Catholic

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, 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!

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

Sunday, June 13th Readings

11th Sunday Ordinary Time

Opening Prayer

God,

You created me from the dirt

        with the Holy Spirit.

I become a new creation

        through the Sacraments.

You gave me eternal life

        by the death and resurrection of Jesus.

May I stay rooted in these truths,

        bearing good fruit for others.

Help me to grow in you,

        following the path you set out for me.

Be my guide, my comfort and omy peace.

Amen

Journal/Reflection Questions

Ezekiel 17:22-24

  • How are you able to provide “shade” or “shelter” to others through your connection to God?
  • If God can make a tree bigger or smaller or make one bloom or wither; what does this say about what He can do for you?

2Corinthians 5:6-10

  • What does it mean to “walk by faith and not by sight”? What does it look like?
  • Share an example of someone you know or of a personal experience of living by faith and not by sight.

Mark 4:26-34

  • How is God like the farmer in the parable? Where do you see yourself?
  • Do you give the same attention to detail as the farmer did to his crop as you do to your own spiritual life?
  • Do you tend to the work of your job the way the farmer tends to the crop?  If so how does it feel?  If not, what does it mean?

General Questions for Journaling

  • Share an example when you were able to live out the “least become great and the great become the least”.
  • When did Jesus model the “least to great and great to least” attitude?
  • Who other than Jesus in the bible practice the “least to great and great to least” attitude?
  • Where do you go for “shade”? What are some examples of when you need it? How does it feel when you find it?
  • Are there people whom you “shade” or offer protection? Do you do it naturally or did they ask for your help?
  • When would you say you “lose” your courage? Where does it go?
  • What helps you gain or re-gain courage when you need it?
  • Share an example or two of people whom you look up to who show or have shown great courage and how they inspire you.
  • When do you feel the most courageous? Be specific.
  • When do you feel the least courageous? Be specific.
  • What pleases God? How do you know?

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Life begins as a seed,

ALL:  in the darkness.

Leader:  It is nourished and fed,

ALL:  and begins to sprout growth.

Leader: It soaks up the rain and the sun,

ALL:  which is given freely.

Leader:  Branches bend and sway,

ALL:  but the roots are strong.

Leader:  Over time it becomes a new creation,

ALL:  offering shade, shelter and support.

Leader:  Feed me Lord,

ALL:  plant and sow seeds of love, mercy, grace and forgiveness in my life.

Challenge for the Week:  Jesus used parables to help the disciples and other followers understand faith, love and the Kingdom of God.  In each parable, there is deep symbolism to explore.  This week, try to find a symbol which richly describes your faith and spirituality.  It might be something that has been passed on for generations in your family, it might be a gift you recently received, it might be something you or someone you know made especially for you.  Whatever it might be, there is deeper meaning to it than others can see.  As you search, remember the celebration of the Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ…the bread and wine are simply food and drink to some but the Catholic faith teaches and believes them to be the body and blood of Jesus, Savior and Lord.  Also, the mustard seed, so small and meek but within it there is the predisposition to become a giant tree.  After seeking out your symbol, try to write out a parable/story/reflection about it.

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!

Sunday, March 7th Readings

Third Sunday of Lent

Opening Prayer

Father,

You put a thirst in me that only You can quench.

You lead me through rocky and desert places

to a wellspring with the water of life.

May the scripture I read today satisfy my desire

and fill me with Your Spirit so I may overflow!

AMEN

Journal/Reflection Questions

Exodus 17:3-7

  • Why was Moses afraid? When have you felt like Moses? Where was God? How did God help you?
  • Do you think Moses ever doubted God? Why or why not?
  • What about you is different than Moses?

Romans 5:1-2,5-8

  • An agreement made between two people requires each side to give something. God gave us His Son, Jesus gave us His life and the Holy Spirit gave us the Bible.  What are you being called to give?
  • Could you give up your life for another person? Anyone or just specific people? How does this differ from giving up your life for God? Or giving your life to God?

John 4:5-42

  • What does Jesus ask for and then offer in return? Imagine Jesus asking you the same thing. How might you respond, how have you already responded? What has He asked for in return, what do you give?
  • Define “living water”. 
  • Have you ever, like the disciples, wondered what God was doing?

General Questions for Journaling

  • Have you ever grumbled at God?  Have you ever grumbled against God?
  • What causes you to grumble to other people?
  • It is said that “faith makes you stronger”; explain how this is true or not true.
  • Do you thirst for things in your life? Take time to be honest with yourself and reflect on things you thirst for each day. Are these things life giving or do they drain life from you?
  • Describe what it feels like to have faith poured over you?  Love poured over you?  Joy poured over you?
  • What do you think the woman at the well was feeling when Jesus told her all of the things of her past. How would it make you feel if a stranger did the same to you? How does it feel to know Jesus does know your past?
  • Are there things about you that you wish God didn’t know? How does your behavior/attitude change, knowing God knows all of your secrets?
  • Put yourself in the Gospel story as one of the villagers. How would you react when the woman came back to share what had just happened at the well? Would you believe her? Would the encounter change how you felt about her?
  • The woman at the well shows how humans long to be loved and Jesus is the only one who can give the everlasting love humans desire. What do you desire?  Are there things in your life you cannot live without?
  • When you are in the desert and look out into the horizon, you can see a mirage, an image of water in the distance. Use this image to describe an experience in your life. What was your desert experience? What was your mirage?
  • How does the story of the woman at the well, help give you encouragement to continue to work on your Lenten sacrifices?

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Make me a well-spring…

ALL:  of your peace!

Leader:  Make me a well-spring…

ALL:  of your comfort!

Leader:  Make me a well-spring…

ALL:  of your joy!

Leader:  Make me a well-spring…

ALL:  of your compassion!

Leader:  Make me a well-spring…

ALL:  of your goodness!

Leader:  Make me a well-spring…

ALL:  of your love!

Challenge for the Week:  The woman at the well in the Gospel story sees Jesus but doesn’t know he is the Messiah.  She had heard of him, but had not seen him.  Take time this week to think about the times you have missed seeing Jesus or spending time with him.  What can you do to be more open to seeing Jesus in your everyday activities, not just when you want to see him or when you go to church.

Sunday, February 14th Readings

6th Sunday of Ordinary Time

Opening Prayer

Compassionate God

YOU silence every cry, YOU wipe away every tear.

Each of us are bound, bruised and broken,

        but throughout history Lord,

everything YOU touch is made whole.

You are the healer and perfector of all creation.

Comfort us, Almighty Father. 

Hold us in your arms…forever!

Journal/Reflection Questions

Leviticus 13:1-2,44-46

  • When have you acted like Moses and Aaron and forced another to be exposed or excommunicated?
  • Are there people in the world today which you dub as unclean? What are your criteria for determining they are unclean?
  • How do you relate to those who are labeled as a leper?

1Corinthians 10:31-11:1

  • Do you give thanks to God each time you eat and drink? Consider how many hands your food passed through to get to you and provide you with the nourishment you need.
  • When do you give thanks to God? How many times on average do you give thanks to God?

Mark 1:40-45

  • Jesus reached out in pity, when have you felt Jesus reach out to you with pity? What was the situation? What was the outcome?
  • Would you be able to contain yourself if you were healed and not tell anyone or would you be like the leper who shared with everyone the good that was done?
  • How is the leper in the first reading treated differently or the same as the leper in the Gospel reading? What lesson do you take from this?

General Questions for Journaling

  • Do you know a leper? Is there someone in your workplace or community whom others have outcast or deemed “unclean”?
  • What if your sins showed on your skin like the sores of leprosy? 
  • Have you ever been outcast because of a physical ailment? 
  • How can you use your scars to bring healing to others?
  • Do you have a physical feature which you try to hide or cover? What is it?  How could God use it? How can you show God’s glory through this thing you try to hide?
  • Can the glory of God spread by touch like the disease of leprosy? Why or why not?
  • What does it mean to “do everything for the glory of God”? Share examples
  • Think back to yesterday and determine if you were aware of God’s presence all day. Were there gaps?
  • What times of the day or what activities are the most difficult for you to be aware of God’s presence in your life?
  • Do you have a hero? An idol? What characteristics draw you to them?
  • Who in your family do you take after? What traits do you have in common?
  • Did you “inherit” family traits which you are proud of or ones with which you struggle?
  • What traits do you have in common with Jesus? Do these come naturally or do you work at them?
  • Define “pity”. What is it, who has it and where does it come from?
  • Is there something or someone within your grasp that needs a healing touch? What can you do?
  • When have you experienced the healing touch of God in your life?

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Lord, let me see what you see!

ALL:  When I see illness,

Leader:  Lord, you see wellness.

ALL:  When I see something broken,

Leader: Lord, you see it whole.

ALL:  When I see poverty,

Leader:  Lord, you see richness.

ALL:  When I see sin,

Leader:  Lord, you see forgiveness.

ALL:  When I see death,

Leader:  Lord, you see life.

ALL:  Lord, let me see what you see!

Challenge for the Week:  How do you show God glory each day?  Is in your morning or evening prayer enough?  Is praying before your meals sufficient?  Consider all of the “everyday” things you do such as brushing your teeth, driving or doing the laundry.  Make a list of all of the “everyday” things you do and then think of a way to do that same task for the “GLORY OF GOD”.  Then do it!

Sunday, January 24th Readings

3rd Sunday of Ordinary Time

Opening Prayer

God of all,

There is no where I can go

        that will take me away from You.

No mountain is too high,

        No ocean is too deep;

                You are always there!

Let my heart and mind know

        I cannot run away from You.

Your will, Lord, is always done!

Journal/Reflection Questions

Jonah 3:1-5, 10

  • Share a time when you were like Jonah and didn’t want to do what God was asking you to do. What was the situation? What was the outcome?
  • What message did Jonah bring to Nineveh? How does this same message ring true in your life right now?
  • What truths about God are revealed through this scripture?
  • What significance does the three days have to this story? Where else in scripture does God promise change in three days?

1Corinthians 7:29-31

  • Are there times when you act as though you are not a child of God? 
  • What does God want from you right now?  Is it the same or different from what he wanted from you a year ago? 5? 10?
  • What does the scripture tell you about what God values?

Mark 1:14-20

  • What is your idea or definition of the “time of fulfillment”? Describe.
  • How can you live like a disciple called to be a “fisher of men”? What can you do to “catch people” for God?
  • Jesus found them “mending their nets.” What requires mending in your life right now? Does God find you doing the mending or are you waiting for someone else to fix it?

General Questions for Journaling

  • How has your view of the world changed over the past 5, 10, 15, 20 years? Do you still value the same things? Do the same things still bring you joy and make you happy?
  • Reflect on the past week; are any of your actions in need of repentance? How would God answer the same question about you?
  • Is there anything you must repent to have a stronger relationship with God? Are there things you should repent to heal or strengthen a relationship with a friend or family member? 
  • Do you believe there is a recipe for happiness which could be true for all people? What would it look like?
  • Do you act as if you believe God loves you despite your shortfalls? If God can love you, what can you do to show love to yourself?
  • What were the credentials needed to be one of Jesus’ disciples? Are they still the same today?
  • How do you act when given a deadline? Does it increase productivity?  Does it cause stress? What about your attention/focus changes?
  • How have you been called to change? Where does the call come from?
  • What benefit comes from a threat? Are there times when they are effective? Why or why not?
  • Are there things you hold onto? What value do they have to you? What value does the world give them? What value does God give them?

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Lord, when you call…

ALL:  your words engulf me!

Leader:  Lord, when you call…

ALL:  my heart is awakened!

Leader:  Lord, when you call…

ALL:  I turn to listen!

Leader:  Lord, when you call…

ALL:  my soul rejoices!

Leader:  Lord, when you call…

ALL:  I hear nothing else!

Leader:  Lord, when you call…

ALL:  your servant is ready!

Challenge for the Week:  The word present has a couple of very different meanings.  One present means “right now” and another is “a gift” but what if to God they really mean the same thing???  Consider the present moment in time as a gift from God.  How do you use it?  What value do you give it?  Unfortunately, many people spend much of their time thinking about the past and planning for the future.  They don’t always give the present, the value of time which it deserves.  This doesn’t only apply to the time you spend alone, with your own thoughts but it also affects the time you spend with friends, family and others whom deserve your uninterrupted attention.  Are you present with them?  What can you do to become more present, in the moment?  What changes can you make to allow you to be more present minded…what a true present that would be!