Sunday, May 15th Readings

5^th 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, February 13th Readings

6th Sunday of Ordinary Time

Opening Prayer

Throughout the Bible are stories of hope

Open my eyes to see the hope in the world today

Let me hear the stories where hope is restored

And be a living example that hope never dies

Amen

Journal/Reflection Questions

Jeremiah 17:5-8

Draw a picture of the two images described in this scripture.
Share a time when you experienced both images, what was going on in your life, be specific about who was with you and what you felt.

1 Corinthians 15:12, 16-20

Does this scripture bring you hope? Explain how.
How does the promise of the resurrection affect your faith? Be specific.

Luke 6:17, 20-26

What is the overall message Jesus to sharing with the people who have gathered to hear him speak?
What is the message Jesus has intended for you to hear in this scripture to help open your eyes to a situation in your life right now?

General Questions for Journaling

How do you feel about God giving free will? Is it good? Is it bad? How does free will get you into trouble? How does it free you?
Are there choices you have made in your life which you wish you could change? Do you can do something about that choice now?
Is it easy or difficult to change? Do you always get to choose to change? How can making the choice to change affect your attitude?
Who do you confide in to help make decisions? What qualities do you look for in a person who helps you?
What draws you to ask God for help? Are there obstacles which keep you from seeking God’s advice in matters?
How do you feel about trust? Is trust important to you? Is it something people have immediately or do you believe people need to earn it?
How much trust do you put in God? How much trust do you believe God has in you?
Would you describe yourself as someone who is open to new ideas and new ways to do things or do you consider yourself someone who is comfortable with the way things are and have always been? Share an example.
How would you explain the hope you have in the resurrection to someone who doesn’t know about Jesus?
Do you believe faith is a choice you make every day or is a choice you made once and it stays with you?
Share an example of a time when your faith was challenged; be specific about what you did, how you felt and the outcome.

Closing Prayer

Leader: I will rejoice

ALL: in the rising of the sun!

Leader: I will rejoice

ALL: in the delicate snowflake!

Leader: I will rejoice

ALL: in the blooming flower!

Leader: I will rejoice

ALL: in the simplicity of a smile!

Leader: I will rejoice

ALL: in the warmth of a hand!

Leader: I will rejoice

ALL: in the hope you give!

Challenge for the Week: Do you have a faith story? Of course, you do! Just like in the business world where people have “elevator speeches” which describe and highlight their accomplishments and successes; Christians should have a faith story. Spend time this week putting together your own personal faith story; include pivotal moments, desert places and mountain top experiences. Include specific scripture passages which carried you through the bad times or sustain you in the good times. Write it down and then put it in your Bible so it can be added to the many other stories of our salvation HIS-tory!

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

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, October 3rd Readings

27th Sunday of Ordinary Time

Opening Prayer

God

You created man and woman

to share in the fullness of Your love.

You call both to be in community

with one another and in communion with You.

What you bring together cannot be torn apart.

Your love cannot be removed or taken away.

It is a blessing to share, in good times and in bad

and it remains even when conflicts arise.

Let Your love be seen, felt and shared.

May I share Your love with others,

and seek Your love in others to

build up the kingdom together!

Journal/Reflection Questions

Genesis 2:18-24

What does this scripture remind you about in terms of your role and responsibility as a human being?
Does this scripture cause you to think of a woman as an afterthought? Why or why not?
God created Eve for Adam, why do you think God wanted to create a suitable partner for Adam? Do you think He created a suitable partner for everyone? Share your thoughts.

Hebrews 2:9-11

What does this scripture tell you about Jesus’ love?
How do you feel about being called a brother and sister of Jesus? What does that mean to you?
How are you consecrated with Jesus? What does it mean to be consecrated in Jesus?

Mark 10:2-16

Read this scripture as though you are a child. What different thoughts or insights do you gather?
This scripture says divorce is a man written law, that the people had Moses to re-write the law. How is this practice played out today, not just with divorce but other laws created to guide us? Explain.
What does Jesus mean when he says, “don’t prevent them from coming to me”? Do you think he is talking about children literally or figuratively? How does this change your understanding of the scripture?

General Questions for Journaling

How do you rate in terms of being an environmentalist? Do you recycle? Care for animals? Tend to the earth? What does this reading say about your responsibility to care for God’s creation?
What comfort do you get from knowing Jesus spent time on earth?
Describe how you feel the presence of God when you are alone.
What can you do to find the Jesus in each person you meet? Is it possible to see Jesus in someone whom you don’t like or who doesn’t know Jesus? Explain.
How does Jesus’ death bring salvation to all? Does it make sense to you that you receive God’s salvation whether you believe it or not? Does that bring you comfort or cause you distress? Explain.
Describe the characteristics of man as you believe God created man to be.
Describe the characteristics of woman as you believe God created woman to be.
How do men and women complement each other? Is this how God created them to be? Why or why not?
What causes men and women to clash? Is this how God created them to be?
What is your experience of divorce? How do Jesus’ words affect your opinion of divorce? How does your experience affect how you understand the scripture?
Do you think the fear of getting divorced keeps people who are suitable partners from getting married? What other things might keep people from getting married?
What makes a marriage a “perfect union”? Do you think this exists? Why or why not? Do you believe a marriage without God can last? Why or why not?
Make a list of some non-negotiables of a marriage God joins together?

Closing Prayer

Leader: As I awake and begin each morning…

ALL: May I rejoice in Your love!

Leader: As I settle into the routine of the day…

ALL: May I rejoice in Your love!

Leader: As I encounter struggles and stress…

ALL: May I rejoice in Your love!

Leader: As I celebrate blessings and joys…

ALL: May I rejoice in Your love!

Leader: As I lay down to rest in Your embrace…

ALL: May I rejoice in Your love!

Challenge for the Week: Think of a married couple you know and reflect on their relationship through the lens of these readings. How do they complement one another? Can you see the partnership between the two of them?

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 he ather@makingscripturerelevant.com