Christian

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, May 16th Readings

Ascension Sunday

Opening Prayer

Lord

You know my thoughts and you still love me;

       may my thoughts be good and true!

You know my actions and you still call me your own;

       may my actions be loving and forgiving!

Make my thoughts and actions more like you

       so I may go out and speak the Gospel!

Journal/Reflection Questions

Acts 1:1-11

  • Share a time when you had Jesus in your midst.
  • Does the message the men in white had for the disciples ring true for you today?
  • How do you know the Holy Spirit is with you? Where does it come from?

Ephesians 1:17-23

  • What do you hope for? What gives hope? Where does it come from? How does it change one’s perspective when they have it?
  • How do you know if the Spirit is near? Is with you?
  • What name do you give God? Jesus? Holy Spirit? Do they respond when you call them by name? Share an example.

Mark 16:15-20

  • What does it mean to you to be a Baptized Christian? Do you identify yourself as being baptized or having been baptized? Is there a difference?
  • Do you believe there is power in Jesus’ name? When have you experienced power in the name of Jesus? What happened? How were you changed?
  • How do you think it felt for the disciples to lose Jesus a second time? How was this time different? How was this time the same?

General Questions for Journaling

  • Describe the Holy Spirit.
  • What does your baptism have to do with the Holy Spirit? How does the Holy Spirit affect your baptism?
  • How does knowing the Holy Spirit change your perspective on life? Situations? Struggles? Blessings?
  • How do you know the Spirit is near? Is with you?
  • Where do you look for God? In the sky? In the blessings? How does this limit God’s power?
  • Do you believe in heaven? Why or why not? Do you believe this is where God/Jesus can be found? Explain.
  • Explain why God is exalted? What does this mean?
  • Give an example of someone who has grown in faith? What are the symptoms/signs that your faith has grown?
  • What characteristics does a person who is “full of faith” have? By your definition, how do you compare?
  • How does God call you to share the Good News?
  • What message are you here to share? All of the Gospel or just a piece of it?
  • What signs or miracles do you see today? 
  • Have you been a witness of a modern day miracle? Explain. 
  • Where do you believe God is most present?
  • Where do you believe God in needed most?

Closing Prayer

Leader:  May my heart be filled with compassion;

ALL:  Fill me O, Lord!

Leader:  May my eyes be filled with acceptance;

ALL:  Fill me O, Lord!

Leader:  May my hands be filled with help;

ALL:  Fill me O, Lord!

Leader:  May my minds be filled with non-judgment;

ALL:  Fill me O, Lord!

Leader:  May my spirit be filled with generosity;

ALL:  Fill me O, Lord!

Challenge for the Week:  Consider the qualifications of a person who follows God.  What would be the job description of a Disciple?  Would the description be different from the time the Apostles walked with Jesus vs today?  Why or why not?  Do you need to work for the church, be a priest or pastor in order to be closer to God or to be a Disciple?  Do you need to spend hours in prayer and reading scripture?  Must you do good works and deeds and help those who are marginalized in order to be considered as a Disciple?  Spend time this week really considering what a person in society today has that makes them a Disciple of God. 

Sunday, May 9th Readings

Sixth Sunday of Easter

Opening Prayer

Oh, Comforter

YOU reach out to us when we are lost and alone

YOU reach us when we are deep down and sinking

YOU save us from our afflictions and hurts

YOU save us even we don’t think we deserve it

Lord, come wrap us up in your love!!!

Journal/Reflection Questions

Acts 10:25-26, 34-35, 44-48

  • What does it feel like to have the Holy Spirit poured upon you? How is it different or the same as having the Holy Spirit within you?
  • Have you ever been in the presence of someone whom you thought deserved honor and respect? How did you act? How did you show honor?
  • How does it make you feel that God’s love and the Holy Spirit is there for everyone?

1John 4:7-10

  • What did the world know about God before Jesus came? How is it the same and/or different from what you knew after Jesus lived on earth? How is it the same and/or different from what you experience now living with the Holy Spirit?
  • Does knowing God already died for your sin cause you to try to avoid sin or make you feel it is okay to sin?
  • When you think of God’s love, how does it feel? Describe it.

John 15:9-17

  • What challenges are presented when you try to love your neighbor as God commands?
  • Loving God with all your heart, mind and soul is poetic but challenging. How would you rate yourself in loving God in each of these areas?
  • What is the greatest thing you have learned from God???

General Questions for Journaling

  • Where does the Holy Spirit reside in your faith life?
  • How do you acknowledge or communicate with the Holy Spirit?
  • When considering your relationship with God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit, how do you divide your time with each person of the trinity? Is there one whom you rely more? Is there one whom you confide in or call out to more? Is there one you listen or follow the advice of more?
  • Are there people whom you know that you are surprised they are Christian? What makes this so?
  • Are there people whom you know that you are surprised they are NOT Christian? What makes this so?
  • Where do you find grace? Is it something you seek or something that comes to you?
  • When you love someone, do you always like them or the choices they make?  Does your love for them still exist in these situations?
  • What do you learn about God through Jesus?
  • What do you learn about God through the Holy Spirit?
  • How do you reveal God’s love for others? Is it on purpose?
  • Do you believe the gifts you have been given by God help you fulfill the purpose God has called you to? Why or why not?
  • How do the commandments affect your relationship with God?

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Creator God, you have given me all I need…

ALL:  May my love for you deepen through nature

Leader:  Savior Jesus, your life shows me there will be times of trouble…

ALL:  May my love for you deepen through conflict

Leader:  Holy Spirit, with you I am complete…

ALL:  May my love for you deepen through relationship

Leader:  Mighty Trinity, you are in all things, at all times…

ALL:  May my love for you deepen throughout my life

Challenge for the Week:   When you chose someone to spend time with someone, what qualities do you look for in that person?  Are there people in the world which you admire and believe you would be great friends?  Are there people whom you’d prefer not to spend time?  In the Gospel, Jesus says he is your friend and that he chose you.  There must be some great things about you if Jesus is willing to die so He can continue to have a relationship with you!  Even further, those people whom you avoid spending time with have also been chosen by Jesus.  What can you do to be more welcoming and open to others? 

Sunday, May 2nd Readings

Fifth Sunday of Easter

Opening Prayer

Savior

The sacrifice YOU made on the cross

        is one sacrifice for all.

May the life I live reflect my gratitude

        for all YOU have done for me.

Fill me with YOUR Spirit so when I speak,

        all will understand that I am YOUR disciple!

Give me the words to boldly proclaim YOU are God alone,

        for I know with my whole heart I need nothing else!

Journal/Reflection Questions

Acts 9:26-31

  • What made the disciples hesitant to accept Saul as Paul? Have you ever had a hard time accepting someone into your life?
  • What does it mean to walk in the fear of the Lord? How would you explain this to a non-believer?
  • Have you ever experienced a change like Saul/Paul?

1 John 3:18-24

  • How does God communicate to you so you know you are following his commandments and you are beloved?
  • Explain why a person’s actions speak louder than their words. How can you teach this lesson to another person?
  • Does it bring comfort or fear to know God knows your heart?

John 15:1-8

  • Give an example of what it means to “bear fruit” and explain how pruning can produce more fruit as it pertains to human relationships.
  • Draw a branch with leaves or a vine with grapes, imagine you are the branch or vine and the people whom you influence are the leaves or grapes.
  • In what condition are the leaves or the grapes? Are those relationships thriving or simply surviving?

General Questions for Journaling

  • Name three things in your life which you feel strongly enough about that you will stand up and defend?
  • Have you ever made a change in your life which was not accepted by those in your life?  Share.
  • On a scale from 1-10, how much do you trust the 5 most important people in your life?
  • On a scale from 1-10, how much do you trust the 5 most unimportant people in your life?
  • What are random acts of kindness?  Have you ever been a witness of one?
  • Have you ever told someone not to do something and then you do it?  Is there harm in doing this?  Why or why not?
  • Are there relationships you have which you should get separation from for good?  What makes these relationships harmful?
  • Are there relationships you should nurture more?  What makes these relationships you want to keep?
  • Share an example of how you know God/Jesus/Holy Spirit lives within you.
  • Share an example of a time when you saw God/Jesus/Holy Spirit within another person.

Closing Prayer

Leader:  It is YOU who gives us breath to breathe…

ALL:  YOU are the Vine; WE are the Branches!

Leader:  It is YOU who gives us sight to see…

ALL:  YOU are the Vine; WE are the Branches!

Leader:  It is YOU who unties us when we are bound…

ALL:  YOU are the Vine; WE are the Branches!

Leader:  It is YOU who takes our burdens when we are too weak…

ALL:  YOU are the Vine; WE are the Branches!

Leader:  It is YOU who give us life to live out the Gospel message…

ALL:  YOU are the Vine; WE are the Branches!

Challenge for the Week:  The story in the first reading is a situation many of us have encountered.  We have either been like Paul, someone who has made some change and are not accepted by those around us, either because they don’t believe we have changed or they are not comfortable with the change we have made.  Or we are the ones not welcoming someone or believing someone who has made a change.  This week reflect on the situation and determine how it might have had a different outcome, what are some of the things that could have happened differently?  We cannot go back and change the past but we can learn from it; learn from our mistakes and our successes so we know how to handle a similar situation in the future.  Take time to open your eyes to seeing in new ways!

Sunday, April 25th Readings

Fourth Sunday of Easter

Opening Prayer

Abba Father

I hear your voice

        and I follow.

I am comforted by

        the sound.

It is clear.

Lord, YOU are with me!

AMEN!

Journal/Reflection Questions

Acts 4:8-12

  • Peter explains the significance of Jesus in this scripture.  In your own words, explain the significance of Jesus in your life or in the world.
  • Is Jesus the cornerstone of your life?  Give examples.

1 John 3:1-2

  • Compare and contrast your relationship with God as a father and a child.  Is this easy or difficult to do?  Explain.
  • Has Jesus revealed anything to you?  How will you/do you know when Jesus reveals a message to you?

John 10:11-18

  • What makes Jesus the “good” shepherd?  Can you list 5 things?  10?
  • For what are you willing to lay down your life?  A person?  A cause? 
  • In what way do you relate to the good shepherd?  Be specific.
  • Why is there only one shepherd?  What consequences or difficulties could arise if there were more than one?

General Questions for Journaling

  • When did you go out of your way to do a good thing for another person?  What was the occasion?
  • Does doing good for others come naturally for you or do you find yourself needing to work at it? 
  • What do you think causes kindness to others to come naturally or not?
  • Name some of the obstacles in your life right now.  What are you doing to overcome them or are you waiting for God or someone else to remove the obstacles or make it easier for you to overcome?
  • Do you know someone who doesn’t believe in Jesus?  What is their reason for not believing?  It is because they don’t know Him or is it something else?
  • What might be some reasons someone would not believe if Jesus?  If the elders of his time tried to discredit him, what are some things people today could say to try to discredit Jesus?
  • Have you ever been given responsibility for someone else’s possessions?  Did you care for them as though they were your own?  Why or why not?
  • How do you define love?  Is there one type of love or several?  If there is more than one, what are they types of love?
  • Describe the feeling of knowing you are loved.  What adjectives do you use to describe love?  Is your description the same as others?
  • Share a story of a time when you felt safe.  Describe the surroundings, the smells, what you saw and what you heard.

Closing Prayer

Leader:  The Lord calls my name…

ALL:  and I listen.

Leader:  The Lord calls my name…

ALL:  and I wait.

Leader: The Lord calls my name…

ALL:  and I surrender.

Leader:  The Lord calls my name…

ALL:  and I respond.

Leader:  The Lord calls my name…

ALL:  and I rejoice.

Leader:  The Lord calls my name…

ALL:  and I am complete!

Challenge for the Week:  Have you ever considered what kind of parent God is?  While there are only four specific parenting styles, there are several articles which highlight a variety of different types of parenting.  To name a few, there is a “drill sergeant parent” who commands and directs the lives of children.  There is the “oblivious parent” whom is not aware of or concerned about what is happening with their children.  Another nickname for a type of parent is the “MIA parent” which is as you’d assume correctly is a parent whom is not present at all.  One of the more popular types is the “helicopter parent” whom is overprotective and discourages a child’s independence by being too involved in the child’s life and swoops in at any sign of challenge or discomfort.  Does one of these types fit God?  Do you believe God parents each one of us in the same way?  What type of parent would you say God is?  What type of parent do you want God to be?  Spend time this week in reflection on the Father, God and give thanks and praise for all God’s grace!

Sunday, April 18th Readings

Third Sunday of Easter

Opening Prayer

Jesus

You don’t just ignore my sin.

        You help me to correct it.

You don’t just tell me to do better,

        You teach me the right way.

Let me learn from you

        so I can be a better person.

Praise You Lord

        for believing in me!

AMEN!

Journal/Reflection Questions

Acts 3:13-15, 17-19

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

1 John 2:1-5a

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

Luke 24:35-48

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

General Questions for Journaling

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

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Jesus is alive, let me rejoice…

ALL:  All of my sins are washed away!

Leader:  Jesus is alive, let me rejoice…

ALL:  My path has been restored!

Leader: Jesus is alive, let me rejoice…

ALL:  He loves me like no other!

Leader:  Jesus is alive, let me rejoice…

ALL:  the Holy Spirit lives in me!

Leader:  Jesus is alive, let me rejoice…

ALL:  death has no power!

Leader:  Jesus is alive, let me rejoice…

ALL:  AMAZING GRACE!

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

Sunday, April 4th Readings

Easter Sunday Readings

Opening Prayer

Jesus

Where would I be without you?

What would happen if I couldn’t find you?

How different would my life be?

The disciples know.

They saw you broken and bleeding,

        dead and lain in the tomb.

But you conquered death

        so I wouldn’t have to know.

Thank you Lord Jesus for your sacrifice!

AMEN!

Journal/Reflection Questions

Acts 10:34, 37-43

  • How are you a witness to Christ? When and/or where have you been a witness to God’s love, mercy, forgiveness, teachings? How did the experience impact you?
  • What can you learn from Peter’s example in this scripture?
  • To whom is Peter speaking? How is the Peter in this scripture different than the one who denied Jesus in last week’s scripture? What has changed?

Colossians 3:1-4

  • Where do you see compassion? Is it alive in the world today?
  • When one seeks what “is above” what do they seek? Can you see it?
  • What death mean to you? Is it possible to die a little at a time? Why or why not?

Mark 16:1-7

  • Define, “see and believe”.
  • Who will you share the “Good News” of Jesus’ resurrection? Who in your life needs to hear it?

General Questions for Journaling

  • What words do you use to define love? How is it measured in your life?
  • Share a time when God amazed you!
  • Have you ever been asked to testify to something? How is it the same or different than testifying to your faith? Explain.
  • What is the definition of witness? Is a witness called to action? Explain.
  • How does belief in God/Jesus/Holy Spirit give you strength? Share ways you are able to sustain this strength.
  • Where can you find consolation when you are feeling confused or depressed? Where have you been able to find consolation?
  • Where do you see a need for compassion in your community right now? Is there something you can do?
  • What emotion does the Easter season fill you with? How can this emotion work for the good of others?
  • What happens when you are being sincere, but others don’t believe you? How do you deal with this? What does God call you to do?
  • When you see someone who is suffering, do you do something? In what cases do you help and which do you back away?
  • When has fear paralyzed you from reaching a goal?

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Praise to YOU Lord Jesus Christ…

ALL:  for you are all things good!

Leader:  Praise to YOU Lord Jesus Christ…

ALL:  for your mercy endures forever!

Leader: Praise to YOU Lord Jesus Christ…

ALL:  for you have been exalted!

Leader:  Praise to YOU Lord Jesus Christ…

ALL:  for your love never ends!

Leader:  Praise to YOU Lord Jesus Christ…

ALL:  for you are a promise fulfilled!

Leader:  Praise to YOU Lord Jesus Christ…

ALL:  for you have died for me!

Leader:  Praise to YOU Lord Jesus Christ…

ALL:  for you bring me NEW LIFE!

Challenge for the Week:  For years I have overlooked the sacrifice and courage it took for the women who anointed Jesus’ body to actually do so.  It has been one of those small details which I’ve really not paid any attention to and have taken for granted.  Perhaps you are like me in coming to this understanding for the first time.  The challenge this week is to dive into what it meant for these women to prepare Jesus for burial.  This tradition was sacred and required much time and attention to detail out of respect.  Did they simply act out of obligation to the law?  Where they showing compassion for Jesus?  How come the authorities allowed the women to do this?  What if the women would have been too afraid to ask?  When have you ever acted out of compassion or fought to do the right thing despite the cost or potential punishment?  During this HOLY WEEK, spend some time reflecting on what the action of these women means to you, means to the church and what can we learn from their actions.

Sunday, March 28th Readings

Palm Sunday Readings

Opening Prayer

Open my eyes so I can SEE YOU

        in the faces of those around me.

Open my ears so I can HEAR YOU

        in the cries of the poor and neglected.

Open my heart so I can FEEL YOU

        in my sin and weakness.

May my senses be open to YOU

        as you pour out all you have upon me!

Journal/Reflection Questions

Isaiah 50:4-7

  • Do you pray for those who have hurt you? How does this scripture speak to how you should view others who have caused you hurt?
  • How does this reading speak of Jesus? Isaiah shed light on the coming of Jesus and the suffering He would endure. What do you suffer for Jesus’ sake?

Philippians 2:6-11

  • How do you most relate to Jesus? How would you imagine Jesus most relates to you?
  • How did Jesus empty himself for you? How can you mimic this in your life?
  • Make a list of the ways Jesus was a slave in the stories of the Gospel. What is the definition of a slave?

Mark 14:1—15:47

  • Jesus stands up for a woman showing him kindness. Share a time when you have done the same. If there is not a time, think of a time when you could have done the same.
  • Is there a precious gift you can give to Jesus? What does this reading say God wants from you?

General Questions for Journaling

  • What are your first thoughts in the morning when you wake up?  Are they of God or something else?  How do your first thoughts drive your day? Are your first thought the same each morning or different?
  • Do you need to train your tongue? 
  • When have you recently spoken up for an unfair or unjust situation? What was the situation and what was the outcome?
  • Is there something going on in the world which you feel strongly about?  What can you do you do to impact this?
  • What makes it hard to turn your back on those who hurt you or cause you harm?
  • Why do you think people are drawn to bad news? Slow down at an accident scene or gather outside where there an emergency vehicle shows up? What is it that people want to know?
  • How have you seen God help someone in your community? Share the story.
  • How do you show God/Jesus/Holy Spirit honor? How do you bow before them?
  • Describe what it means to be emptied of oneself. Is it hard or easy to do?
  • For what purpose would one choose to be emptied?
  • How does your posture during prayer speak to God?
  • Do you think God prefers formal or informal prayer? Explain.
  • How have your actions caused pain for Jesus? Have you turned your back on him?
  • Are there things in your life which you mock? Where could you find the good in that thing?
  • Have others ever been upset with you because you did something nice for another person? Do you have regrets?
  • How does it make you feel that Jesus already knows all you have done and all you will do, both good and bad? Be specific.

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Lord, you humble yourself so you can be emptied

ALL:  I love you, I honor you, I thank you

Leader:  Lord, you hold your tongue when others accuse you

ALL:  I love you, I honor you, I thank you

Leader:  Lord, you turn your back on those who beat you

ALL:  I love you, I honor you, I thank you

Leader:  Lord, you show obedience to God’s plan

ALL:  I love you, I honor you, I thank you

Challenge for the Week:  Pope Francis poses a very interesting challenge for you.  He suggests you take some time to reflect on your life of faith.  Have you fallen asleep in your faith?  Are you living your faith out with fervor or simply going through the motions?  Do you slumber through attending your weekly obligation or are you alive and growing?  Take time to think about this question.  Are you asleep?  Are you on the path of falling asleep?  OR Are you walking, skipping, jumping, dancing or even flying?  Do you know others who have fallen asleep in their faith; what can you do to help them “stay awake for Jesus”? 

Sunday, March 21st Readings

Fifth Sunday of Lent

Opening Prayer

O Lord,

I cry out to you from the depths,

        I don’t know if you can hear me.

I beg forgiveness

        but I fear my sin to too great.

Yet, God, you promised to bring your people

        back from the graves.

Jesus, raised Lazarus from the dead.

Scripture gives me hope

you will hear my cries and forgive me.

Lord, bring me out of the darkness

and into your glorious light!

Journal/Reflection Questions

Ezekiel 37 :12-14

  • Describe what it means to have God’s Spirit within you? How does it give you life?
  • What does it mean to the people for God to say he will bring them back to the land of Israel?

Romans 8:8-11

  • How does the Spirit dwell in you? Be honest, what are the characteristics that show the Spirit dwells in you. Which characteristics do you want to improve on?
  • At this point in your Lenten journey, do you feel worthy of God’s Spirit within you? Have you kept up with your Lenten disciplines as you’d hoped? Does this scripture give you hope or cause you to feel despair?

John 11:1-45

  • Jesus knows Lazarus will not die, rather will be used to help Jesus show the Glory of God. Have you ever experienced a time when you knew an experience would exemplify God’s glory?
  • Share how this Gospel gives insight about God’s timing.
  • Complete the story of what happens next, after Lazarus is raised. What does Mary, Martha and Lazarus say? What do they do? How long does Jesus stay with them? What about the Disciples?

General Questions for Journaling

  • What is your experience with God’s promises?
  • If you could choose one event in your past that you could ‘do over’ would you go back and do it over? How would you want the outcome to change?
  • How do you know God hears your prayers? Does silence mean he didn’t hear you?
  • Does God’s voice sound the same to you every time you speak to Him? Does it sound the same to everyone? Explain.
  • Define the word redemption.
  • Describe how it feels to have God’s Spirit within you? 
  • When you know you have God’s Spirit within you, does it affect how you think, feel and act? Explain.
  • What is your favorite thing about your life right now? Where is God in it?
  • When you hear of the death of someone, especially of someone close to you, what is the natural human response? How is that similar or different to how Jesus responded to the news of Lazarus?
  • What do you think happens when you die?
  • Do you have a bucket list?  A list of things you want to do or places you want to go before you die?  Is this list something you actively pursue or something you made once and put in a drawer?

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Lord, hear my voice…

ALL:  I will do it!

Leader:  Lord, forgive my sin…

ALL:  I will do it!

Leader:  Lord, open the grave…

ALL:  I will do it!

Leader:  Lord, dwell in me…

ALL:  I will do it!

Challenge for the Week:  Draw an outline of a gingerbread man on a blank piece of paper.  On the inside of the paper write down all the sins you can think of that you have committed.  Reflect on how much sin consumes your body.  How many of the sins you’ve committed are because of your physical body?  How many were committed due to emotions?  Which sins were committed even though you knew they were sins and you did them anyways?  What percentage of your body is sin? This is not one of those activities where you want to have a high score, nor do you want to have balance.  Seek reconciliation of your sin and then spend time this week determining what you can do to keep your numbers down.

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.