some of the things people are arguing about today. Are any of them keeping you from seeing your neighbor as Christ calls you to see them? Have you treated another with neglect, disregard or judged them based on the stand they take on a specific issue or law? Paul is not saying, don’t have an opinion. He is telling the Galatians that these differences should not distract from the fact that the love of God and the sacrifice of Jesus should be what really matters. How will you live out this scripture passage in the coming days, weeks, months? Make a commitment for a specific change to see how it affects you and those around 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, June 26th Readings

13th Sunday of Ordinary Time

Opening Prayer

Lord

May I lay my head down

        each day knowing I’ve pleased you.

May I unpack my burdens

        so I can rest in your presence.

Let me follow in your path

        of goodness and mercy

Lead me Lord to do all I can today!

Journal/Reflection Questions

1 Kings 19:16b, 19-21

  • God tells Elijah to go to Elisha and to teach him. How does God urge you to go to others to teach them?
  • Elisha is ready to go and serve God, but what does he do first? What does this say about his character?

Galatians 5:1, 13-18

  • What does Saint Paul mean that we were called to freedom? How?
  • What bites and devours you?
  • How do you differentiate “flesh” wants/needs and “spirit” wants/needs?

Luke 9:51-62

  • When Jesus travelled, He didn’t know where He would sleep each night.  Could you travel like this? Why or why not? 
  • Have you ever had to rely on the hospitality of another? What do you need to be able to do in order to be a good guest? What qualities are needed to be a good host? How do you rate in each category?
  • Jesus simply walked away when He and His disciples were not welcomed; the disciples wanted retribution. How does Jesus respond? Is it an easy example to follow? What can you do to help make it simpler like Jesus did?

General Questions for Journaling

  • God seeks you where you are to do His work; where has he found you lately? What is He asking you to do?
  • The prophets and apostles are often found out working when God calls.  Make a list of the prophets whom God commissioned and what they were doing when He called.
  • Could you go away and leave behind your work, your family to do the work of God? Why or why not? What conditions would you need in order to do so?
  • Have you been chosen to be a mentor to someone? Name the qualities they saw in you which caused them to choose you.
  • Do you have or have you ever had a mentor? What qualities drew you to them? What did you learn from them?
  • Can you love fully? What allows you to do so? What keeps you from doing so?
  • Are there people you have trouble showing love to? Why or why not?
  • Would you say you have too much, too little or just the right amount of “stuff”?  What could you live without?

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Lord, YOU are my refuge,

ALL:  my security when I am going through a storm.

Leader:  Spirit, YOU are my counselor,

ALL:  the one I go to when I’m facing a tough decision.

Leader:  Jesus, YOU are my savior,

ALL:  paving the road before me, I know I’m not alone.

Leader:  Father, YOU are my joy,

ALL:  I’m overwhelmed by all you’ve created for me to love.

Challenge for the Week:  June 22 is the first day of summer!  Summer is a time for family and friends to gather together, to take a long weekend or even a week or two of vacation away from the “normal”.  Summer calls you to recognize what it is you value and to cherish it.  Reflect on how God is giving you time to spend with those you love; how are you spending it?  When you take time away from your “routine” do you have time to rest in God?  Summer is full of opportunity for each of us to touch God and share His love with others!

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, June 19th Readings

Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ

Opening Prayer

Savior

You came to earth to live

        so I might know you better.

You taught how to live life

        by the commandments.

You showed how to care for one another

        by giving comfort and healing.

You gather your friends around the table

        to share a meal but You share so much more.

May I forever seek to be in communion with You

        by living my life as You call me to live!

Journal/Reflection Questions

Genesis 14:18-20

  • How does this scripture still ring true today? Give an example.
  • Bread and wine: reflect on the qualities of these two things, how are they made, where to do they come from, are they hard to find, are they only reserved for specific people?

1 Corinthians 11:23-26

  • What is the significance of giving the bread and wine separately? Are there specific values for each one individually? What are they?
  • This ritual is done in remembrance of what? Write down what it means to you and what Jesus wants you to remember through this meal.

Luke 9:11b-17

  • What is the importance of blessing the food?
  • Jesus again finds Himself working all day, giving of Himself to the crowds and then having to give even more. What can you learn from Jesus’ reaction and action in this scripture about giving?

General Questions for Journaling

  • How do you receive the gifts of bread and wine? 
  • What do you to prepare to receive Jesus’ body and blood?
  • Can you ever have too much Jesus?
  • Explain in your own words what it means to you to receive Jesus’ body and blood.
  • Does taking communion on Sunday change you? Why or why not?
  • What does it feel like to be hungry? Thirsty?
  • How do you show gratitude for the gifts of Jesus’ body and blood? 
  • When have you ever been asked to give more than what you had? How did you feel? Were you able to satisfy the need or was more still needed?
  • What needs are in front of you yearning to be met? How long have they been there? Do you believe they will be met on their own?
  • Who can you help this week to fulfill a need? Look around for a friend or family member who is seeking and lend a hand.

Closing Prayer

Leader:  You gather your people together

ALL:  To share more than a meal

Leader:  You gather your people together

ALL:  To give of ourselves

Leader:  You gather your people together

ALL:  To receive nourishment

Leader:  You gather your people together

ALL:  To find peace

Leader:  You gather your people together

ALL:  To make a connection

Leader:  You gather your people together

ALL:  To be in union with YOU!

Challenge for the Week:  As humans we ALL share some very basic needs…we need to eat and we need to drink.  If we do not eat or drink, we do not live.  Do you think it is a coincidence that Jesus then wants us to remember him in these two forms?  He is telling us to eat His body and drink His blood because without it, we cannot live.  Spend time reflecting on this truth and what it means not only to you but to all humankind.

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, June 12th Readings

Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity

Opening Prayer

Blessed Trinity

You created me out of love

You came to be one with me

And You remain still.

You are the beginning and the end.

May I stay mindful

        of all you are and all you give!

Journal/Reflection Questions

Proverbs 8:22-31

  • Where do you find delight? Is it a place? Is it a hobby? Is it a person?
  • How has God marked you as His own?

Romans 5:1-5

  • How does the Spirit work in you? How is it manifested? Where does it reside? Can you feel the presence of the Holy Spirit?
  • When did you last boast of God’s love? What words did you use/What words could you use? 

John 16:12-15

  • How does the phrase, God gives you only what you can handle apply? What about those times when you are overwhelmed? How does the Gospel reading give insight to this phrase?
  • What is divine love? Define divine love.
  • How does the Holy Spirit speak to you? What does it have to say?

General Questions for Journaling

  • How do you carry God with you each day? 
  • Does nature speak to you? What does it say? What parts of nature speak to you?
  • Does God have a signature? If so, what does it look like?
  • How do you show gratitude for creation?
  • How do you show gratitude for the human race?
  • What do you value about the human race?
  • Name ways people disappoint. Name ways God disappoints.
  • How does a person know the Holy Spirit has been given to them?
  • Is there a time when you needed (wished for) more from God?
  • Where do you feel the presence of God the most?
  • When do you feel the closest to Jesus?
  • Describe how each part of the Holy Trinity adds to your life.
  • What is the role of each part of the Holy Trinity? In general? In your faith life?

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Father of all, I pray…

ALL:  for those who feel alone and abandoned.

Leader:  Creator, I pray…

ALL:  for those looking for their purpose.

Leader:  Son of God, I pray…

ALL:  for those who seek healing from illness or hurt.

Leader:  Lord of Lords, I pray…

ALL:  for those in need of mercy and forgiveness.

Leader:  Spirit of truth, I pray…

ALL:  for those who need direction.

Leader:  Advocate, I pray…

ALL:  for those who cannot stand up for themselves.

Leader:  Holy Trinity, I pray…

ALL:  for your continued guidance and support.

Challenge for the Week:  Explaining the Trinity to someone can be a challenge, you may not even really understand it yourself.  However, if you are called to go out to all the world and make disciples of every nation, it is important for you to be able to describe your relationship with the Trinity.  Spend time this week identifying who the Trinity is to you.  This might require you to do some studying to learn more about Church teaching and/or to discuss with a friend or two how they view the Trinity. 

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, June 5th Readings

Pentecost

Opening Prayer

Come, Holy Spirit, come!

Renew my life

Lead my actions

Guide my words

Show me the way, home!

Journal/Reflection Questions

Acts 2:1-11

  • Do you understand all that you believe? How does it become clear to you?  Who makes it so?
  • How do you know the Spirit is here? What makes you know when the Holy Spirit is present and living and working?

1 Corinthians 12:3b-7, 12-13 or Romans 8:8-17

  • How does the Spirit work to give you gifts? Can you develop new gifts?
  • What can you do to die to the flesh? Is there something you need to die to in order to live more deeply in the Spirit?

John 20:19-23 or John 14:15-16, 23B-26

  • What does the Holy Spirit have to do with forgiveness of sins? Explain.
  • How does the Holy Spirit help you keep the commandments? Give examples.

General Questions for Journaling

  • Is it possible to speak without words? How good/clear is the communication? 
  • What do you speak without words? What do you communicate to the world?
  • Where do you see the Holy Spirit teaching today? 
  • What is the Holy Spirit guiding you do?
  • Where is the Holy Spirit leading you?
  • What is the Holy Spirit giving you strength to accomplish?
  • What wisdom, knowledge or understanding is the Holy Spirit giving you in order to teach others?
  • How does the Spirit manifest itself in your life?
  • Do you carry around “dead weight” which takes up space within you? How can you release it and fill the space with the Holy Spirit?
  • Define advocate. How does this describe the Holy Spirit?

Closing Prayer (excerpts from Veni Sanctus Spiritus)

Leader:  Come, Holy Spirit, come!

ALL:  Shine within these hearts!

Leader:  Come, Holy Spirit, come!

ALL:  Heal our wounds!

Leader:  Come, Holy Spirit, come!

ALL:  Renew our strength!

Leader:  Come, Holy Spirit, come!

ALL:  Wash away the stains of guilt!

Leader:  Come, Holy Spirit, come!

ALL:  Guide the steps that go astray.

ALL:  Come, Holy Spirit STAY!

Challenge for the Week:  Spend time connecting with the Holy Spirit this week and reflect on these questions:  How aware are you of the Holy Spirit in your life?  Rate yourself on a scale from 1-10.  Where do you see the benefits of the Holy Spirit in your life?  How does the Holy Spirit lead you and guide you?  What was the last decision you made with the counsel of the Holy Spirit?  When did you last turn away the Holy Spirit’s input and go your own way?  How do you give thanks and praise to the Holy Spirit?  Do you give the Holy Spirit recognition for the work He/She does in your life?  How do you teach others about the benefits of following the guidance of the Holy Spirit?  When did you last “rest in the Spirit”?  Make a point this week to find peace by resting in the Spirit…whatever that looks like for you.  If you don’t know, find 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