God

Sunday, May 22nd Readings

6th Sunday of Easter

Opening Prayer

Holy Spirit

Come

Stir up the dust

Ignite our faith

Remain

Holy Spirit

Amen!

Journal/Reflection Questions

Acts 15:1-2, 22-29

  • Are rules, laws and guidelines necessary? Why or why not?
  • How do you achieve peace of mind? Is it possible to find peace of mind?

Revelation 21:10-14, 22-23

  • Draw a picture to represent the image in this scripture.
  • How does this scripture make you feel? How does it affect your faith?  What does it tell you about God?

John 14:23-29

  • How is God speaking to you in this scripture? What simple message does it speak to all believers?
  • Does something stir inside as you read this scripture? How are you being lead to move?  What is God asking you to do?

General Questions for Journaling

  • Why is it important for people to question?
  • What good comes from debate? What bad?
  • How do you determine when to share your opinion and when to hold back?
  • On a scale from 1-10, how open are you to others opinions? Do you allow people to take over and do what they want or do you stick to what you know is right and work to expand their view?
  • Would you say you are a good listener? Share at least one example of how you were a good listener this week.
  • Where have you seen “light” today? Was it a single ray of light or blinding light?
  • How have you allowed the Holy Spirit to direct your decisions today?
  • How important is peace in relationship with faith? What is the relationship?
  • Do you always seek advice or do you go alone? What is the value of advice? How is it determined to be good or bad advice?
  • Can you tell if someone is being led by the Holy Spirit? How?

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Dwell in me

ALL:  so I might have understanding

Leader:  Dwell in me

ALL:  so I might have wisdom

Leader:  Dwell in me

ALL:  so I might have right judgment

Leader:  Dwell in me

ALL:  so I might have courage

Leader:  Dwell in me

ALL:  so I might have knowledge

Leader:  Dwell in me

ALL:  so I might have reverence

Leader:  Dwell in me

ALL:  so I might be in awe of YOU and all you have created!

Challenge for the Week:  Today, when you hear the word the debate, you might give it a negative value because it is equated to the public political debates where the candidates spend too much time boosting up their good traits and pointing out their opponents’ negative qualities.  So often when people enter into a debate, they are closed off to another idea or opinion when the very definition of a debate is a formal discussion of different opinions.  This week, reflect on the relationships in your life and determine if there is anyone with whom you are in conflict because of differing opinions.  Are you closed off to their opinion?  Do you believe you are right, beyond measure?  Consider if it is pride which keeps you from being open to another opinion and if it is, how would a little bit of humility change the situation?

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, May 15th Readings

5th Sunday of Easter

Opening Prayer

Generous Lord,

There is no limit to your love!

You come to me

and lead me to safety when I encounter danger.

You embrace me

and give me comfort when I stumble and fall.

You open the gate

and usher me through even when I turn away.

May I learn from YOUR generosity

and be more generous in my own life!

Journal/Reflection Questions

Acts 14:21-27

  • Paul and Barnabas opened doors of faith to others; what doors do you open?
  • Who are the gentiles in the world today who need to hear God’s Word from you?

Revelation 21:1-5a

  • Describe how God has made things new in your experiences? What specifically was done?
  • What does it mean that “God’s dwelling is with the human race”? How is this lived out in the world?

John 13:31-33a, 34-35

  • How do you let God work through you? Do you believe you can work a miracle?
  • Where have you shared God’s love? Where have you received it?

General Questions for Journaling

  • How is faith expressed in your home? Is it the same or different than how you express your faith personally?
  • What traditions do you have in your family which flow from your faith?
  • Are there traditions you have in your family which you could tweak to add an element of faith?
  • How does your faith carry with you when you travel? Is it something you pack with you or do you leave it behind?
  • What are some of the things that make loving your neighbor so difficult? What stands in the way? How can you work to break down the obstacle(s)?
  • Where do you see examples of God’s selfless love? How has it been modelled for you?
  • When was the last time you did something with expectation? Where do you share God’s selfless love?
  • Where can you inspire positive change? How much effort would it take? Are there others who can help you?
  • How do you define the human race? What is human? Why race? Where is God in the definition?
  • Does God need to increase or decrease in your life? How does this happen?
  • Faith is like a bumper sticker on your soul. What does your bumper sticker say?

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Lord, may I proclaim Your love

ALL:  to each person I meet!

Leader:  Lord, may I proclaim Your patience

ALL:  to each person I meet!

Leader:  Lord, may I proclaim Your forgiveness

ALL:  to each person I meet!

Leader:  Lord, may I proclaim Your generosity

ALL:  to each person I meet!

Leader:  Lord, may I proclaim Your acceptance

ALL:  to each person I meet!

Leader:  Lord, may I proclaim the Good News

ALL:  to each person I meet!

Challenge for the Week:  The warmer weather opens the door to get outside and enjoy creation. However, schedules often get busier during the springtime too.  There are family gatherings and celebrations (Easter, First Communion, Confirmation, Mother’s Day, Graduation) and a rash of other commitments which keep your mind and body from slowing down and remembering that God is God and you are not.  It is easy to get sucked up into a tornado of bitterness and resentment forgetting what a gift each of these activities bring.  Psalm 145 is the perfect reminder that life has been dormant all winter (and through Lent), now is the time to step up and show God appreciation for all He has given!  Resist the temptation to fill each hour with activity and slow down to allow God to love you, be reminded of God’s goodness.  Imagine how a little bit of time with God to refresh your soul can change your attitude!  This week, spend time with Psalm 145, take it piece by piece, let it soak into you and allow the Words to become one with your flesh.  Then you will be ready to share God’s goodness with everyone you encounter!

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, November 14th Readings

33rd Sunday of Ordinary Time

Opening Prayer

Lord

Why do I search in all the wrong places to find you?

When I look in the darkness,

You are not there.

When I look behind, above and below,

You are not there.

You are in all things at all times,

yet I struggle to find you!

Thank you for not turning away;

Thank you for your grace, love and mercy;

Thank you!  Thank you!  Thank you!

Amen

Journal/Reflection Questions

Daniel 12 :1-3

  • What qualities do you learn are important to have as a witness of Christ through this scripture? Do you possess any of them? If so, which ones? If not, what can you do to build up these qualities within?
  • Who are “stars” who shine brightly? Are there people in your life who let God’s light shine and worked toward justice? Can you name some people in history who have been examples of “stars”?
  • How might your life be different if you followed the stars?

Hebrews 10:11-14, 18

  • Why is sacrifice needed? What sacrifice(s) do you make for your relationship with God?
  • How does one become perfect in Christ? Is this even possible? Why or why not?
  • Consider, through the words of this scripture, the importance of the sacrifice of Mass. What is happening at Mass and do we understand the meaning as it is happening?

Mark 13:24-32

  • What is Jesus telling you about what you can take with you when you die? How does this change how you think of material things? How does this change how you might spend the rest of your life?
  • Does this scripture cause you fear or another emotion? What emotion do you think Jesus wants you to feel?

General Questions for Journaling

  • In the past week, where did you see God’s light shine? Who did it shine through?
  • Where do you turn for comfort when you are in distress? Is God there?
  • Would you consider yourself a leader or a follower? Why?
  • What was the last thing you took the lead on? Who was it for? What was the task? How did it turn out?
  • What kind of leader are you or would you be? Why?
  • How can you make your sins go away? What do you do to ensure you don’t ever sin again?
  • What does God do or can God do to help you defeat sin?

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Though I am a sinner;

ALL:  You made one sacrifice for my sins.

Leader:  Though I are ignorant;

ALL:  You continue to teach me your ways.

Leader:  Though I often lose direction;

ALL:  You continue to guide me on the right path.

Leader:  Though I waste much;

ALL:  You continue to give me what we need.

Leader:  Though I continue to fall short;

ALL:  You continue to build me up.

ALL:  Thank you Lord, for your constant love!

Challenge for the Week:  Attend Mass.  It really doesn’t matter if you do it on the weekend or during the week, the outcome is the same…you have witnessed a living sacrifice.  What does this even mean?  Well, when you go to Mass, it shouldn’t be just out of obligation so you can get it checked off your “to do list” or because you get to see friends or enjoy coffee and donuts afterwards.  Nor should you attend Mass and not be an active participant.  Mass is the “shortened” version of what is actually called the “Holy Sacrifice of the Mass” where Catholics come together to remember the sacrifice Jesus made for all.  This act of love is monumental and deserves a response from each person who gathers to remember it.  Jesus died for everyone and in return believers should sacrifice something each time they take the Eucharist.  Those who receive the Eucharist, receives a piece of Jesus, this is how you become more like Him!  So, go and make a sacrifice this week.  Leave behind the grumpy, negative, judgmental part of you and let the joyful, positive and accepting light of Jesus shine through!

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 24th Readings

30th Sunday of Ordinary Time

Opening Prayer

Lord,

I shout for joy because you

heal me from my hurts,

you protect me from my enemies

and you provide me with peace of mind!

Your Word continues to guide me and lead me,

by teaching me your ways.

Thank you for always being there for me so

I can be Christ to others.

Amen

Journal/Reflection Questions

Jeremiah 31:7-9

  • Who are the burdened and downtrodden in this scripture? How does God provide them with support?
  • Where do you find security in this scripture? How is it or how can it be played out in your life?

Hebrews 5:1-6

  • What can you learn from this scripture about dealing with people who try your patience?
  • What does this scripture say about weakness? What are your weaknesses?

Mark 10:46-52

  • What do you say when you cry out to Jesus?
  • Are you persistent in making your desires known to God? What do you do about making your needs known and then acting on them?

General Questions for Journaling

  • Where do you seek consolation? Is it from a person or is it a place or something else?
  • Who comes to you for support when they are weary? What do you offer?  Is it too much?  Is it not enough?  How do you know it is what they need?
  • Have you ever felt the path you are on has too many curves or bumps? What can be done to level out the road a bit? How can you help yourself with this task? What can you do for others?
  • When did you recently sacrifice something for another person’s good? When has someone done the same for you? Has this happened with or without regret or expectation?
  • Make a list of 5-10 good qualities you possess which would draw people to you.
  • When someone comes to you for counsel, do you look for how you will benefit or how they will benefit? OR do you turn to the Holy Spirit for guidance in the counsel you give? What does this look like?
  • Jesus stood up for you and died for your sins; who do you stand up for? How do you let them know you stand up for them even in their weakness?
  • Are there people who refuse to “be quiet” in your life or in the community? Do they stay on one topic or do they harp on many?  What do you think their goal is?
  • Are there times when you should hold your tongue or the opposite, speak out more?  Identify those moments.
  • Where do you see Jesus working today? What is He doing to shout out the message of forgiveness, mercy and healing?
  • Is there somewhere Jesus needs you to go out to shout the good news?

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Jesus, have pity on me and restore my soul

ALL:  for I am weak.

Leader:  Jesus, have pity on me and restore my soul

ALL:  for I am blind.

Leader:  Jesus, have pity on me and restore my soul

ALL:  for I am crippled.

Leader: Jesus, have pity on me and restore my soul

ALL:  for I am ignorant.

Leader: Jesus, have pity on me and restore my soul

ALL:  for I am a sinner.

Challenge for the Week:  Take time this week to think about what it would be like to be blind.  How would you feel?  How might you be different?  How would you define the word see if you were blind, not having the experience of knowing what it truly was?  Then spend time considering what makes you “blind”?  What keeps you from seeing the positive in people or situations rather than the negative?  What things in your life or within yourself do you refuse to see and change?  How much time and effort do you spend trying to keep these things hidden from others, from God?  Pray…”Jesus, son of David, have pity on me.”

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, May 30th Readings

Holy Trinity Sunday

Opening Prayer

Creator God,

You give the heavens and the earth

There is beauty all around

May I always recognize the goodness you give.

Savior God,

You came into this world as a child

You worked and healed and bled

May I always give thanks for the sacrifice you made.

Spirit God,

You bear witness to the truth

You give confidence and security

May I always call on you, a constant companion.

Amen.

Journal/Reflection Questions

Deuteronomy 4:32-34, 39-40

  • God speaks to Moses through a burning bush, where do you hear God’s voice? 
  • Can you identify in this reading God, Jesus and Spirit? Is the trinity present? Why or why not? 

Romans 8: 14-17

  • When have you seen the Spirit bear witness to something? Does it happen in society today or only in the Bible? 
  • God asks you to suffer with him to be glorified. What does the word suffer mean to you in this instance?
  • What does this scripture teach you about the Holy Spirit?

Matthew 28:16-20

  • Jesus said, I am with you until the end of the age. What assurance do you have that this is true?
  • Does this command apply to you today? How do you live out this commandment from Jesus? 
  • Does this scripture inspire you? Explain.

General Questions for Journaling

  • What makes you know God wants you to prosper? Share an example of how God shows you signs of His love.
  • How do you show those you love that you love them? What does God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit have to do with how you show love to others?
  • How confident are you that God has a plan for your life? What makes it so?
  • When do you feel the most secure in your walk with God? What draws you away from this feeling of security?
  • How would you compare love of God vs love of self vs love for spouse vs love of children, etc….
  • How is God’s love expressed? Share examples. 
  • Are you able to recognize God’s love in the present or only in past tense?
  • Do you cry out to God? Jesus? Spirit? What causes you to do so?
  • How do you explain the mystery of the Holy Spirit?
  • How do you teach others what Jesus has taught you? What more can you do?

Closing Prayer – inspired by Psalm 33

Leader:  Spirit of the living God…

ALL:  find me trustworthy!

Leader:  Spirit of the living God…

ALL:  find me working for justice!

Leader:  Spirit of the living God…

ALL:  find me being kind and generous!

Leader:  Spirit of the living God…

ALL:  find me giving hope!

Leader:  Spirit of the living God…

ALL:  call me your own, Blessed child of God!

Challenge for the Week:  Explaining the Trinity to someone can be a challenge, you may not even really understand it yourself.  However, if you are called to go out to all the world and make disciples of every nation, you need, no you MUST be able to describe your relationship with the Trinity.  Spend time this week identifying who the Trinity is to you.  This might require you to do some studying to learn more about Church teaching and/or to discuss with a friend or two how they view the Trinity. 

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!