Blog

Sunday, April 3rd Readings

5th Sunday of Lent

Opening Prayer

Lord,

Help me

to remember that it is YOU who makes all things NEW!

Teach me

to let go of past mistakes and begin fresh with a new perspective.

Open me

up to try new paths instead of the same one over and over.

Guide me

with grace, showing kindness and mercy even when I do not follow.

Lead me

to be the person I am meant to be, no matter how many times I do wrong.

Thank you Lord,

for making all things new, including ME!

Journal/Reflection Questions

Isaiah 43:16-21

  • What keeps you from believing God has a plan for you and has created a safe passageway for you just as He did for the Israelites? How do your actions confirm your belief or disbelief?
  • How do the events of the past (those of the Old Testament and/or the events of the past 3-6 months) affect how you live out today? Share specific examples.

 Philippians 3:8-14

  • How can you accept loss? What does that look like?
  • St Paul is determined; he has his eye on the prize. What is your goal? What steps do you take each day to achieve your goal? Are there others whom have a similar goal? How can you help one another reach your goal?

 John 8:1-11

  • Do you condemn others? What causes you to do so? Is it jealousy? Is it because you think something is unfair? Is it out of fear of the unknown or what you don’t understand?
  • Where are you called to be merciful like Jesus in this Scripture? Who needs you to reach out to them?

General Questions for Journaling

  • Where in the Bible does God abandon someone? Where in the Bible does God leave anyone alone? How does this knowledge affect you?
  • When have you felt like God has left you alone or abandoned you? What was the situation? How did you overcome?
  • How has God shown His presence to you today?
  • Have you ever searched for God from the moment you come into consciousness in the morning until the moment you doze off to sleep at night? What would that day look like? How would you describe it?
  • How does God re-create each day? Do you think today is different than yesterday? Why or why not?
  • Each day God offers us a new beginning; what things of the past do you need to leave in the past so you can begin again?
  • How do your sins feel? Describe how it feels when you sin and how you are changed; how it affects your behavior, your thoughts.
  • What is the most important relationship in your life? Why?
  • What does it mean to live your live forward? What does it mean to live in the past?  Where do you see yourself on the spectrum?
  • Is there someone in your life right now who needs you to show them mercy? Who is it and what do they need you to do?

Closing Prayer

Leader: Father, YOU are forever good

ALL:  to me, even when I sin against you and others.

Leader:  Father, YOU are forever kind

ALL:  to me, especially when I experience hurt.

Leader:  Father, YOU are forever generous

ALL:  to me, even when I call on you for help.

Leader:  Father, YOU are forever merciful

ALL:  to me, especially when I turn my back to you.

Leader:  Father, YOU are forever faithful

ALL:  to me, and I am grateful for your examples of goodness, kindness, generosity, mercy and faith!

Challenge for the Week:  Where do you see God walking with you on your journey?  Are you walking together side by side or are you lagging behind?  Have you stumbled and refuse to get up and move or is God carrying you?  What terrain are you travelling?  Are you on flatland?  Going through the desert?  Climbing a mountain?  Swimming/wading/drowning in the deep waters?  Take time this week to figure out where you are on your journey with God.  Use your own words to describe and even possibly draw a picture of what it looks like.  Whether you write the words or draw the picture, put the date on it and place it in your bible so you can find it later and reflect on how it compares to where you are at that moment of time.  God gives you all you need to succeed; you simply need to train your will to remain accountable.

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, March 27th Readings

4th Sunday of Lent

Opening Prayer

Lord,

Let me come to you,

when I am weak and weary.

Teach me to reach out to you,

when I don’t know the way.

Allow me to cling to you,

so you can help me find my way

through the darkness.

Lead me to the fullness of life,

you promise and died to give me.

YOU, are all I will ever need!

Journal/Reflection Questions

Joshua 5 :9a, 10-12

  • How does God care for the Israelite’s? How does He care for you today?
  • The Israelite’s were guided to the Promised Land. How can you relate your life to the journey of the Israelite’s? How is it similar? How is it different?
  • The Promised Land was home to the Israelite’s, how do you define home? What is home for you?

2 Corinthians 5:17-21

  • What do you give to Jesus to make Him righteous? How do your words or actions give Jesus “wings” or a “leg to stand on”?
  • Read this scripture again and imagine you are in a courtroom. How does it play out in your head? Can you find forgiveness?

 Luke 15:1-3, 11-32

  • What message does Jesus send with this parable? Can you list at least three life lessons Jesus is trying to teach?
  • Where do you find yourself in the parable at this point in your life? Are you working hard, doing what you are supposed to be doing like the Older Son?  Are you squandering away the gifts God has given you like the Younger Son? Can you find it in yourself to welcome the sinner home with open arms like the Father? Are you a bystander, a witness? Be honest with yourself.
  • Identify how the Father and the Son’s in this parable have changed because of the experience. Can they return to how they were? Why or why not?

General Questions for Journaling

  • How is Lent like the Israelite’s wandering in the desert? What was their final destination? How is that like your Lent/Easter?
  • Like Passover, what traditions do you hold in your life as important? What makes them important?
  • Where did your traditions come from? Are they hereditary? Are they cultural? Are they religious? How do these traditions form you? What makes them so sacred?
  • Make a list of at least ten things that you use/consume that come from the earth. Can you also make a list of ten ways you work to conserve/protect the earth?
  • What can you do to learn from God about how to forgive and forget?
  • Is it easier to give forgiveness or ask for forgiveness? Why?
  • Does Christ live within you? How do you know? Can others tell?
  • What characteristics of Christ do you see in yourself? Reflect on these gifts and determine what purpose God has for you to use them!
  • How do you rejoice when you find something you have lost?

Closing Prayer

Leader: Each time I turn my back on you,

ALL: Lord, you welcome me home!

Leader: Each time I ignore your Words,

ALL: Lord, you welcome me home!

Leader: Each time I whine and complain,

ALL: Lord, you welcome me home!

Leader: Each time I go in the wrong direction,

ALL: Lord, you welcome me home!

Leader: Each time I say the wrong thing,

ALL: Lord, you welcome me home!

Leader: Each time I sin, Lord,

ALL: you welcome me home!

Challenge for the Week:  Make a list of the synonyms for the word, forgive.  How many can you come up with?  Try this week to use these synonyms in your life through word and action.  Where can you “restore harmony”?  Is there a “hatchet” you need to “bury”?  Once you have used all of the synonyms on yourself in your own life, see what injustices there are and where you can help to “reconcile” in your community.  Aim to use each synonym you come up with at least once, get out there and “patch things up”!

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, March 20th Readings

3rd Sunday of Lent

Opening Prayer

Lord

You planted me in the garden of life starting as a tiny seed; tucked away in the darkness.

You gave me Your Word to feed me.

You gave me good works nourish me.

You gave me Your Spirit to sustain me.

Slowly I emerge, struggling to break through, reaching each day toward the SON!

AMEN!

Journal/Reflection Questions

Exodus 3:1-8a, 13-15

  • Put yourself in the place of Moses, what do you feel? What do you do?  How are you called to action? How are you called to conversion?
  • Can you see evidence of the trinity in this scripture?

1 Corinthians 10:1-6, 10-12

  • What spiritual food and drink do you consume?
  • What evil do you desire?

 Luke 13:1-9

  • A gardener needs to pull weeds, cut off dead branches and prune to generate new growth; when have you seen new growth in your life from pulling, cutting and pruning?
  • How is God like a gardener to the world? To you?

General Questions for Journaling

  • Where do you find holy ground? What is your definition?  What makes it holy?
  • When have you witnessed something holy? Where were you?  Did you know it was holy at the time or was it revealed to you in retrospect?
  • Is God’s voice clear and consistent or distant and hazy? What words do you use to describe God’s voice in your life?
  • In what ways do you care for the earth? Do you do it out of obligation or another reason?  Be specific.
  • How do you encourage or discourage others to care for the earth?
  • How does care for the earth relate to your faith?
  • What are some of the qualities you value in friendship? Who are the people whom you spend the most time?  What do you have in common with them?  What keeps you connected?
  • Where does God/Jesus/Holy Spirit fall in line with your friends? What value do you place on your relationship with each of the members of the trinity?
  • Are there some friends with whom you want to reconnect? What do you need to do to reestablish these relationships?  How can God help you do this?
  • God wants us to tend to one another; what can you do to fertilize others around you?
  • How do you cultivate your faith? What work do you do to keep your faith from producing bad fruit?  Share examples.
  • How do you rate yourself as a giver of grace, mercy and forgiveness?
  • How do you rate yourself as a receiver of grace, mercy and forgiveness?

Closing Prayer

Leader: You call us by name…

ALL:  Here I am Lord!

Leader:  You wait patiently for our answer…

ALL:  Here I am Lord!

Leader:  You walk with us through the desert…

ALL:  Here I am Lord!

Leader:  You sit with us during the storm…

ALL:  Here I am Lord!

Leader:  You carry us when we turn away…

ALL:  Here I am Lord!

Leader:  You call us each to fulfill a purpose…

ALL:  Here I am Lord; find me READY!

Challenge for the Week:  In the first reading we see Moses’ conversion, his turning from the old ways and beginning anew with God.  When have you experienced a conversion?  During Lent each person is called to a conversion of self, turn away from sin and toward the Gospel.  You should be letting go of a bad habit or trying to practice a new life-giving habit.  Check in this week on how you are doing so far this Lent.  Have you made progress in developing a deeper relationship with God, yourself and others?  Can you see evidence of a conversion happening?  It is not too late to make this Lent a meaningful one…make sure you are on course for having a productive Lent!

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, March 13th Readings

2nd Sunday of Lent

Opening Prayer

Father

Bring on the new day!

Allow my spirit to be awakened!

No more will I suffer, for YOU are my Lord!

I will keep your commands!

Your promises you keep!

Amen!

Journal/Reflection Questions

Genesis 15:5-12, 17-18

  • Have you questioned your ability to achieve what God requests of you? Share an example.
  • What does God ask for you to sacrifice for a relationship with him?
  • God gives Abram the stars to represent his promise. What has God used in your life to represent his promise to you?
  • What covenant does God make with Abram? How do the terms of the covenant affect you?

Philippians 3:17-4:1 or 3:20-4:1

  • Do you know people who “shine”? Describe what this means.
  • According to this scripture, what must you do? How can you better prepare yourself to achieve this?
  • How do you know if something is glorified? Does it look, smell, taste, feel different?

 Luke 9:28b-36

  • God’s voice comes from the cloud in this scripture, where else has God’s voice come from? Where have you heard God’s voice?
  • How does being on a mountain top change one’s perspective?  Share a time when you have been on top of a mountain, what did you see, what did you feel?
  • Why do you think people in the Bible go up to the mountain to pray? What is the significance?  What should we learn from this action?
  • Why is it good for the disciples to be there on the mountain? Why is it also good for the disciples to come down?

General Questions for Journaling

  • What is the difference between righteous and self-righteous? Can they lead you down the same path? Why or why not?
  • Does darkness come suddenly or does it creep up on you? Share an example. Then compare the situation to your faith life.
  • Have you ever been afraid of the dark? What about the darkness frightened you? Describe the feeling you get when you come out of darkness into light.
  • Do you trust God 100%? What keeps you from trusting God at all times, and in all things? Be specific and honest with yourself about what keeps you from trusting God all the way.
  • Are you blinded by other things in your life? What are some of those things that can blind you from God’s goodness?
  • Would you describe yourself an being 1)led blindly through life by God, 2)a consultant with God on your path in life, 3)going through life ready to face whatever comes your way.
  • Make a list of at least five things that boost your spirits. What happens within you when you get excited about something?
  • How do you come to know Jesus better? Write down all you know about Jesus.  Do you know anyone who needs to have this information?
  • Where have you seen God in everyday situations?
  • How do you know God is real?
  • What earthly things are keeping you from Jesus?
  • How do you imitate God?

Closing Prayer

Leader: As the day comes to a close and darkness fills the sky…

ALL:  I hear your voice, Lord.

Leader:  When I surrender to the silence of the night…

ALL:  I hear your voice, Lord.

Leader:  In the birds who chirp their welcome to a new day…

ALL:  I hear your voice, Lord.

Leader:  As I say my prayers and pause for a response…

ALL:  I hear your voice, Lord.

Leader:  When I go forth to see what my day has in store…

ALL:  I hear your voice, Lord,

        guiding me, leading me up the mountain!

Challenge for the Week:  In the Gospel, something spectacular is revealed and Jesus tells the disciples not to tell anyone.  However, if you’re like me, your instinct is to share good news when you hear it.  Think about it.  When you get asked to the prom, when you land your dream job, when you buy a new car, all of these things are pretty exciting, and it would be really difficult to keep these things to yourself.  Reflect this week on how these disciples must have felt to not be able to share what they had seen and heard while on the mountaintop.  Would you have the discipline to keep this experience to yourself?

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, March 6th Readings

1st Sunday of Lent

Opening Prayer

Heavenly Father

You lead me through the desert places

so I may be refreshed and made new

You put before me a banquet feast to nourish

so I may be filled with Your goodness

You gave your life to show love without conditions

so I may share that gift with others

Thank you Lord for guiding me!

Journal/Reflection Questions

Deuteronomy 26:4-10

  • What do you lay at the altar of God?
  • How does being in the desert change your perspective?
  • What good comes from this desert experience for the Israelites? For you?

Romans 10:8-13

  • How do you proclaim Jesus as Lord? Is it evident you are a Christian through your words? Your actions? Both? Share an example.
  • When did you last call on God? What was it for and what was the response?
  • How do you show love to God? How do you show God’s love for others? Is it the same or different, explain.

 Luke 4:1-13

  • The devil tempts Jesus to be self-glorifying; where do you see this behavior in the world today?
  • How does the devil tempt you to turn away from God?

General Questions for Journaling

  • When has God delivered you from a bad situation?
  • Identify a time when you felt alone or abandoned. Can you look back and see God there with you?
  • How does God nourish you? Do you allow God to nourish you?
  • Describe what it feels like to be empty of God’s presence.
  • Describe what it feels like to be full of God’s presence.
  • Make a list of things you can bring to others between now and Easter to help you express your faith more openly.
  • Are there people in your community/family who are crying out but you are ignoring them? Listen for what God wants you to do.
  • What are the communities which you dwell? Give them each a rating on a 1-10 scale on how they show/share the Gospel message.
  • How can love be blind?
  • When did you first understand unconditional love?
  • Does love require effort? Why or why not?
  • How are you exercising your faith?
  • How does having faith give power? What does faith have power over?

Closing Prayer

Leader: You call me from the desert places

ALL:  to share Your love with others.

Leader:  You call me from the desert places

ALL:  to set captives free.

Leader:  You call me from the desert places

ALL:  to visit the lonely and oppressed.

Leader:  You call me from the desert places

ALL:  to show mercy and kindness.

Leader:  You call me from the desert places

ALL:  to shine YOUR light for all to see!

Challenge for the Week:  Do you have a faith story?  Of course you do!  Just like in the business world where people have “elevator speeches” which describe and highlight their accomplishments and successes; Christians should have a faith story.  Spend time this week putting together your own personal faith story; include pivotal moments, desert places and mountain top experiences.  Include specific scripture passages which carried you through the bad times or sustain you in the good times.  Write it down and then put it in your Bible so it can be added to the many other stories of our salvation HIStory!

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, February 27th Readings

8th Sunday of Ordinary Time

Opening Prayer

Lord

Give me eyes to see

the beauty in all things.

Allow me to speak

kindness with my words.

Teach me to live

so others might follow.

Let me be a vessel of THE GOOD NEWS!

Amen

Journal/Reflection Questions

Sirach 27 :4-7

  • What tests your faith? Is it a teaching of the church? A way a person acts? Bad things happening? How do you keep your faith strong in spite of these tests?
  • What is the lesson here about how to treat others? How can you put this scripture into practice today? What specific thing(s) do you need to do?
  • If you were shaken in a sieve right now, what fragments of yourself would remain? What fragments would fall through? What story would these tell? Is the story the one you tell yourself or the one that is actually true?

 1 Corinthians 15:54-58

  • In what ways can a person “labor for the Lord”?
  • How do you protect yourself from being infected by negative, corrupt or immoral influence? Is there a way to avoid these things completely? Why or why not? What advice would you give to another person to help keep these things from spreading like a plague?
  • What are you going through right now that you hope is not in vain?

Luke 6:39-45

  • What does this scripture say about the importance of self-care and personal awareness of your words and actions? Be specific. Make a list.
  • What specific truth do you hear God speaking to you through this scripture?
  • When was the last time you let your heart lead your actions? What was the outcome?

General Questions for Journaling

  • How do you tell if someone is speaking truth? How would you measure truth in your own words?
  • Is there a time when judgment of a person is okay? Share an example.
  • Share a time when your first impression/judgment of a person was completely wrong.
  • Have you ever felt you were judged wrongly? How did you handle the situation?
  • Where does judgment in general come from? Do people judge out of love?  From insecurity? From competitiveness or jealousy?
  • Right Judgment is a gift of the Holy Spirit. How does the adjective “right” change your definition of judgment?
  • Are there things in your life that weigh you down? Hold you back? Keep you from moving forward?
  • What do you hide or bury, keep out of sight of others?
  • Share an example of when you found light in a dark situation or something positive from a negative? How did you find it? Did you see it immediately or did it take time to realize?
  • Describe the feeling or your emotions and how your body changes when you find a light at the end of a long tunnel of despair.
  • Do you believe a person who is infected with negativity can change? Why or why not? What do you believe your role is in that person’s life?
  • Take time to draw your tree. Identify the fruit you produce, good and bad. What influences you and how does it affect those around you?

Closing Prayer

Leader:  I will give thanks to you all of my days…

ALL:  for life given at conception!

Leader:  I will give thanks to you all of my days…

ALL:  for the sound of the ocean waves!

Leader:  I will give thanks to you all of my days…

ALL:  for the morning dew glistening in the sunrise!

Leader: I will give thanks to you all of my days…

ALL:  for the warm hug of a new friend!

Leader:  I will give thanks to you all of my days…

ALL:  for a fiery sky at the end of the day!

Leader:  I will give thanks to you all of my days…

ALL:  for all you give; I will give thanks!

Challenge for the Week:  Spend time this week reflecting on your past experiences.  When you look back, you can identify those times in your life when you had to deal with something heavy or hard and maybe even had doubts on whether you’d be able to come out on the other side of the situation.  Often the world says these experiences leave marks or scars on a person (physically and/or emotionally) but when looking at them from God’s perspective, you have been “refined”.  These experiences of trouble, trauma, heartbreak, disappointment and even death are opportunities for you to grow.  When you are open and listening to God in these moments, you can learn something about yourself and perhaps even gain insight on others.  Revisit some of these times in your life to see if there are opportunities you have missed to reveal something in yourself or open you up to a new perspective on a relationship or a situation.  Allow God to refine 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, February 13th Readings

6th Sunday of Ordinary Time

Opening Prayer

Jesus

Throughout the Bible are stories of hope

Open my eyes to see the hope in the world today

Let me hear the stories where hope is restored

And be a living example that hope never dies

Amen

Journal/Reflection Questions

Jeremiah 17:5-8

  • Draw a picture of the two images described in this scripture.
  • Share a time when you experienced both images, what was going on in your life, be specific about who was with you and what you felt.

 1 Corinthians 15:12, 16-20

  • Does this scripture bring you hope? Explain how.
  • How does the promise of the resurrection affect your faith? Be specific.

Luke 6:17, 20-26

  • What is the overall message Jesus to sharing with the people who have gathered to hear him speak?
  • What is the message Jesus has intended for you to hear in this scripture to help open your eyes to a situation in your life right now?

General Questions for Journaling

  • How do you feel about God giving free will? Is it good? Is it bad? How does free will get you into trouble?  How does it free you?
  • Are there choices you have made in your life which you wish you could change? Do you can do something about that choice now?
  • Is it easy or difficult to change? Do you always get to choose to change?  How can making the choice to change affect your attitude?
  • Who do you confide in to help make decisions? What qualities do you look for in a person who helps you?
  • What draws you to ask God for help? Are there obstacles which keep you from seeking God’s advice in matters?
  • How do you feel about trust? Is trust important to you? Is it something people have immediately or do you believe people need to earn it?
  • How much trust do you put in God? How much trust do you believe God has in you?
  • Would you describe yourself as someone who is open to new ideas and new ways to do things or do you consider yourself someone who is comfortable with the way things are and have always been? Share an example.
  • How would you explain the hope you have in the resurrection to someone who doesn’t know about Jesus?
  • Do you believe faith is a choice you make every day or is a choice you made once and it stays with you?
  • Share an example of a time when your faith was challenged; be specific about what you did, how you felt and the outcome.

Closing Prayer

Leader:  I will rejoice

ALL:  in the rising of the sun!

Leader:  I will rejoice

ALL:  in the delicate snowflake!

Leader:  I will rejoice

ALL:  in the blooming flower!

Leader: I will rejoice

ALL:  in the simplicity of a smile!

Leader:  I will rejoice

ALL:  in the warmth of a hand!

Leader:  I will rejoice

ALL:  in the hope you give!

Challenge for the Week:  Do you have a faith story?  Of course, you do!  Just like in the business world where people have “elevator speeches” which describe and highlight their accomplishments and successes; Christians should have a faith story.  Spend time this week putting together your own personal faith story; include pivotal moments, desert places and mountain top experiences.  Include specific scripture passages which carried you through the bad times or sustain you in the good times.  Write it down and then put it in your Bible so it can be added to the many other stories of our salvation HIS-tory!

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, April 18th Readings

Third Sunday of Easter

Opening Prayer

Jesus

You don’t just ignore my sin.

        You help me to correct it.

You don’t just tell me to do better,

        You teach me the right way.

Let me learn from you

        so I can be a better person.

Praise You Lord

        for believing in me!

AMEN!

Journal/Reflection Questions

Acts 3:13-15, 17-19

  • Peter is letting the people know that they can be forgiven for turning away from Jesus and sentencing him to death. Are your sins worse than this? If they can be forgiven what keeps you from being forgiven?
  • How does ignorance force a wedge in a person’s relationship with God? 
  • How does ignorance in the world affect a person’s relationship with God?

1 John 2:1-5a

  • This scripture is saying our sin goes through Jesus, his death is what makes amends for our sin…even the sin we haven’t committed yet. Write a prayer to express how you feel about his fact.
  • What makes Jesus the best advocate for us to God?

Luke 24:35-48

  • Go back to Isaiah to read the scriptures which Jesus fulfilled. How do you feel when you read the scriptures?
  • How have you witnessed God’s work, Jesus’ miracles today? What evidence do you have that Holy Spirit is alive today?
  • Jesus’ disciples had a hard time recognizing Jesus, what can you do to recognize Jesus when he comes to you?

General Questions for Journaling

  • What makes forgiveness difficult? What makes forgiveness easier?
  • In what ways are the faithful today the same as the first disciples?
  • In what ways are we different from those left behind after Jesus died?
  • What do you believe happened when Jesus died? Do you believe it is the same or different for other people? Explain.
  • What does it mean to leave your sins at the foot of the cross? How would you explain this to another person of faith? How would you explain this to someone who doesn’t know Jesus?
  • The things of this world can tug and pull on us, sometimes away from God. What are these things in your life? What makes you fall victim to them? 
  • Where is peace prevalent today?
  • Is peace something everyone can find in the same place? Explain.
  • What does it mean to have an open mind or a closed mind? Do different people have different definitions? Why or why not?
  • Would you describe yourself as open minded or closed minded? Why?
  • What is it about Jesus that you most relate to? Be specific.
  • Have you had moments of remembrances of loved ones who have passed? Explain.
  • How does Jesus’ death help you cope with death? Your own and others?

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Jesus is alive, let me rejoice…

ALL:  All of my sins are washed away!

Leader:  Jesus is alive, let me rejoice…

ALL:  My path has been restored!

Leader: Jesus is alive, let me rejoice…

ALL:  He loves me like no other!

Leader:  Jesus is alive, let me rejoice…

ALL:  the Holy Spirit lives in me!

Leader:  Jesus is alive, let me rejoice…

ALL:  death has no power!

Leader:  Jesus is alive, let me rejoice…

ALL:  AMAZING GRACE!

Challenge for the Week:  In the Catholic Church Easter is not celebrated only on Easter Sunday, but for 50 days!  That is a lot of chocolate and marshmallows! Actually, it is not about the commercialized Easter as you may know, rather it’s about continuing to be in the presence of Jesus through the scriptures and special celebrations.  It is a time set aside by the Church, like Lent, for us to reflect on the life of Jesus, more specifically, life on earth after his death.  Spend time this next week reflecting on Jesus’ presence in your life and in the world.  How does Jesus impact your daily life?  Is the presence of Jesus a blessing or a curse?  How do you relate to the early Christians trying to decipher this new way of life without Jesus?  How are their struggles similar to different from those faced in the world today?  There is much to ponder…so Happy Easter!!!  Jesus has risen!!!

Sunday, March 14th Readings

Fourth Sunday of Lent

Opening Prayer

Father

When I look for you,

        I don’t always see you.

Teach me to look,

        through a child’s eyes.

I step out today,

        You are watching out for me.

I stumble and fall,

        You are there holding me.

Let me not be blind

        to the joy you have in front of me!

Journal/Reflection Questions

2Chronicles 36:14-16, 19-23

  • In the Old Testament you hear God sent messengers “early and often” to His people. In the Gospels you learn about Jesus, God himself who came to share God’s plan for His people. Then in the New Testament the Holy Spirit is left to dwell in and among His people. How are the messengers of the Old Testament the same and how do they differ from the Holy Spirit?
  • How do God’s angels bring you comfort, reinforcement in the battle, and/or safety in the hard times?
  • Are there messengers from God today who give support or warning? Share an example.

Ephesians 2:4-10

  • Reflect on the phrase, “dead to our transgressions”. This word is also in the Our Father prayer. How hard or easy is it for you to live this out?
  • How does God’s love for you filter out in your life? Does it come out through compassion? Mercy? Grace? Forgiveness? Make a list of other ways God’s love can filter through a person’s life.

John 3:14-21

  • Do you recall the story of Moses and the serpent? Reflect on how these scriptures relate.
  • How is God lifted up in your life? Within your family? 
  • God gave his son to the world…how does that make you feel?

General Questions for Journaling

  • Has God given you a message but you are unsure how to pursue it? Afraid you don’t have the strength to accomplish it? Do you fear ridicule or abandonment of family or friends? 
  • Could God be talking to you and you simply are not listening?
  • God’s followers/believers have always fought opposition. What do you fight because you are a believer? What struggles or battles seem to find you no matter where you turn?
  • What is God’s response when you fail and mess up over and over? What is God’s response when you succeed and do the right thing repeatedly? Does God’s response change because of your actions? Why or why not? Explain.
  • How do you define grace? Is it a noun? A verb? An adjective?
  • How is grace received? Where does it come from? What is its purpose?
  • What lesson can you learn from God’s example to stay consistent in love, mercy and forgiveness? 
  • How does faith save a person? Give an example.
  • Do you fully embrace your faith 100%? What percentage would you put on your faith? Does it depend on your situation? Be specific.
  • Why do you think of all the scripture passages, John 3:16 is the most known and memorized verses?
  • Do you love God with or without expectation? Explain.
  • Create a list of “good” things that happen in the dark, what needs darkness to live or survive?
  • Are you or have you ever been completely in the dark? Describe the experience.

Closing Prayer

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

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

Leader:  When we are hurt, YOU bring healing.

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

Leader:  When we feel alone, YOU offer comfort.

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

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

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

Challenge for the Week:  At this point, you might start seeing the mirage of the promises of Easter.  However, don’t be fooled.  The season of Lent is only at its halfway mark and there is still Good Friday and Holy Saturday to get through.  Perhaps you are feeling courageous because you have fought off temptations, keep up your courage!  Or maybe you have let slide some of your Lenten observances to fast, give alms and pray, it’s not too late to begin again!  The scriptures this week encourage you to either stay the course or get back on track.  They signify that victory is on its way.  Again, don’t be fooled.  This is the time when you are called to go deeper, to step up your game, recharge and continue on…this is a false summit…find the supplies you need to carry on because this is when it gets real! 

Sunday, October 25th Readings

30th Sunday of Ordinary Time

Opening Prayer

Lord

Teach me to see like you see

Teach me to hear like you hear

Teach me to love like you love

Teach me to have a heart

which opens without fear or judgement.

I want YOUR love overflow onto everyone I meet.

Journal/Reflection Questions

Exodus 22:20-26

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

1Thessalonians 1:5c-10

  • Have you felt the “joy” from the Holy Spirit which Saint Paul is taking about? How can you channel this joy more often in your life?
  • What does the Holy Spirit offer you? 

Matthew 22:34-40

  • Jesus says the Greatest Commandment is LOVE. How do you show or express love to God? Your neighbors? Yourself?
  • Did Jesus answer the question he was being asked? Why or why not? 

General Questions for Journaling

  • Where is compassion found? Is it something taught (you can learn) or something you have naturally? How is it different than love?
  • Consider how you respond to others. How do you treat people you know? How do you treat people you don’t know? How is it similar? How is it different?
  • How do you show love? How do you receive love?
  • Where do you see love in the world?
  • Reflect on a time when someone showed you love. Did you welcome their love or reject it? Why?
  • What are human expressions of love? What are examples of how God expresses His love?
  • Does God put expectations on love? If yes, what are the expectations? If no, why not?
  • Identify how you feel about putting forth your love for God to others. Is it something you are comfortable doing? Are you hesitant or afraid?
  • Where would you rate how you love your neighbor on a scale of 1-10? Explain why you would give yourself this rating.
  • Identify examples of how you can love God with all your heart. Mind. Soul. Are there different examples for each or are they all the same? 
  • When have you recently felt God’s love for you? Explain the situation and how you know it was God.
  • Draw a picture of God’s love.
  • How does the Trinity help you to love your neighbor, even when they are difficult?

Closing Prayer – Poem by Elizabeth Barrett Browning

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

I love thee to the depth and breadth and height

My soul can reach, when feeling out of sight

For the ends of Being and ideal Grace.

I love thee to the level of every day’s

Most quiet need, by sun and candlelight.

I love thee freely, as men strive for Right;

I love thee purely, as they turn from Praise.

I love with a passion put to use

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

I love thee with a love I seemed to lose

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

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

I shall but love thee better after death.

Challenge for the Week:  This week think about how God’s love has made your life better.  What is it about how God loves you that makes this happen?  Describe how God’s love feels and then write a prayer of thanksgiving or draw a picture to show appreciation for what God gives you.  THEN, consider how you may be the only example of God’s love in a person’s life today and make a commitment to show other’s God’s love more freely!