Forgiven

Solemnity of Christ the King

Opening Prayer

Lord, Jesus

You are crowned the most high King

yet you humbled yourself for me.

Let me too humble myself

to do the work you call me to do.

Come dwell in me, so your love and mercy

shines through like a crown!

AMEN

Journal/Reflection Questions

2Samuel 5:1-3

What are the similarities between a shepherd and a king?
What are and differences between a shepherd and a king?

Colossians 1:12-20

How do you know something has the fullness of Christ in it?
Do you fully love anything or anyone? How do you express your love to the fullest?
Reflect on the places that you find goodness. Are those places sacred places? If they are, what do they say about you? About God?

Luke 23:35-43

Even in His pain, Jesus shows mercy to another. What can you learn from His example?
How did Jesus respond to the good thief? How does it compare to the way He responds to you when you struggle?
Do you have anyone in your life who is reaching out to you? How do you respond? What does this scripture inspire you to do?

General Questions for Journaling

How does it feel to be wanted?
When did you last reach out to someone you hadn’t spoken to for a while, just because? Do you always need a reason?
How have you recently reached out to someone? Did you do it out of obligation? Did you do it out of love? What is the difference?
What was the last compliment you received?
What was the last real compliment you gave?
Where do you see heaven here on earth?
It is easy to see God in the beauty of the earth but what about in destruction, war or the slums of poverty?
Is there goodness in your life right now? What role does God play in that goodness?
Is there turmoil in your life right now? What role does God play in that turmoil?
People thought Jesus came to be a political power, what kind of power did Jesus really come to give?
What kind of childhood do you suppose Jesus had? How would it have been different if people knew he was the “King of glory”?
How did Christ show He was King?
Do you see evidence of His kingdom on earth?
When you see a happy person, what is your instinct?
When you see a sad person, what is your instinct?
Jesus died to save your sin, are there sins you still need to forgive? Your own sins? The sins of others? Are there those whom you need to seek forgiveness?
Jesus died for all, are there people in your life who are difficult to see through the eyes of God? What can you do to see them as a child of God?
Share a time when you were like the soldiers and mocked the powerless. Is there something you can do to heal the hurt caused by your words or actions?
Share a time when you were mocked by others but were powerless in the situation. Have you forgiven those who hurt you? How have you been able to heal?

Closing Prayer

Leader: You call Lord

ALL: and I give thanks!

Leader: You call Lord

ALL: and I welcome the stranger!

Leader: You call Lord

ALL: and I share what I have!

Leader: You call Lord

ALL: and I offer prayers!

Leader: You call Lord

ALL: and I surrender all!

Challenge for the Week: The message in the scripture is to find unity, a common thread. The differences between people are seen externally and internally. You can even keep a running scorecard in your head with tally marks noting physical differences as well as differences in lifestyle, beliefs, etc. The differences can become so abundant you are unable to see beyond them. But this is not the kind of division Jesus was referring to when He said He came to cause division, He is talking about dividing the sheep from the goats. Jesus shows in the Gospel how despite differences of beliefs or lifestyles, hair color or whatever, you are called into union with HIM and in turn, with others. It is time to step out from behind the wall you have built that keeps you from entering into full communion with Jesus. Stand up for what your faith calls you to do and love others as Jesus loves. It is not easy to do. This week, pick a day to focus on finding the common thread you have with whomever you encounter. It might sound silly, but when you practice seeing the similarities, you might be able to train your brain to stop identifying the differences.

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4th Sunday of Lent

Opening Prayer

Lord,

Let me come to you,

when I am weak and weary.

Teach me to reach out to you,

when I don’t know the way.

Allow me to cling to you,

so you can help me find my way

through the darkness.

Lead me to the fullness of life,

you promise and died to give me.

YOU, are all I will ever need!

Journal/Reflection Questions

Joshua 5 :9a, 10-12

How does God care for the Israelite’s? How does He care for you today?
The Israelite’s were guided to the Promised Land. How can you relate your life to the journey of the Israelite’s? How is it similar? How is it different?
The Promised Land was home to the Israelite’s, how do you define home? What is home for you?

2 Corinthians 5:17-21

What do you give to Jesus to make Him righteous? How do your words or actions give Jesus “wings” or a “leg to stand on”?
Read this scripture again and imagine you are in a courtroom. How does it play out in your head? Can you find forgiveness?

Luke 15:1-3, 11-32

What message does Jesus send with this parable? Can you list at least three life lessons Jesus is trying to teach?
Where do you find yourself in the parable at this point in your life? Are you working hard, doing what you are supposed to be doing like the Older Son? Are you squandering away the gifts God has given you like the Younger Son? Can you find it in yourself to welcome the sinner home with open arms like the Father? Are you a bystander, a witness? Be honest with yourself.
Identify how the Father and the Son’s in this parable have changed because of the experience. Can they return to how they were? Why or why not?

General Questions for Journaling

How is Lent like the Israelite’s wandering in the desert? What was their final destination? How is that like your Lent/Easter?
Like Passover, what traditions do you hold in your life as important? What makes them important?
Where did your traditions come from? Are they hereditary? Are they cultural? Are they religious? How do these traditions form you? What makes them so sacred?
Make a list of at least ten things that you use/consume that come from the earth. Can you also make a list of ten ways you work to conserve/protect the earth?
What can you do to learn from God about how to forgive and forget?
Is it easier to give forgiveness or ask for forgiveness? Why?
Does Christ live within you? How do you know? Can others tell?
What characteristics of Christ do you see in yourself? Reflect on these gifts and determine what purpose God has for you to use them!
How do you rejoice when you find something you have lost?

Closing Prayer

Leader: Each time I turn my back on you,