Catholic Readings

Sunday, February 6th Readings

5th Sunday of Ordinary Time

Opening Prayer

Father,

I hear you calling but I’m held back by…

fear and resentment

judgment and selfishness

sin and shame

Wipe away those things that bind me

Let me walk with you to edge

and take the leap of faith!

Journal/Reflection Questions

Isaiah 6:1-2a, 3-8

  • Whom do you fear? Of what are you afraid? Where does your fear come from?
  • How to you tell God you are ready to do His will?

 1Corinthians 15:1-11 (15:3-8, 11)

  • Have you fallen asleep to the purpose you have been called for? What can you do to find the passion and drive to go on?
  • How would you describe someone who is “fit” to serve God?

 Luke 5:1-11

  • When have you doubted God? What was your situation? How did God change your heart?
  • Are there people who are in deep waters who need you to come and bring them to the shore?

General Questions for Journaling

  • How has God made you worthy of His love?
  • Have you ever been paralyzed by fear? What was the situation? How did you overcome the fear?
  • How has your life been shaken up? Where was God during the storm?
  • What has God called you to do? Do you minimize the importance of your purpose?
  • How many people from the Bible (old and new testaments) can you name who encountered God but felt they were not worthy?
  • How many people from the Bible (old and new testaments) can you name whose lives were changed when they took a leap of faith to trust God entirely?
  • How is grace distributed?
  • What “work” is required to receive faith? Grace? Love?
  • Do you think God asks you to do things you are not capable or qualified to do? Why or why not?
  • How do you go about asking someone to do a big task? Do you just give them the big task or do you break it down into some smaller tasks to make sure they will be able to handle the big task?  Be specific.

Closing Prayer

Leader: You created me with the will to choose…

ALL:  Let me choose YOU!

Leader:  You gave me a name and purpose…

ALL:  Let me serve YOU!

Leader:  You walk the road ahead of me…

 ALL:  Let me follow YOU!

Leader:  You call me into the deep waters…

ALL:  Let me trust YOU!

Leader:  You welcome me to the shore…

ALL:  Let me be there with YOU!

Challenge for the Week:  Spend time reflecting this week on a time in your life that is comparable to the experience of the fishermen…when was God asking you to do something you didn’t want to do because you thought you had exhausted all possibilities.  Did you do as He asked anyways?  Did you choose to ignore the suggestion and go a different direction?  Regardless of which path you took, share your story with someone to show how God blew you out of the deep water and onto the shore and how you would do it all over again (the same or differently) as a witness of your faith.

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

Sunday, January 23rd Readings

3rd Sunday of Ordinary Time

Opening Prayer

Lord

Teach me to be holy

as you are holy!

Teach me to listen

as you listen!

Teach me to give

as you give!

I am ready

to do your will!
Amen

Journal/Reflection Questions

Nehemiah 8 :2-4a, 5-6, 8-10

  • Why does Ezra say this day is holy? What makes it so?
  • Throughout this scripture, Nehemiah tries to make sure you understand Ezra did everything he could to help the people understand. What is the purpose of this?
  • What can the world learn from this scripture passage about being attentive to everyone’s needs while still moving towards a common goal?

1 Corinthians 12:12-30

  • What does this scripture say to you about yourself? Choose one thing you can do to live out this scripture today.
  • Where do you see division and suffering in the world today? In your family? Within yourself? Identify one for each.
  • What wisdom from this scripture can shine light on the division you see? Be specific.

Luke 1:1-4, 4:14-21

  • How does Jesus fulfill the scripture he read in the synagogue, specifically how does He bring good tidings to the poor, set captives free and give sight to the blind?
  • Say out loud how the scripture was fulfilled and proclaim it like Jesus! When you proclaim it, how do you feel? Do you believe it about Jesus? Do you believe it about yourself?

General Questions for Journaling

  • How does the past affect your future? What value do you find in looking to the past?
  • What is the difference between living forward and living backward?
  • How does God share His hope for your future?
  • What gifts have been highlighted in you today?
  • What gifts have you seen in others today?
  • Have you ever intentionally kept gifts you keep to yourself? Explain the situation.
  • Share a time when you experienced working together with others to achieve a common goal. What did it feel like? Were there conflicts?  What was the outcome?
  • What makes a day more special than another? What value do you put on a day such as your birthday or an anniversary?
  • How do you determine a day to be Holy? What do you think God’s criteria would be to describe a day as Holy?
  • Are there books you have read more than once? What are they? What is the purpose of reading them again?
  • Are there shows you have watched more than once? What are they are why do you watch them again? Explain the value of experiencing it again.
  • What is your most favorite thing about yourself? Explain.
  • What superpower would you most like to have and why?
  • What do you believe and know in your heart strongly enough to stand up and proclaim to others?

Closing Prayer

Leader:  May you rest in God’s Spirit…

ALL:  as you begin each day.

Leader:May you rest in God’s Spirit…

ALL:  as you struggle to focus.

Leader:  May you rest in God’s Spirit…

ALL:  as you encounter giants.

Leader:  May you rest in God’s Spirit…

ALL:  as you celebrate victories.

Leader:  May you rest in God’s Spirit…

ALL:  as you embrace a loving God!

Challenge for the Week:  Create a pie chart which represents how much time you spend thinking about past events, situations and experiences, how much time you spend planning and hoping for the future, and how much time you give to thinking about what you are doing right now in the present.  Within each slice, write down the topics of conversation you have that contribute to the past, present or future.  Also consider the things you pray about, where do they fit into the pie chart?  You can do this with the books you read, the things you watch on TV, the hobbies you like to participate in because they all can be placed on one of the categories.  When you’ve completed adding the activities to the pie chart, how does it look?  Are you happy or satisfied with how you spend your time or where you focus your time, whether on the past, future or present?  Are there things you’d like to change or not?  Take it to prayer.

OR

Point out special gifts you see in ten people this week by either telling them you are grateful for the gift or talent they share or send a note.

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

Sunday, January 16th Readings

2nd Sunday of Ordinary Time

Opening Prayer

Lord Jesus,

You are generous beyond compare.

The wellspring of your love never runs dry.

You are the giver of all that is good.

I want to overflow with praise for you,

And shout from the rooftop that You are God!

AMEN

Journal/Reflection Questions

Isaiah 62 :1-5

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

1 Corinthians 12:4-11

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

John 2:1-11

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

General Questions for Journaling

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

Closing Prayer

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

ALL:  turning water into wine.

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

ALL:  healing the sick and lame.

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

ALL:  providing for every need.

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

ALL:  making the ordinary, extraordinary.

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

ALL:  pouring mercy over sinners.

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

ALL:  giving eternal life through death.

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

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

Sunday, January 9th Readings

Baptism of the Lord

Opening Prayer

Jesus

You meet me in the wilderness

You understand the rocky path

You hear my cry for help

You bring cleansing rain

You give me new perspective

You open my eyes to see

You clear the pathway before me

AMEN

Journal/Reflection Questions

Isaiah 42 :1-4, 6-7

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

Acts 10:34-38

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

Luke 3:15-16, 21-22

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

General Questions for Journaling

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

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Through the waters of Baptism…

ALL:  I have been CLEANED!

Leader:Through the waters of Baptism…

ALL:  I have been made PURE!

Leader:  Through the waters of Baptism…

 ALL:  I have been SATISFIED!

Leader:  Through the waters of Baptism…

 ALL:  I have been made WHOLE!

Leader:  Through the waters of Baptism…

ALL:  I am LOVED and called BELOVED!

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

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

Sunday, January 2nd Readings

Epiphany of the Lord

Opening Prayer

Savior

May I rise each morning

with the fire of Your spirit within me.

May I run toward the light

and find You waiting with anticipation.

May I soak up the splendor of Your love

until it overflows onto all I encounter.

Let me live forever changed

by Your loving presence!

AMEN

Journal/Reflection Questions

Isaiah 60 :1-6

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

Ephesians 3:2-3a, 5-6

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

Matthew 2:1-12

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

General Questions for Journaling

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

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Lord, you are a shining light…

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

Leader:Lord, you are a shining light…

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

Leader:  Lord, you are a shining light…

 ALL:  spotlight the path I must follow.

Leader:  Lord, you are a shining light…

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

Leader:  Lord, you are a shining light…

ALL:  awaken me to Your radiance!

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

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

Sunday, December 19th Readings

Fourth Sunday of Advent

Opening Prayer

Prince of Peace and Lord of Lords,

I know you will soon be near.

Let me feel your loving presence

and fill my heart and mind with Your love.

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

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

Come, to embrace humanity in Your love!

AMEN

Journal/Reflection Questions

Micah 5:1-4a

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

Hebrews 10:5-10

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

Luke 1:39-45

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

General Questions for Journaling

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

Closing Prayer

Leader: When I am weary…

ALL:  Lord Jesus, You give me strength.

Leader: When I am alone…

ALL:  Lord Jesus, You come to me.

Leader: When I have no place to go…

 ALL:  Lord Jesus, You show me the way.

Leader:  When darkness surrounds us…

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

Leader:  Be the star which guides my way…

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

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

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

Sunday, December 12th Readings

Third Sunday of Advent

Opening Prayer

O my people,

Sing with joy!

Sound the trumpets!

Awake!

Bring peace!

Shout out;

the Savior is coming!

AMEN

Journal/Reflection Questions

Zephaniah 3:14-18a

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

Philippians 4: 4-7

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

Luke 3:10-18

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

General Questions for Journaling

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

Closing Prayer

Leader:  When anxiety and fear overtake you…

ALL:  Be still the Lord is near.

Leader:When judgement and accusations fill you…

ALL:  Be still the Lord is near.

Leader:  When weariness and fatigue consume you…

ALL:  Be still the Lord is near.

Leader:  When you have no more to give…

 ALL:  Be still the Lord is near.

Leader:  He is waiting for you with open arms…

ALL:  Be still the Lord is near.

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

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

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

Sunday, October 17th Readings

29th Sunday of Ordinary Time

Opening Prayer

Jesus

You humbled yourself; You sacrificed.

You carried my sin, my guilt and my shame.

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

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

Jesus, you know and understand what I need!

Amen

Journal/Reflection Questions

Isaiah 53:10-11

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

Hebrews 4:14-16

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

Mark 10:35-45

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

General Questions for Journaling

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

Closing Prayer

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

ALL:  Through suffering, YOU are light

Leader:  Joseph imprisoned and champion of dreams.

ALL:  Through suffering, YOU are light

Leader:  Jesus crucified and resurrected.

ALL:  Through suffering, YOU are light

Leader:  Peter denied and head of the Church.

ALL:  Through suffering, YOU are light

Leader:  Destruction of the world and a brilliant sunrise.

ALL:  Through suffering, YOU are light

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

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Sunday, June 6th Readings)

Solemnity of The Body and Blood of Christ

Opening Prayer

Jesus,

You are the promise of salvation.

You are the blood shed for sin.

There is no one who loves more;

        who would sacrifice for the sake of all.

Make me your tabernacle, Lord!

Journal/Reflection Questions

Exodus 24:3-8

  • What is the significance of signing in blood/sealing the covenant in blood? What meaning does it have today?
  • What covenant do you have with God? Is it the same one as the Israelites? How well do you keep your side of the promise?
  • How is this gathering like people gathering in church on Sunday?  What are the similarities?  Can you list at least three?

Hebrews 9:11-15

  • Imagine yourself in this scripture? Where are you?
  • What are the dead works in your life? How can you begin to cleanse yourself of these obstacles?

Mark 14:12-16, 22-26

  • What significance is there that the man the disciples found was carrying a jar of water? Is there any at all?
  • What do you know of Passover?  What preparations are needed?
  • When Jesus took the bread, He said the blessing AND when He took the cup, He gave thanks. What should you do to follow in Jesus’ footsteps? What was the last thing you thanked God for?

General Questions for Journaling

  • What does the blood signify in these scriptures? 
  • What does blood have to do with life? With death? How is this also true in your spiritual life?
  • How do you celebrate the “new covenant” Jesus gave; eternal salvation? How do live it out at home? At work? In church? 
  • What if your dead works were as visible as the dead heads on a rose bush? Are you sure they aren’t? 
  • Jesus shed His blood for you; have you shed anything for Him?
  • Does the consumption of Jesus’ body and blood have conditions or expectations?
  • Do you feel differently when you receive communion? 
  • How does receiving Jesus in the Eucharist change you? Share a specific example.
  • Do you believe it is Jesus’ body and blood you receive when you go to communion? 
  • How do you show reverence to Jesus in the Eucharist?  (Eucharist is the body and blood of Christ and means thanksgiving)
  • Define tabernacle.
  • What is the definition of a sacrifice? Is it a true sacrifice when there is not blood? What about when you sacrifice your time for the sake of another or sacrifice your “at bat” for the good of the team?

Closing Prayer

Leader:  When one life begins and another one ends…

ALL:  Lord, may I always be open to all you have to give.

Leader:  When a door is closed and another is cracked open…

ALL:  Lord, may I always be open to all you have to give.

Leader:  When each season ends to welcome the next one in…

ALL:  Lord, may I always be open to all you have to give.

Leader: When the darkness of night is overcome by the light of a new day…

ALL:  Lord, may I always be open to all you have to give.

Leader:  When you give yourself as an offering…

ALL:  Lord, may I always be open to all you have to give.

Challenge for the Week:  When you receive Jesus in Holy Communion, how do you live your life knowing Jesus is a part of you?  Do you acknowledge that as a fact and set your mind to live with the understanding that Jesus is within you?  Or do you nonchalantly consume Jesus without paying any mind to the great gift you have just been given.  Even starting from before you receive communion, what is your mindset about what you are about to do?  Are you in the moment or simply going through the motions?  Father Ron Rolheiser says that to receive the Eucharist is to receive a kiss from God.  Take some time this week to read through the second reading again and reflect on it.  Then pray a prayer of thanks for all God has given to you.

Sunday, May 23rd Readings

Pentecost Sunday

Opening Prayer

Come Holy Spirit!

Shine your divine light upon me!

Wash away the stains of guilt

        and wrap me with your mercy!

Start a fire within me for you!

Ignite the flames in me

        so I can bring light to all I meet!

Spirit, dwell in me forever!

Amen

Journal/Reflection Questions

Acts 2:1-11

  • Identify how the disciples are before and after the Holy Spirit descends upon them. What is significant about this change?
  • Describe what it might have been like to experience the strong winds and house shaking? How did those gathered know it was okay?
  • Why was it so important for everyone to understand? What is the significance of this?

1 Corinthians 12:3b-7, 12-13

  • Are gifts of the Holy Spirit limited to one per person or can you have all of them? Are they always there or can you summon them like a super-power of a superhero?
  • Consider how each part of your body, each organ, etc. has a specific purpose. Draw a picture identifying different gifts people have in the shape of a body/person. How does this relate to the world today?

John 20:19-23

  • What do sins have to do with Pentecost? Can you experience Pentecost if you are unable to forgive? Why or why not?
  • Where else in the scriptures do we read, God breathed on them? What is the significance of this? How do these readings correlate?
  • What were the first words Jesus said to his disciples when he returned to them? Why do you think He chose those words? And why do you think He said them twice?

General Questions for Journaling

  • Have you ever gone to an event, dinner or party and was surprised you had a good time? Share the experience.
  • Have you ever met someone, who at first glance you thought would be boring or uninteresting and you were wrong?
  • On a scale of 1-10, how often do you call on the Holy Spirit in a day?
  • When you call on the Holy Spirit, what do you ask for or need?
  • How is your life changed by the presence of the Holy Spirit?
  • How does the power of the Holy Spirit work? Have you been a witness to what it can do? Explain.
  • What happens when you cannot understand another person? How does this keep you from communicating?
  • What is the common language of today? Is it verbal?
  • What exactly is celebrated on Pentecost? How is it relevant today?
  • Name 10 gifts you have and how they benefit others.
  • No gift is insignificant because it was given by God for a purpose.  What is something you feel is insignificant about you? How can you change your negative thinking thing into something positive?
  • When you act out of faith, what characteristics do you show? How do you know a person of faith by their actions? Share examples.

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Holy Spirit, come…

ALL:  make faith like a blazing fire!

Leader:  Holy Spirit, come…

ALL:  make joy overflow like a raging waterfall!

Leader:  Holy Spirit, come…

ALL:  make love spread like fierce wind!

Leader:  Holy Spirit, come…

ALL:  make peace cover us like a dense fog!

Leader:  Come, Holy Spirit, come…

ALL:  ignite the fire of your love throughout the world!

Challenge for the Week:  How do you hear God’s voice?  How do you Jesus is calling out to you?  What role does the Holy Spirit have in following faith?  This week, determine if you are really hearing God’s voice and following God’s call.  Perhaps, you need to reach out to the Holy Spirit for affirmation you are on the right path.  Listen for the Holy Spirit in the wind, in a whisper or in a stranger’s smile.  Consider writing down each day where you heard, saw or felt the Holy Spirit communicate with you.  Come Holy Spirit!