Sunday, April 16th Readings

Second Sunday of Easter/Sunday of Divine Mercy

Opening Prayer (Psalm 118)

Alleluia! Alleluia!

Give thanks and praise to God!

For he is good and his love is everlasting!

Rejoice and be glad for our Savior lives!

Alleluia! Alleluia!

Journal/Reflection Questions

Acts 2:42-47

What do you think is the “secret ingredient” in this scripture passage that makes it sound like utopia?
The scripture passage says twice, “they devoted themselves to…”, is there something in your life right now which needs your devotion? How can devoting your time and attention to that project/person/situation bring peace and/or contentment?

1Peter 1:3-9

Share and example of how you know this scripture is true.
This scripture are the words of Saint Peter, he who denied Jesus thrice before the crucifixion. How does this knowledge open up the scripture even more? Choose one phrase of the scripture that most shouts of Peters new found confidence.

John 20:19-31

Can you relate to Thomas? Would you need to see and feel the nail marks in Jesus’ hands to believe? What helps you believe today?
Jesus brings peace and the Holy Spirit to the disciples. Identify where Jesus brings you peace and the Holy Spirit today.
Jesus breathes on the disciples…where have you heard this before in the scripture? What do the passages have in common?

General Questions for Journaling

Do you see signs and wonders in the world today? How do they point to God?
Where do you see people working together? How does it inspire you and is there something you can do to support it?
Describe what it feels like to have “favor” on someone or something from your own perspective. Then describe what is it like for someone to have “favor” or show “favor” to/on you.
How do you know someone is acting out of sincerity?
How do you feel safeguarded by God?
Name a specific example of how Jesus’ resurrection affects your life right now.
What do you love about Jesus? Be specific. Can you name more than three things?
What does ‘genuine’ faith look like? Do you know when you are being genuine in your faith vs. being fake?
Are there things in your life right now which you find hard to believe because you haven’t see them? Does this unbelief cause division with your family or co-workers?
How do you know when Jesus is in your midst? Describe the feeling. How can you reproduce this feeling to last all day? Is it possible? Explain
The “great commission” is said to happen at our baptism (MT 28:19-20) but these scripture readings have the same kind of commissioning feel. Choose one thing from the scriptures this week to take on as your task.

Closing Prayer

Leader: Jesus, the doors were locked

ALL: but you broke through!

Leader: Jesus, you died and were buried

ALL: but you broke through!

Leader: Jesus, you were nailed to a cross

ALL: but you broke through!

Leader: Jesus, you were beaten and bleeding

ALL: but you broke through!

Leader: Jesus, you were a Carpenter’s son

ALL: but you broke through!

Leader: Jesus, you were born in a manger

ALL: but you broke through!

Challenge for the Week: Saint Peter in the second reading says “you rejoice with indescribable and glorious joy, as you attain the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls.” (1PT1:9) Take time this week to map out the goal of your faith. What are your goals? Write them down so you can see them and then set out to achieve them. Do you want to know Jesus more (not just know of him, but really know him). Do you want to have a prayer space in your home? Do you wish to learn more about the Saints? Do you want to read more spiritual literature? God doesn’t say we have to do anything to earn his love, grace or mercy but if you are like me, when someone does something unbelievably kind, I want to give back to them to show my gratitude!

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

Discipleship 5K: A Physical and Spiritual Journey to the Cross by Heather Neds, author of the Weekly Scripture Journal is more than a book, it is a guide to becoming a stronger disciple. Grab a copy and start the journey!

Sunday of Divine Mercy – 2nd Sunday of Easter

Sunday, April 24th Readings

Opening Prayer

I know the wounds are real

when I look at people suffering.

I feel the pain of injustice

when I see malnourishment.

The scars aren’t always visible

but I know they are there.

Move me to be the hands, feet and heart

…that bring comfort

…that bring justice

…that bring peace

May the joy of the resurrection

bring healing to a hurting world!

Journal/Reflection Questions

Acts 5:12-16

Do you know someone who needs to be healed? How can you bring them comfort?
How does God’s message heal you?

Revelation 1:9-11a, 12-13, 17-19

When have you needed strength to overcome? Where did the strength come from? Who gave it to you?
Why are people afraid of the unknown? What makes it scary?

John 20:19-31

Jesus breathes the Holy Spirit unto the disciples and they are moved into action, how does the Holy Spirit move you into action? How long has it been since you let the Holy Spirit move you?
What makes you believe in the resurrection? Does Thomas’ testimony help you believe?

General Questions for Journaling

Where do you see signs that God is alive today?
Have you ever witnessed a miracle? Explain/Describe.
How many times in a day, week, month, or year do you believe a miracle happens?
Define love. Make a list of all the things you love.
Is there only one type of love or many? How many types of love can you identify? What are the characteristics of each kind of love?
Can good come from suffering? Can you share an example?
Is suffering necessary? Why or why not?
What causes you fear?
Have you ever been paralyzed by fear? What was the circumstance?
How is fear overcome? What do you do to conquer your fear? What advice do you give to others on how to overcome their own fears, ex. a child and the monster in the closet?
Do you think people fear forgiveness? Why or why not?
Where is peace found? How does someone find it?

Closing Prayer

Leader: Lord, in my weakness

ALL: YOU are strong!

Leader: Lord, in my questioning

ALL: YOU are the answer!

Leader: Lord, in my sin

ALL: YOU are forgiveness!

Leader: Lord, in my struggle

ALL: YOU are calm!

Leader: Lord, in my confusion

ALL: YOU are clarity!

Leader: Lord, in mt life

ALL: YOU are the WAY!

Challenge for the Week: Easter is the biggest Christian celebration and sign of our faith. It is so important it lasts for 50 days which is longer than Advent (4 weeks before Christmas) and Lent (40 days before Easter). How can you continue to live the Easter message for the next 50 days? What message do you feel God is calling you to send? Is there an injustice you can serve by volunteering your time? Is there a person in need of support or company? Where can you bring resurrection or new life? Take this Easter season as seriously as you do your Lenten sacrifice and spread the Good News that Jesus is alive!!!

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