Catholic Readings

Sunday, September 10th Readings

23rd Sunday of Ordinary Time

Opening Prayer

Father

How can I care for others

          like you care for me?

Help me to see more like you,

          so I might be more giving.

Give me a heart like you,

          so I can love and show mercy.

Open my ears and my arms,

          to hear the cry and give comfort.

You ask nothing more than for us

          to love you and love others;

Let us pray together and heal the world!

Amen

Journal/Reflection Questions

Ezekiel 33:7-9

  • Who has God appointed you watchman over? What are your responsibilities as watchman? 
  • How will God hold us accountable for our sins? How will He hold us accountable for the sins of others?

Romans 13:8-10

  • God asks nothing but to love one another; how well do you show love to others?
  • What obstacles hold you back from giving and showing love to your neighbor?
  • How do you define neighbor? Is it the same way God defines neighbor?

Matthew 18:15-20

  • What does this scripture tell you about the power of prayer? What does it tell you about the power of community? Share a personal experience when you saw this power firsthand.
  • How have you testified/How can you testify to the power of prayer?
  • When have you seen/heard someone testify to the power of prayer?

General Questions for Journaling

  • When do you feel safe? Where are you? Who is with you?
  • Share a time when you did not feel safe. What caused you to feel this way? How did you overcome the feeling?
  • Are there places, people or situations you avoid because you fear them?
  • How do you think those who are put into the position of “watchman” in the community or world do in their role? Find a good example.
  • Who watches over you? How do they watch over you? Share an example.
  • Do you believe there are prophets today? Who do you identify as present-day prophet? What tells you they are a prophet?
  • How does your life bear witness to the goodness of God?
  • If you could give yourself a grade for how well you keep the commandments, what would your grade card say?
  • Make a list of the things you love about yourself. Is it easy or difficult to come up with 10 things?
  • Jesus said to love one another even when it is difficult. Are you shutting yourself off from a relationship or relationships for fear of getting hurt?
  • Is there a relationship you need to give some attention to this week? Something in need of repair?
  • Is it easy or difficult to take responsibility for your actions?
  • Share a time when you refused to listen to the thoughts of another person. What was the circumstance? Did you ever end up hearing their opinion?
  • How are you an advocate of your faith? In your family? In your workplace?

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Lord you are present in all things

ALL:  May I not ignore the gentle nudges of my heart.

Leader:  Lord you are present in all things

ALL:  May I not ignore the gentle whisper in my soul.

Leader:  Lord you are present in all things

ALL:  May I not ignore the gentle invitation of faith.

Challenge for the Week:  This week, look up the 5 Love Languages by Gary Chapman.  He has determined humans show love in five different ways.  Read through these and determine if you relate to one or more of them.  Do you agree with his assessment, or do you think there are more or less ways to express love?  Which would you say is your preferred way to express love to others?  Which would you say is your preferred way to receive love from others?  How does God show love to you?  Does it fit into one of these five ways?  When you look at the way God loves and compare it to the way you love others, what can you do to love more like 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.

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 a copy and start the journey!

Sunday, September 3rd Readings

22nd Sunday of Ordinary Time

Opening Prayer

Jesus,

You came to find the lost.

You came to rescue the imprisoned.

You came to save the sinner.

I am lost, imprisoned and a sinner.

May I allow myself to be found.

May I allow myself to be rescued.

May I allow myself to be saved.

I am found, rescued and saved.

Thank you Jesus, you are my Savior!

AMEN

Journal/Reflection Questions

Jeremiah 20:7-9

  • Can you imagine being “duped” by God? What would (did) it look like? What was the purpose? 
  • Do you believe God wants us to be “duped”?
  • Describe what it feels like to feel something in your bones? Have you ever felt something so deep? Share the experience.

Romans 12:1-2

  • How does the study of scripture help you to transform your mind? How does this transformation change your words and actions; be specific.
  • What does Saint Paul mean when he says, “don’t conform yourself to this age?” How does this specifically speak to you?

Matthew 16:21-27

  • What cross are you called to pick up today? Are you able to pick it up? Is your cross light or heavy? Explain.
  • If God does not think the way that humans do, how is it you are able to understand what God wants for you?

General Questions for Journaling

  • Does oppression happen in this world? Who do you know is oppressed?  How do you know? What do you do about it? Do you suffer from oppression?
  • How do you know God is driving your actions or if you are following your own desire? How can you tell which way God is calling you to go?
  • How does it feel to lose something? Describe the process of letting go.
  • How do you feel when you find something? How would you describe the process of finding a place for the thing you found?
  • Are there injustices in the world which break your heart? Are there injustices which occur that cause your gut to ache? Is the Holy Spirit calling you to do something about it?
  • What was the last exciting news you shared and with whom did you share it? What was your purpose for sharing? Was it your news to share?
  • What was the last disappointing news you shared and with whom did you share it? What was your purpose for sharing? Was it your news to share?
  • Have you ever risked being made fun of to stand up for what you believe? Share the experience.
  • How can you give strength to another who is standing up for what they believe in, even if you don’t agree?
  • Have you ever been thankful for suffering? What was the circumstance?  Why were you thankful?
  • What does it mean to “lose your life” according to God? What does it mean to “lose your life” according to the world?

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Lord fill me…

ALL:  with reckless desire for you!

Leader:  Lord fill me…

ALL:  with unending compassion for others!

Leader:  Lord fill me…

ALL:  with raging fire for justice!

Leader:  Lord fill me

ALL:  with determination to do your will!

Leader:  Lord fill me

ALL:  with the ability to surrender,

Leader:  so I can be

ALL:   more like you each day!

Challenge for the Week:  In your life, you have positive and negative influences.  How do you determine which are the good ones and which are the bad ones?  They are not always clear.  There are times when there is a positive influence that you ignore because you are not in a good place yourself and other times when you are too close to a situation to see you are being influenced in a negative way.  How can you know?  When you turn to God for help and clarity, He can bring to light what is good and what is evil but are you willing to listen?  Spend time this week looking at the things which influence your life and prayerfully consider how the people and things you allow into our daily life affect you in a positive or negative way.  Summer is about to end and with the change of the season; you too should take time to change. 

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 a copy and start the journey!

Sunday, May 7th Readings

Fifth Sunday of Easter

Opening Prayer

Jesus

Open the scripture to me

          so I may not neglect to see

                   the good God created.

Bring to life in me

          the spirit of compassion and mercy

                   to continue the work you began.

AMEN!

Journal/Reflection Questions

Acts 6:1-7

  • Who in your community is neglected? What can you do for them to help them?
  • Saint Peter tells the disciples to devote themselves to prayer; what is the purpose of this? What could happen if you devoted yourself to prayer?
  • What do you think the definition of “reputable men” is at the time the scripture was written? How does the definition change to be relevant in today’s society?

1Peter 2:4-9

  • Scripture says a stone will make you stumble and a rock will make you fall.  Share an example of a stone or a rock in the world today or in your own life. What tripped you up? What helped build your faith back up?
  • How does this scripture passage help you feel “chosen and precious”? Be specific.
  • Is your relationship with God the cornerstone of your life?

John 14:1-12

  • What do you think Philip was thinking when Jesus said, “I am in the Father and the Father is in me”? The mystery of the Trinity was not known to the disciples at this time.  How could Philip make sense of what Jesus was telling him?
  • Jesus knew He was going to have to leave but the disciples didn’t understand. Share a time when you had to leave someone in your life. How is it similar to different to Jesus’ leaving?
  • Explain how Jesus is the way the truth and the life. How do you live your life witnessing to this truth?

General Questions for Journaling

  • Brainstorm examples of people in your community who feel neglect. Where can they find help? 
  • Do you belong to a community of faith? How does this community help to build you up?
  • Where do you see the good works of the community in action? What do you do to help the cause?
  • How does it make you feel when you see a need in the community not being met? Are you empathetic? Sympathetic? Do you feel the need is too big or is out of control? Do you feel helpless and unprepared to be able to change the situation? Seek God’s wisdom to help you find out what you should do to help.
  • How is God’s love shown to you through these readings? Are there examples of this type of love in your life today? Where do you see God’s love at work in your community?
  • How do you deal with loss? What is your reaction to death? What helps you to carry on? How can you practice hope in your faith?
  • What do you do to help grow faith in yourself? 
  • What do you do to grow faith in others?
  • What does it mean to you to be obedient in faith? Is it different for everyone? Why or why not?
  • What did you pray for last week? Are you asking God into your prayer or telling God what you want?
  • Where do you get your value? Who or what gives you value?
  • When do you feel the most valued? 
  • What makes you valuable?
  • What sacrifices did you make this week? Did you make them joyfully or complain?

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Go!

ALL:  Spread the Good News of the Gospel!

Leader:  Go!

ALL:  Comfort someone who needs comfort!

Leader:  Go!

ALL:  Teach through your words and your actions!

Leader:  Go!

ALL:  Build bridges, not walls!

Leader:  Go!

ALL:  Serve others through love!

Leader:  Go!

ALL:  You have been chosen!

Challenge for the Week:  When Peter says you are a “chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation”, what is he really saying?  What are these words supposed to inspire you to do or to be?  In the Catholic Church, these words are a part of the ritual prayers prayed at Baptism.  Each person, infant thru adult, are baptized into the faith as priest, prophet and king, making it clear to each individual person, you are one in Christ.  How do you live your baptism today?  Do you live your life knowing you are chosen?  How does living in Christ make you royalty?  Is there something you could do to help make the world, the community, your family, more holy?  These are not just words, they are your mission!

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 a copy and start the journey!

Sunday, April 23rd Readings

Third Sunday of Easter

Opening Prayer

It is through Jesus’ birth

you are given hope.

It is through Jesus’ miracles

the world receives healing.

It is through Jesus’ sacrifice

that you are nourished.

It is through Jesus’ resurrection

that you have life everlasting.

Journal/Reflection Questions

Acts 2:14,22-23

  • Peter speaks to the disciples with such conviction. Where do you believe his strength comes from? Remember, it was only days before when Peter denied Jesus three times. What can you take away from this knowledge and how can it apply to a situation you are dealing with in your life right now?
  • What evidence is there that Jesus rose? How does Peter verify the resurrection?

1Peter 1:17-21

  • Why might this reading be called the Sermon of hope? What gives you hope as you read it, listen to it or meditate on it?
  • Jesus died in order to save. He gave His life in order for generations upon generations could live. How do you live your life to show gratitude for the ransom paid?

Luke 24:13-35

  • What does it mean to have your heart burn within you? Have you ever experienced this feeling? Revisit the memory. Does reminiscing about the experience ignite the flame within you?
  • Identify a person or people you are on the “road” with on your faith journey.
  • What do you think Jesus was thinking as He walked along listening to the conversation? Do you think it made Him mad they didn’t recognize Him?

General Questions for Journaling

  • How does the resurrection of Jesus change your life, your faith, your attitude, your actions?
  • What is the path of life? Is it the same or different for everyone? Explain.
  • What opportunities do you have to break bread with Jesus?
  • What in these readings give you a deeper understanding of Jesus’ existence BEFORE He walked on the earth?
  • Is there anything that confuses you? Who, what or where do you turn in order to set yourself straight?
  • Are there people in your life with whom you love to spend time with? How do you feel when you have to leave them?
  • Where can be Jesus be found in your relationships? With your spouse? Your children? Your peers? A stranger? 
  • What do you hope for? What do you have hope in? Do you have anything in which you have lost hope?
  • How do you feel when you run into an old friend you haven’t seen for a while? Is there someone you should reach out to?
  • What does the cross say to you? What emotions are attached to the cross?
  • What obstacles of faith do you see in the world? What obstacles do you encounter? What do/can you do?
  • Share an “ah-ha” moment when you went from not seeing Jesus in a situation and then suddenly saw Him. This could also be a moment when you saw a truth revealed about Jesus that you didn’t know or your perspective changed.

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Draw me near

ALL:  to listen for Your voice.

Leader:  Draw me near

ALL:  to follow Your call.

Leader:  Draw me near

ALL:  to the acceptance of Your embrace.

Leader:  Draw me near

ALL:  to the promises of Your love.

Leader:  Draw me near

ALL:  to Your joyful presence.

Leader:  Draw me near

ALL:  to an intimate relationship with YOU!

Challenge for the Week:  The disciples didn’t recognize Jesus as He was walking and talking with them.  How often do we pass Jesus by without recognizing Him in our own lives?  This week, as you get ready for bed, spend time reflecting on your day and where Jesus was present.  Sometimes we can see Him working in others toward us or through us toward others.  As you reflect, really pay attention to the multiple things you saw, heard or felt throughout the day.  Dig deeper to find God not only on the surface but in the little things…God spends a lot of time on the small details!

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 a copy and start the journey!

Sunday, April 9th Readings

Easter Sunday

Opening Prayer

Jesus

You died to bring me live

You became nothing

          So I could become whole

May I die to the sin

          that keeps me away from you

So I might live

          in the fullness You promised!

Journal/Reflection Questions

Acts 10:34a, 37-43

  • How has your baptism and the renewal of your baptismal promises brought good news to others?
  • Who in your life inspires or helps to ignite your faith?

Colossians 3:1-4

  • How do you rise like Christ this Easter season? 
  • Are there things you have shed through your Lenten sacrifice of which you are free?

John 20:1-9

  • What does this scripture reveal about Jesus?  About his disciples?
  • What do you take away from this scripture?  What do you feel?  What do you imagine this looks like?

General Questions for Journaling

  • Has the journey of Lent helped to strengthen your faith?  How?
  • Did you gain a new perspective on a problem or struggle you have in your life right now through prayer, almsgiving and/or fasting?  Share.
  • What have you heard this Lent in the scriptures or through discussion with others which you have shared with another person?
  • What has inspired you to bear witness to your faith over the past six weeks? 
  • Is there anything you are looking forward to during the Easter season? 
  • How can you make the joy of Easter last longer than one day?
  • Are there things you can continue to work on (using prayer, almsgiving and fasting as your guide) for the next six weeks? Why do these Lenten practices have to only be practiced during Lent?
  • Is there a problem or struggle you are dealing with which you need to step away from? Perhaps find a new perspective or revisit a solution which had been previously rejected?
  • Are you carrying around “dead weight” such as hurt feelings or a burden that is not yours to carry? 
  • Do you hide Christ in your life? In your conversations? In your home?  What can you do to reveal him?

Closing Prayer

Leader:  What was hidden;

ALL:  has been revealed!

Leader:  What was broken;

ALL:  has been healed!

Leader:  What was lost;

ALL:  has been found!

Leader:  What was sin;

ALL:  has been forgiven!

Leader:  What was buried; 

ALL:  has come to life!

Leader:  What was crucified;

ALL:  has been resurrected!

Challenge for the Week:  Jesus was believed to be dead.  The disciples buried him in a tomb.  After three days his broken body was healed and he was radiant.  Imagine you could go away for three days and get away from any pressures, stress and obligations.  What would you do?  How would you spend your time?  How would you pamper yourself to relieve stress?  What conversations would you have with God about your life?  Take time for a mini retreat, even if it is only for 5 minutes to step away from your life and let the joy of Easter and Jesus’ resurrection spark a renewal within!

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 a copy and start the journey!

Sunday, March 26th Readings

5th Sunday of Lent

Opening Prayer

Lord

Let me die so I might live

Let me let go of my needs

          and let You give me what I need.

Let me give up the things I want

          so You can show me more than I image.

Let me live in You

          so I will die with You!

AMEN

Journal/Reflection Questions

Ezekiel 37:12-14

  • God promises the Israelites He will bring them out of darkness, when has God fulfilled this promise to you?
  • Where is the Holy Spirit working in your life? Do you see it daily or just occasionally?

Romans 8:8-11

  • Saint Paul urges in the scripture to be guided by the Spirit rather than the flesh. It is easier said than done. What practices can you use in your life to help you to be directed by the Holy Spirit more often?
  • Is there a temptation of the flesh of which you struggle? Write a prayer to pray when you are faced with the temptation.
  • Share an example of when you called out to God. How did He answer?
  • What tells you that you belong to Christ? How do you know?

John 11:1-45

  • When was the last time you saw the glory of God? Where was it? Who was with you? What did it look like? How do you know it was God’s glory?
  • What areas in your life are “asleep”? Do they need be awaken?
  • Are there things in your life that have been brought back to life this Lenten season?
  • How can you relate to Jesus in this scripture? What experience(s) has/have caused you to be able to relate?

General Questions for Journaling

  • The phrase, “Jesus wept” occurs only twice in the Bible. Do you think these were the only times Jesus cried? What do you believe brought Jesus to tears? What do you believe brings Jesus to tears today?
  • Have you experienced a time when death brought new life? Consider the seasons of winter and spring…use the symbolism of how the dead, frozen winter brings new growth to the spring.
  • This story of Lazarus coming from his tomb is symbolic of how each of us will be called “back to life” after our earthly death. Imagine how you will feel when you are called to come out by Jesus. What do you imagine feeling? What might you say?
  • Do you relate to Martha and Mary in this story? How do you imagine they were feeling? Have you ever shared similar feelings? What was the situation? How did it turn out? Have you forgiven the person whom you harbored negative thoughts or feelings towards?
  • Death is a part of life, so why is it so difficult for us to accept? What can we take from the readings this week to help us deal and cope with the death we deal with in our lives?
  • Spend some time reflecting on how the story of Lazarus can teach us about waiting for God’s timing.
  • Are there people who have died whom you still talk to? What are these conversations like?
  • What is the value of speaking to those who have passed?
  • What does it feel like to have God settle I your soul?
  • What do you believe the Holy Spirit does?
  • Can you or have you called on the Holy Spirit to help you? Expand.
  • How do others know God’s Spirit is within you?
  • What sin keeps you from a complete relationship with God?
  • If Christ dwells in you, where does He dwell? How do you know?
  • Where you see righteousness today?
  • What do you believe happens to those who die here on earth?
  • Have you ever walked into a situation where you knew people were against you? What was the situation?
  • Is there a situation in your life that happened in the past which needs your attention? What can you do to help mend a past hurt?
  • How can looking at the situation with a different perspective help you now?

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Lord, uncover my ears so I can hear…

ALL:  Awaken me, bring me to life!

Leader:  Lord, unveil my eyes so I can see…

ALL:  Awaken me, bring me to life!

Leader:  Lord, unbind my hands so I can touch…

ALL:  Awaken me, bring me to life!

Leader:  Lord, unfasten my feet so I can go…

ALL:  Awaken me, bring me to life!

Leader:  Lord, soften my heart so I can love…

ALL:  Awaken me, bring me to life!

Leader:  Lord, ignite my soul so I can believe…

ALL:  Awaken me, bring me to life!

Challenge for the Week:  There are people in your life whom give you “life” and those whom, let’s be honest, you would rather die than to be around.  Of course, this is not the attitude Christ would want you to have so it is something you must work to improve.  This week take time to consider the difference between the two groups of people, what is it about the people whom energize you and those who drain you?  Are there things you can do to help improve your attitude about the second group?  Are there obstacles you have set in place to avoid being around them that could be adding to the frustration?  Try to focus on the positive aspects of what they offer to a relationship instead of the negative.  After reflection, you might learn that part of the reason it is a struggle to be around them is because they are reacting to your negativity or be trying to work extra hard to get you to be engaged because you try to avoid being around them.  It’s time to unravel the bandages and bring back to life a relationship; you never know what gifts you are sealing out of your life.

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 a copy and start the journey!

Sunday, March 5th Readings

2nd Sunday of Lent

Opening Prayer

Generous Lord

Let me remember

          that each day is a blessing

And within each day

          there are thousands of blessings

It’s a blessing when the sun shines

          and also a blessing when it rains

Teach me to be grateful and recognize

          for all of the blessings you give me.

AMEN

Journal/Reflection Questions

Genesis 12:1-4a

  • Would you respond in the same way as Abraham to God’s request?
  • How are you a “blessing” to others? How can you be more of a “blessing” to others?
  • How are you being sent out this Lenten season? What mission do you have to be a witness of your faith?
  • Abram has such an intimate relationship with God, how does your relationship with God compare?

2Timothy 1:8b-10

  • Identify the “hardships” of the Gospel. What are some of the things God asks you to do which you find difficult?
  • What does Paul say about the hardships expected for those who follow Christ? What does he say of joy?
  • Are there burdens you carry because of you are a Christian?

Matthew 17:1-9

  • “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased” was spoken to Jesus at His baptism too, what are the similarities in these two passages? Why would God say the same thing again? What significance does it hold?
  • How does this scripture relate to a situation in your life? Are you standing still in a decision and need to get off the mountain? Are you blinded by injustice or indifference and unable to move?

General Questions for Journaling

  • How is God calling you out of your comfort zone?
  • Are there limits to what you will do for God? On where you will go? How does this affect your relationship with Him?
  • How can you be Christ to another person? Plan to be intentional with your words and actions when interacting with others for an entire day.
  • If it is God’s grace that has saving power, how do you experience it in your life?
  • Have you heard God speak to you? When was it? Where were you? What did you do when you heard it? Who did you share the experience with?
  • What do you wish for in your life? What do you wish for the life of your children? Your parents? Your friends? How are your wishes for them the same? How are they different?
  • What good does wishing do?
  • How do you take God with you when you travel? Do you have a specific ritual? A special prayer?
  • Where has God been on your Lenten journey so far? Is He within reach or still far away?
  • Describe what it feels like to be blessed by God? By others?
  • Share your memories of being physically blessed (through sacrament or prayer).
  • How have your words or actions shown God and others that you trust and follow in God’s ways? Share a specific example from the past week.
  • When have you experienced grace this week? Did you receive it directly from God or through another person? Explain.
  • Have you leaned on God for strength this week? For what reason? Did you receive it?
  • How has Jesus touched your life today? 
  • Are you open to allowing Jesus to use you to touch the life of another?
  • When have you been to a place where you were completely at peace? Did you want to set up a tent and stay forever? Share.

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Lord, come journey with me

ALL:  on the path before me;

Leader:  come journey with me

ALL:  when the road gets rocky and steep;

Leader:  come journey with me

ALL:  through fields of wildflowers;

Leader:  come journey with me

ALL:  across rivers, streams and oceans;

Leader:  come journey with me

ALL:  into the mud and muck;

Leader:  come journey with me

ALL:  to places indescribable;

Leader:  come journey with me

ALL:  and show me your amazing love!                    

Challenge for the Week:  The Gospel this week reminds me that God’s timing is perfect.  If you are given what you want at the exact time you want it, you are not prepared (physically, emotionally, or spiritually) to receive it nor are you mature enough to understand it.  It is similar to when a couple finds out they are pregnant.  If the baby showed up at the moment of conception, they would not be prepared for that child.  They wouldn’t have the physical things a baby needs and even if they had been praying for a child, they wouldn’t be completely prepared to care for the child.  God gives the time necessary to prepare for the blessings He has planned.  This Lenten season, God has blessings beyond measure in store for you, however, there are hardships you must encounter along the way, sacrifices made and you might even have to get a little uncomfortable (imagine being comfortable when you are 8 months pregnant).  This week instead of whining or complaining about a sacrifice you are forced to make or something that didn’t go your way, remember that it is a blessing (not in disguise but a true blessing) and trust God will deliver when you are ready.

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 your copy and start the journey!

Sunday, February 12th Readings

6th Sunday of Ordinary Time

Opening Prayer

Father,

Give me the eyes to see you!

          I want to choose you,

          I want to run to you,

          I want to love you,

                   but I find it difficult at times

                   to embrace what I cannot see.

Fill me with the faith to choose you,

          even when I cannot see!

AMEN

Journal/Reflection Questions

Sirach 15:15-20

  • Why do you think God trusts humanity with free will? Are you able to tell the difference between good and evil all of the time?
  • Do you believe God sees all things? If so, what would he say about your actions this past week? Today?
  • Is it enough to simply say you choose God? Why or why not? How do your words and actions show you choose God?

1Corinthians 2:6-10

  • Can you imagine something beautiful? How does it make you feel that God created that beauty just for your pleasure?
  • Describe what it feels like to be surrounded by God’s beauty?
  • How do you see God? How do you hear God? What does God smell like, taste like, feel like? What does your heart tell you about God?

Matthew 5:17-37

  • Is there anger in your heart? How would God judge?
  • How can what you do or say contradict the truth?
  • What does the “spirit of the law” mean? How can you apply it to your life?
  • Can you love God and others without the law? Are the commandments necessary? Why or why not?
  • Have you ever done something good or something you were supposed to do and then made sure others knew you did it? How was this like OR not like the Pharisees in the Gospel?

General Questions for Journaling

  • How do you know the will you have chosen is God’s will? 
  • If you believe God sees all things, why do you still sin?
  • Is it easy or difficult to choose between good and evil? How can you tell the difference?
  • Identify the ways in which the commandments help you.
  • What does fear of God look like to you?
  • How is wisdom different than knowledge or understanding?
  • How do you live out the law? 
  • How does God show you He loves you? How do you know it’s God?
  • When you think of heaven, what do you see, hear, smell, taste?
  • Describe a time when you felt the Holy Spirit “working” inside of you. When was it, where were you, who were you with, what were you doing? How do you know it was the Holy Spirit?
  • The Bible says God is a good judge. What evidence is there of this?
  • How can righteousness keep you from loving God or your neighbor. Reflect on a time when you experienced this firsthand.
  • Is it possible to live beyond the law? What would that look like?

Closing Prayer

Leader:  You give Your love

ALL:  in all of creation.

Leader:  You give Your love

ALL:  with a rainbow.

Leader:  You give Your love

ALL:  in the commandments.

Leader:  You give Your love

ALL:  on a cross.

Leader:  You give Your love

ALL:  in the Word & Eucharist.

Leader:  You give Your love

ALL:  through ME!

Challenge for the Week:  Judging others is a sin many struggle with on a daily basis but did you know that even if you have been able to control judging others, you may not have controlled judging yourself?  When people judge themselves they tend to be harder on themselves than they are on others.  Spend some time this week “judging” yourself and others through the eyes of Jesus.  Consider how your vision changes.

AND/OR

How does God influence your decisions?  Do you turn to God to help you discern your life choices or are there others in your life who help you?  Allow yourself to consider the decisions you make and the process in which you make them.  Do the people whom you ask for help have your best interests at heart or do they have something to lose or gain?  How do the commandments play a role in the decisions you make?  Reflect on the 10 commandments this week and come up with questions you can ask yourself when you are faced with a decision.  Allow these questions to help you make a choice which falls in line with your beliefs and follows God’s plan for you in your life.  Give God room in your life and in your decisions to guide 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.

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, February 5th Readings

5th Sunday of Ordinary Time

Opening Prayer

Father,

Jesus said,

Blessed are those who mourn,

for they shall be consoled.

May I find comfort during the difficult seasons,

times of loss and darkness let me find You.

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,

for they shall have their fill.

I trust in You that justice and mercy will find it’s path,

even if I do not see it happening.

Jesus, said, blessed are you!

AMEN

Journal/Reflection Questions

Isaiah 58:7-10

  • How can you re-word the phrase, “Then your light shall break forth like the dawn, and your wound shall be quickly healed” to have meaning in your spiritual life today?
  • Isaiah reveals in the scripture that when your works for others, God is there. In what other scripture passage do you hear this message?  What is the significance of this?

1Corinthians 2:1-5

  • St. Paul is saying there is nothing getting in the way of the word he is preaching. What kind of things can get in the way in some of your conversations with others? What do you sometimes hide behind?
  • Is there a situation in your life right now where you need be more like St Paul in this scripture and be honest?    

Matthew 5:13-16

  • Personify salt, light and a city on a mountain. What qualities would each of these have?  What qualities do you emulate? Are there qualities you can cultivate into your life?
  • You can have not enough salt or too much salt, or not enough light or too much light. How does this concept apply to your spiritual life?

General Questions for Journaling

  • Good can come from suffering; how can something you have suffered through be a benefit to another person?
  • Share an example of how God is behind you doing good things for others.
  • From the time Jesus was born, he was “light”. The Shepherds and Magi found him by following the star. Simeon and Anna recognized the “light”. Even the fishermen on the shore were drawn to the “light” so that they left everything behind to follow it. How do you let the “light” of Jesus shine in your life?
  • Do you like to share? What is something you like to share?
  • Are there things in your life that you don’t like to share? Why?
  • The world has an “it’s all about ME” attitude but Jesus calls you to fill the needs of your neighbors. Consider your actions in the past week, when did you have an “it’s all about ME” attitude? What could you have done differently to have an attitude of Christ?
  • Do you hide a bad habit, negative behavior or addiction from others? You cannot hide your true-self from God. Create a strategy to bring what you hide from others to light so God’s grace, mercy and forgiveness can help you overcome.
  • Imagine God read all of your emails and text messages this past week, viewed all of the websites you viewed, and listened to the top 25 songs on your playlist. Would they reflect God’s love?
  • When was the last time you put your own agenda aside in order to help another person?  What was the outcome? Where there any benefits or consequences to your action?
  • When do you call out to God for help? What type of things do you want/need God’s help with?
  • Reflect on a struggle you have right now. Consider the struggle from another person’s point of view. How might God see the same struggle? How can your faith give you a different perspective?
  • When you look through human understanding, it doesn’t make sense that death on a cross gives eternal life. Faith says differently. Is there anything you are anxious about or causes you worry that needs the power of God?
  • What gives your life flavor?
  • How do you think God wards off gloom in your life?  Give examples.
  • What does it look like to rely fully on God for your happiness?
  • Have you ever claimed to know more than you really do?  When?  What was the circumstance?  How did the situation turn out for you?
  • How can you shine the spotlight on the good works of another?
  • Make a list of all of the things which produce light. What produces darkness?

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Through compassion I give and receive;

ALL:  Your mercy endures forever!

Leader:  Through understanding, watching and waiting;

ALL:  Your patience endures forever! 

Leader:  Through good works, for myself and others;

ALL:  Your justice endures forever!

Leader:  Through forgiveness, I offer and accept; 

ALL:  Your grace endures forever!

Leader:  Through eternal life given through death;

ALL:  Your love endures forever!

Challenge for the Week: 

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, January 29th Readings

4th Sunday of Ordinary Time

Opening Prayer

Father

What do I ask for when I pray?

What is it I seek?

Do I seek Your will or

          do I expect You to do what I ask?

Do I trust You in word alone

          or do my actions reflect my trust too?

Bring me to my knees,

          humble me, 

                   so I might understand how to pray.

AMEN

Journal/Reflection Questions

Zephaniah 2:3; 3:12-13

  • Are there laws of God which you disagree? If so, what are they?
  • How does God keep you from telling lies or doing wrong? Explain.

1 Corinthians 1:26-31

  • God makes you worthy of your call; what excuses do you still use to not live out your call?
  • How can being weak, foolish and lowly give glory to God? 

Matthew 5:1-12a

  • Which one of the Beatitudes stands out to you as one you have or can achieve?
  • Which one of the Beatitudes do you think sounds impossible to achieve?

General Questions for Journaling

  • Where is happiness found? Do you feel like it hides from you at times?
  • When you read scripture, do you allow a piece of it to remain with you? 
  • God speaks to you daily, are you listening? What is God saying to you today?
  • Would you say you are living with purpose? Where would you fall on a scale from 1-10?  Explain.
  • When you leave a conversation, a meeting or the dinner table, what do you leave behind? Is it a spirit of love, friendship or peace? Or is it frustration, anger or discontent?
  • Do you allow the power of God to work in you and through you? Give examples.
  • Are there people in your home or at your workplace who need to hear that God loves them? What can you do?
  • Is there a difference between being faithful and living your faith?
  • When was the last time you sacrificed something for the good of another person in your family?
  • Have you ever sacrificed something for the good of someone you’ve never met? When? How? Why?
  • Share a time when you were singled out or rejected because of your belief in God.
  • Are there people whom you are afraid to share your faith with? Why or why not?

Closing Prayer – Inspired by Psalm 146

Leader:  God raises me up…

ALL:  I am blessed!

Leader:  God gives me comfort…

ALL:  I am blessed!

Leader:  God protects me from harm…

ALL:  I am blessed!

Leader:  God sustains me; my one constant…

ALL:  I am blessed!

Leader:  God is forever faithful…

ALL:  I am blessed!

Challenge for the Week:  Take the time to read the scriptures again this week.  Read them out loud so the words go out from your mouth and back in through your ears.  Allow time after you’ve read them to sit and meditate on what you read.  As you sit in silence, let the words swim in your mind, picturing each word.  Spend as much time as necessary until ONE word stands out, ONE word that does not leave you but buries itself into your heart, mind and soul.  What is that word?  Let this word be your guide this week as though it is a call to action.  How many times does it appear in the Bible and in what context?  Are there prayers written which highlight this word, if not, write one.  Is there a way to live out this word?  Make a plan to do so, perhaps inspiring others to join you.  Let God speak to 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.

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!