Jesus

Sunday, January 15th Readings

2nd Sunday of Ordinary Time

Opening Prayer

Lord, Lamb of God!

May Your light shine

          from the heavens!

May Your Spirit dwell

          throughout the land!

Let all those who gather

          in your name

                   feel Your presence!

AMEN

Journal/Reflection Questions

Isaiah 49:3, 5-6

  • What is glorious about being a servant? 
  • How are you allowing God to make you strong?

1 Corinthians 1:1-3

  • Where do you see evidence of holiness?
  • What do you call God? What names do you use? 
  • What does God call you in return?

John 1:29-34

  • Who in your life demands the respect John the Baptist gives Jesus? What have they done to deserve your respect?
  • Do you believe in anything with as much conviction as John the Baptist does that Jesus is the Savior?

General Questions for Journaling

  • Where do you turn for help?
  • Do you see more light than darkness in your life right now? Or do you see more darkness in your life right now? Is there something you can do this week to let more light in?
  • What can you do to step toward God this year, this month, today?
  • How has your relationship with God restored you?
  • Are there stages of holiness like a 1-10 scale or it is a yes or no, either you are, or you aren’t?
  • What is the opposite of holiness?
  • What are characteristics of holiness? Do any of the characteristics alone point to holiness or do you need all of them?
  • Do you believe the Holy Spirit is here on earth? Where? How do you know?
  • When was the last time you looked to the Spirit of God? What were you looking for? Did the Spirit of God deliver?
  • Is your faith strong enough you would testify on behalf of your beliefs? 

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Through the waters of Baptism…

ALL:  I am CLEANED!

Leader:  Through the waters of Baptism…

ALL:  I am made PURE!

Leader:  Through the waters of Baptism…

ALL:  I am SATISFIED!

Leader:  Through the waters of Baptism…

ALL:  I become WHOLE!

Leader:  Through the waters of Baptism…

ALL:  I am BELOVED!

Challenge for the Week:  There is a motivational speaker named Andy Andrews who wrote a book called the Butterfly Effect.  It is a fictional story about a man’s life, based on a scientific theory.  The theory refers to how something as small as a butterfly flapping its wings can cause a tsunami.  The story from Andy Andrews uses this theory to remind us that one small act can do the same thing.  This is some amazing power!  Whether you use your power for good or bad is the challenge this week.  Think about the significant difference one life can make in the world; think Jesus. Your life can make a BIG difference too. Imagine what could happen if you simply flap your wings!

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 and copy and start the journey!

Sunday, December 25th Readings

Nativity of the Lord – Christmas

Opening Prayer

Heavenly Father,

Let this Christmas season

be eclipsed by Your Son, Jesus.

May I find peace in the things

that don’t go the way I want them to.

May I give thanks for what I have

without comparing it to others.

Let the wonder of His love

be shown in my words and actions.

Not only towards others

          but towards myself as well.

AMEN

Journal/Reflection Questions

Isaiah 62:11-12

  • What reward does Jesus bring to you this season?
  • How do you hold remembrance for loved ones, especially during Christmas?

Titus 3:4-7

  • The birth of Jesus can be a metaphor for many things; what will it be in your life this year?
  • Jesus’ birth is an opportunity for you be renewed. How might you be renewed?
  • What has been poured out into your life this past year? Write a prayer about it.

Luke 2:15-20

  • Where or from whom did you first hear about Jesus? Do you remember what you thought or how you felt? Explain.
  • What message do you share about Jesus’ coming? Give a specific example.

General Questions for Journaling

  • Identify things in your home that proclaim your faith. Are they there only during Christmas or all year around?
  • What gift do you want Jesus to bring you this Christmas?
  • Make a promise to yourself (tie a ribbon on your pinky finger as a reminder) that when you encounter a difficult person/conversation/situation where you’d normally engage in a negative way, to instead show mercy, kindness, or walk away.
  • Choose one of the gifts of the Holy Spirit to focus on. Either choose one for the entire year or pick one per month to focus on increasing in your life.
  • Where can you be light for someone this season?
  • Is there a situation in your life that you’ve been hiding; what does shining a light on it do? Consider if it is time to do so.
  • What is your favorite childhood memory about Christmas?
  • What tradition/traditions have you carried from your childhood that you still participate in today?
  • Do you have a nativity scene? What does it look like? Where did you get it?  ow is it displayed? Describe what it means to you.
  • When you reflect on the nativity scene, where do you picture yourself?
  • If you were there when Jesus was born, what would you say to Mary and Joseph?
  • How do you feel about the story of Jesus’ birth?
  • How is Jesus’ birth similar and different from any birth? Explain.
  • What song or songs of the season do you need to listen to so you feel the Christmas spirit?

Closing Prayer – Psalm 97

Leader:  A light will shine on this day

ALL:  the Lord is born.

Leader:  The Lord is king

ALL:  let all the earth rejoice.

Leader:  The heavens proclaim

ALL: the glory of this baby king.

Leader:  Light dawns and justice reigns

ALL:  there is peace and gladness.

Leader:  Give thanks to His holy name

ALL:  give thanks and praise.

Leader:  A light will shine on this day

ALL:  the savior is born!

Challenge for the Week:  Christmas is filled with family traditions and celebrations.  One of those traditions may include going to Church, but is that the only way you celebrate Jesus’ birthday?  Think about the family traditions you have when you celebrate a birthday of someone in your family?  What do you do?  Who do you invite to celebrate?  How do you make the person feel special?  What do you do for a friend when it is their birthday?  How can you do the same for Jesus?  What family traditions do you have, or can you start to celebrate Jesus’ birthday?  Who can you invite to be a part of the celebration?  How do you make Jesus feel special at the birthday party?  Take time to plan out how you will celebrate Jesus’ birthday this year!

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 and copy and start the journey!

Sunday, December 4th Readings

2nd Sunday of Advent

Opening Prayer

Come Holy Spirit… 

          Reshape!

          Embrace!

Set the world on fire with YOUR love!

Journal/Reflection Questions

Isaiah 11:1-10

  • What are the qualities of God? What do you know and understand of God?
  • What does it mean to “fill the earth with knowledge of the Lord”?
  • Do you see the gifts of the Holy Spirit lived out in your life? Where? How can you be more intentional about using those gifts?
  • Share a present-day example of the “wolf being the guest of the lamb”.

Romans 15:4-9

  • What advice does Saint Paul give here? Do his words ring true for us today? How?
  • Is it easy or difficult to “think in harmony” with another person? What good comes from just agreeing with them? What harm? What does God call you to do in these situations?
  • What walls do you have in front of you as obstacles of unity with others?
  • Are there people in your life whom you find it easier to agree in order to keep peace? What good comes from this?

Matthew 3:1-12

  • How would you respond to John’s call? Knowing what you know about John’s character, what do you think is call was like? Would you be persuaded, or would you turn away?
  • What about John the Baptist would cause you to believe? What would draw you in to be baptized by him?
  • John the Baptist was not worthy to carry Jesus’ sandals; what are things you do not think you are worthy of doing?
  • Are you “on fire” for God? What do your words and actions say?

General Questions for Journaling

  • What opens you to the mystery of God?
  • What do you long for? What do you need this holiday? Where can you find it?
  • Jesus came from a long line of faithful servants. What does your lineage say about faith? What is your faith DNA?
  • The season change indicates it’s time to cut back plants, flowers and trees and bring them in to protect them from the winter frost. How is this true of your faith and relationships?
  • What changes do you need to make in order to clear out “dead wood” in your life? In your beliefs? In your relationships?
  • In retrospect, what changes in your life are you most proud of making? What was the change and what makes you proud of this change?
  • What good comes from you? Where did it come from?
  • Where do you see justice prevail? Share an example.
  • Do you have a sacred place where you feel at peace?
  • Have you ever had such a peace come over you, you felt as though no harm could come to you? Explain.
  • How do you achieve peace in your life? Is it achievable? 
  • How does the Christmas season bring harmony?
  • How does the Christmas season hinder harmony?
  • How does the coming of Jesus give you hope in the world today?
  • How do you feel welcomed? Where do you feel welcomed?
  • How does the Christmas season encourage your faith?
  • How does the Christmas season discourage your faith?
  • What warning(s) have you received of pending doom? 
  • Is it fear of a vengeful wrath or the love of God which keeps you on the straight path?
  • Where do you produce good fruit in your life? What are some things you can change so you can produce more?
  • What fans the flames within you to make you bigger, better and stronger in your faith?

Closing Prayer

Leader:  In the waters of baptism…

ALL:  bring the Spirit of God!

Leader:  Through works of mercy…

ALL:  bring the Spirit of God!

Leader:  In the gift of peace…

ALL: bring the Spirit of God!

Leader:  As I welcome others…

ALL:  bring the Spirit of God!

Leader:  While I sing your praise…

ALL:  bring the Spirit of God!

Leader:  Set my heart on fire…

ALL:  Spirit of God!

Challenge for the Week:  Catholic’s celebrate the coming of Jesus at Christmas in the season called Advent.  They create an atmosphere of peace, hope, joy, and anticipation with sacramentals such as the Advent Wreath, special Scriptures, and traditional songs.  The church is decorated in deep purples and rose, the colors of Advent, instead of the Christmas colors of red, green, and white.  For many, it is easy to take for granted this time of Advent when outside of the church.  The world barely takes notice of how the Church on a greater scale is stepping out and pointing the way to Jesus, instead of what is happening in the world during the “busy holiday season”.  Inside the Catholic church, the attributes of Advent; peace, hope, joy, and anticipation, are on display and there to remind believers about the true reason for the season.  Take time this week to reflect on what role you play in keeping these Advent attributes alive in your life.  What can you do to point toward Jesus, creating an atmosphere of peace, hope, joy, and anticipation?  How can you be like John the Baptist, a voice in the wilderness, keeping Advent 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.

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 and copy and start the journey!

Sunday, November 27th Readings)

1st Sunday of Advent

Opening Prayer

Be still.

Wait.

Breathe.

Wait.

Relax.

Wait.

Come Lord Jesus, Come!

Journal/Reflection Questions

Isaiah 2:1-5

  • What does “world peace” look like to you? How would you change things in order to have “world peace”.
  • What does the phrase, “beat your swords into plowshares” mean to you? What does this tell you to do? 

Romans 13:11-14

  • Are there places of darkness in your life? Identify them and make an action plan on how you will shed God’s light into the situation, problem or feeling.
  • God is the God of yesterday, today, and tomorrow. You can look back on his arrival, and look forward to his coming again, where do you find God in your present?

Matthew 24:37-44

  • How can you make God more welcome in your daily life?
  • How does God come to you each day? Identify as many as you can and praise God for blessing you.

General Questions for Journaling

  • If you used a mountain as a metaphor for your faith, where on the mountain might you be on your journey to Christ? Draw a picture and identify all of the moments on your faith journey where you have encountered God.  
  • How high do you think the highest mountain is? What would it take to get to the top?
  • Are there special skills you have which would help you survive a long journey? Are there any skills you wish you had?
  • How does God instruct you? What makes you sure God is leading you down the right path?
  • What does peace look like? What does peace feel like?
  • Children are sometimes rewarded for waiting, reflect on how that translates into your waiting as an adult. 
  • How do you view waiting? Is it positive or negative?
  • What are some of the things in life and in this world that are worth waiting for?
  • What do all churches have in common? Are these the things that make them the house(s) of the Lord? Or is there something else?
  • Are there injustices that you have “fallen asleep” to? Is calling you to “wake up” and do something?
  • Have you ever felt like you were sleep walking through life? Just going through the motions of your everyday activities? What did you do or can you do to change?
  • Have you ever felt as though God woke you up to tell you something? What did He say? How did you listen?
  • An angel of the Lord spoke to many people in the Bible in a dream, has God ever spoken to you in a dream? What did He say? How did you listen?
  • Who in your life are you anxious to see? Whom do you look forward to spending time with? What about those people make time with them highly anticipated?
  • How will you prepare your home for Jesus’ coming this Advent/Christmas season?

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.

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 and copy and start the journey!

Sunday, November 20th Readings

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.

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 and copy and start the journey!

Sunday, October 16th Readings

29th Sunday of Ordinary Time

Opening Prayer

Generous God

You give me food from heaven    

          so I have the nourishment I need.

You give me a source of water

          so I can be refreshed and clean.

You also give me friends

          so I can be supported when

          my load just seems to get to heavy.

Thank you Lord,

          for providing all of my needs.

AMEN

Journal/Reflection Questions

Exodus 17:8-13

  • Moses needed the help of others to pray without ceasing. Who are the people in your life who help you stay faithful? 
  • What does the scripture tell you about the importance of prayer?

2Timothy 3:14-4:2

  • How are you challenged to use scripture in your life in this reading? What can you do to make this happen more regularly?
  • How is the Gospel/Word of God lived out in the world today? Is it hard or easy to find? Is it easily recognizable or is it disguised?
  • When has your faith been convenient? When has it been inconvenient? What does Saint Paul say you should do about it?

Luke 18:1-8

  • How does this reading make you feel about prayer?
  • What does this reading say about how God answers prayer?

General Questions for Journaling

  • Who or what keeps you persistent in your prayer?
  • Where do you go when you need help? Is help always given?
  • Body language communicates much, so when you see Jesus with his arms stretched out, you can imagine the sacrifice He made on the cross. However, what else do outstretched arms say? What does it mean when you stretch out your arms in prayer?
  • When was the last time you proclaimed the Word of God to others? Your spouse? Your friends? Your kids? Your co-workers? How was this done? What was their reaction?
  • Who last proclaimed with word of God to you? Was it someone close to you? A stranger? Your church? How was it done? What was your response?
  • How can you pray and NOT grow weary? Is it possible?
  • Why is it difficult to pray regularly? What gets in your way? Are you able to keep a pattern of prayer for a long period of time? What keeps you disciplined to do pray regularly?
  • When did you last ask others to pray for you? What was the situation? How did you feel knowing others were praying for you and with you?
  • How can prayer change you?
  • Have you ever felt like your prayers weren’t answered? Why or why not?
  • When you pray are you ready to listen for the answer?
  • Do you pray for those who judge you and for those whom you have judged? 
  • Why should you pray petitions to God? Doesn’t He already know what you need?
  • When did God answer your prayer? Was it in the way you expected?
  • Have you experienced a prayer miracle? When was it? Who was there? What was the circumstance?
  • Do you allow yourself to be vulnerable in your prayer? Do you ask God for what you need or what you want? Is there a difference?
  • How can persistent prayer save you from your enemies?

Closing Prayer

Leader:  When I am weak

ALL:  may I find strength…everlasting!

Leader:  When I am blinded

ALL:  may I find my sight…everlasting!

Leader:  When I am weary

ALL:  may I find my contentment…everlasting!

Leader:  When I am lame

ALL:  may I find my healing…everlasting!

Leader:  When I am suffering

ALL:  may I find my blessing…everlasting!

Leader:  When I am alone

ALL:  may I find my Savior…everlasting!

Challenge for the Week:  Consider the following questions: What is the role of prayer in your life?  How do you pray?  When do you pray?  Is there a routine to your prayer?  Do you have a specific place where you pray?  Is there structure to your prayer or is it completely random?  Are there people whom you pray for?  Do you ask others to pray for you?  What value do you put on prayer?  Do you only pray for yourself and your loved ones or do you include people you don’t know?  Do you pray for specific things to happen?  Are your prayers general/generic?  Is your language formal or informal when you pray?  Do you pray by yourself or with others?  How important is prayer to your life?  Do others know how important/unimportant prayer is to you?  Spend time pondering these questions this week and then pray with purpose!

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 and copy and start the journey!

Sunday, October 9th Readings

28th Sunday of Ordinary Time

Opening Prayer

Spirit of God

As I journey through this life,

          may I not forget the lives of those before me.

Let me spend time reflecting,

          on the sacrifices others make for my sake.

Working, dreaming, praying, surviving,

          for someone they would never meet.

What can I do for those who lived before?

          Remember and show gratitude to those ahead.

AMEN

Journal/Reflection Questions

2Kings 5:14-17

  • The leper was asked to wash in the river, which was a normal everyday task. He doubted God’s healing through the mundane. Where did God last cause a miracle to happen in your life? Was it through something spectacular or through something ordinary?
  • Why does the water heal? What makes it different from any other time he went to the river?
  • Have you experienced a cleansing like Naaman? Explain.

2Timothy 2:8-13

  • How do you suffer for the Gospel today? How does the faith community? How does the U.S.? The world?
  • What does it mean to be linked to the suffering of Christ? How does this look in your life?
  • In what ways do you deny God? Are there areas of your life that you don’t allow God into?
  • What do you deny yourself of? What does it take for you to do so? How does it affect those around you?

Luke 17:11-19

  • Who are the lepers of our time? How do you serve the marginalized and hurting?
  • What do you think causes Jesus to feel pity?
  • Why do you think only one shows gratitude?

General Questions for Journaling

  • When was the last time you let something little ruin what should have been a beautiful experience? What do you let get in the way of our happiness?
  • On the flip side, when was the last time you celebrated something little? Life is full of moments of grace which deem to be celebrated! What will you celebrate today?
  • Do you give to others with expectation of something in return? Share an experience. What does God say about this?
  • How does your attitude affect your healing? How does your healing affect your attitude?
  • What can you learn about how to treat others from those who care for others for a living such as nurses and others service jobs such as firemen? What one quality do you possess already? What one quality do you want to nurture in yourself?
  • Who do you consider to be in your “cloud of witnesses”? How is your faith affected by them?
  • When has God recently poured grace into your life? How did you thank God for this gift?
  • Are there things you need to let go of so God can cure you?
  • Where do you go to be cleaned? How do you become clean? Why do you need to be cleaned?
  • What gifts do you have that have the power to heal another person?
  • How open are you to allow another person to heal you?
  • What do you think the 9 lepers felt and thought after being healed? Do you think they heard about the one who went back to say “thank you”? 
  • Why does God continue to heal people if they do not show gratitude? Do you follow God’s example? Do you always show gratitude for all God has given?

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Lord, have pity on me and let me do the same…

ALL:  by holding a door for a stranger.

Leader:  Lord, have pity on me and let me do the same…

ALL:  by leaving a generous tip.

Leader:  Lord, have pity on me and let me do the same…

ALL:  by calling or visiting a shut-in.

Leader:  Lord, have pity on me and let me do the same…

ALL:  by volunteering some time.

Leader:  Lord, have pity on me and let me do the same…

ALL:  by giving a gift for no reason.

Leader:  Let me have pity on others so

ALL:  Your grace can turn pity into joy!

Challenge for the Week:  Compare and contrast times when you have been weighed down with the chains of suffering and times when you feel rinsed clean.  Identify two or more situations in your life when you have experienced these feelings and spend time reflecting on the differences and the similarities of the experiences.  What did you feel physically, what did you think, what emotions did you feel, what was your behavior like, how did you treat yourself and others during these times?  Additionally, where was God during these times?  Did you experience a change in you afterwards?  Was it for the worse or for the better?  What are your emotions/feelings about these experiences now that you look back on them?  What will you do/can you do with this new knowledge of yourself?  Is there benefit not only for you but for others as well?  Decide on one action you will do (whether for yourself or for another) to live out what you have learned.

And/or:  How do you express your love?  The love language book speaks of 5 languages, service, affection, gifts, time, and adoration.  Consider showing love to others in each of these five ways.

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 and copy and start the journey!

Sunday, September 11th Readings

24th Sunday of Ordinary Time

Opening Prayer

Lord of immense patience

        How can I learn from you?

Where can I go to find patience?

        Is it within my reach?

What can I do to cultivate more?

        Why can’t I seem to wait?

Be with me Lord,

        I cannot do it on my own!

Journal/Reflection Questions

Exodus 32: 7-11, 13-14

  • What does this scripture say about human nature? Is it still true today? Where do you see an example?
  • What does this reading tell you about God’s mercy?
  • How does the covenant with God work with the Israelites? Is there a give and take agreement? How does this covenant work in our own relationship with God?

1 Timothy 1:12-17

  • St Paul’s conversion is one of the most powerful examples in the Bible of God’s mercy and forgiveness. Where do you see God’s patience working in today’s world? Where in your life do you need to show mercy and forgiveness?
  • Identify how God has shown mercy to Paul.
  • Identify how others showed mercy to Paul.

Luke 15: 1-32

  • How do you rejoice when you have been forgiven?
  • Describe what it feels like to be filled with compassion.

General Questions for Journaling

  • Are there things in your life which you value more than God? Imagine how God reacts to this knowledge.
  • Would you consider yourself a persuasive person? Who do you identify as a persuasive person?
  • Could a persuasive person get you to do something you know is wrong or that you shouldn’t do? Has this ever happened?
  • How do you use persuasion in your life? Do you use it to get what you want or what God wants?
  • Do you try to talk God into things? If so, what? And how did/does He respond?
  • How do you feel when you make a deal with someone, and they don’t keep up their part?
  • Have you ever reneged on a deal? What was the situation?
  • Do threats work? Why or why not? When are threats necessary?
  • Have you ever cried out to God to help you? Did He come to your aid? Explain what the circumstances were and how God helped you.
  • Does God ever give up on you? Why then, do you give up on yourself? 
  • When have you given up on yourself? Did you reach out to God or to others? Were you shown mercy?
  • You don’t only experience grief when someone close to you dies. You also can experience grief when you lose things of which you value such as your health, your job, a relationship, or a goal. Is there something which you grieve right now?
  • How have you dealt with loss? Did you feel angry? Fearful? Lonely? Did you feel God? Explain.
  • In a time of loss, who was there to help support you? Who offered comfort?
  • Did you learn anything about yourself through an experience of loss? Be specific.
  • Have you ever lost something of value and then got it back? How did it feel? What did you do?
  • Have you ever been lost? What did it feel like? Who found you? How did you feel when you were found?
  • Do you think God has favorites? Does He love the one who got away more than the 99 faithful?

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Thank you Lord

ALL:  For you never give up on me, a sinner!

Leader:  Thank you Lord

ALL:  For you never leave me, a sinner!

Leader:  Thank you Lord

ALL:  For you never lose patience with me, a sinner!

Leader:  Thank you Lord

ALL:  For you never for me, a sinner!

Leader:  Thank you Lord

ALL:  For you never forsake me, a sinner!

Challenge for the Week:  On the anniversary of the terrorist attack on the twin towers in New York City and the Pentagon, each person over the age of 20 can tell you a story about where they were and how they felt when they heard the terrible news.  If you reflect back to your story, it may be filled with sadness, anger, surprise, but at the time you probably didn’t have much mercy or forgiveness about the event.  Spend some time this week and examine what has changed in your life, in the world and see how time has perhaps changed your perspective or understanding.  Have you seen mercy and forgiveness happen in the world?  What examples can you come up with as ones to share with others so they can learn to be able to forgive and show mercy to others.  

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 and copy and start the journey!

Bountiful Rain

During the month of July, there were only 3 days that did not reach 100 degrees where I live.  I’m not complaining because I know that everywhere in the world has experienced hotter than normal temperatures, to the point where it has created a variety of problems.  I heard that in England, they do not have air conditioning, so this heat wave has caused many businesses to change their hours of operation or close temporarily to keep their employees safe.

I suppose it wouldn’t be so bad if there was also rain in the forecast, but the hot weather and no rain just makes the problems compound.  Specifically, where I live, the county is urging residents to conserve water and energy by limiting days when you can water your lawn and suggesting you turn off and unplug things that are not in use.  In an attempt to water as much as I can, that one day a week, I went to buy a soaker hose so I could water the ground along the foundation of my house to try to prevent cracks in the foundation.

The water levels in the lakes and rivers are way down which is having a negative effect on those small-town businesses that count on the summer boom of people floating the river.  I was looking forward to attending an annual Jet Ski Festival/Competition in a neighboring town, but it was cancelled due to low water.  I imagine that festival is one of those events the town hosts that brings in enough revenue to carry them and without that income, the negative effects can compound on people’s livelihoods.

Then, the low water levels also means that water is getting trapped, and the stagnant water is growing algae which adds a whole other layer of issues.  Places where people might gather around rivers and lakes to boat, ski, kayak, or paddle board, are now limited.  And the evaporating water leaves behind dried algae that really doesn’t smell very pleasant, not to mention some of the dead fish that were trapped.  It begins to look pretty dismal.

And the lack of rain and high temperatures aren’t just wreaking havoc on the rivers and lakes, but also the earth in general.  On my walks, I see places on the paths where the ground has cracked, and along the sidewalks the grass is pulling away from the edge of the concrete.  Some of the cracks have become so big that my foot could fit into the separation.  It reminds me of the scene in the animated movie, The Land Before Time, when the earth split, and a baby dinosaur is on one side and his mother is on the other.

The other day I passed a neighbor who said she was tired of this heat and was thinking of learning the rain dance to bring some relief.  Of course, this weather condition could quickly turn around and before you know it everyone could be worried and complaining about that there is too much rain causing flood conditions and damage.  This is a real concern in Texas because it doesn’t rain very much and when it does, it doesn’t soak into the earth, it rushes over it.  Flash floods are a legitimate concern in this area of the country.

I think there are many nuggets of wisdom in this real-world situation to teach about faith.  For one, it is to be grateful for whatever it is that comes your way today.  It might be too hot, it might be too wet, it might be too something, but there is goodness in it, no matter what.  Another is to look at it as a lesson in patience; to learn to wait on what you need.  Yet, another is to surrender, recognizing that you do not have control of the temperature or when it will rain, or any other type of weather catastrophe.

So for now, I embrace these lessons to be grateful, to be patient and to surrender.  In the meantime, I will give thanks for what I do have and to look at this time of desert conditions as a part of the restoration that is necessary for the earth to prosper.  Just as in my lifetime, I will endure many seasons, the earth must also as the earth’s creator is also my own.  And after all, this earth is a gift from God and the place I call home; so I choose to rejoice and be glad, even in the hard times.  The rain will come, remain faithful my friends!

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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.  It’s more than a book, rather a guide to becoming a stronger disciple through physical and spiritual exercises.  Get your copy and begin the journey!

He Disciplines

You might think that discipline is a bad thing, primarily because it is what parents do to correct their children’s bad behavior. However, discipline is something you do every day, such as maintaining the speed limit or holding your tongue and not lashing out at your boss. You might even discipline yourself by limiting your caffeine intake or setting an alarm to remind you to take a walk break. Discipline is not a bad thing; it is simply a practice to change behavior.

When you choose to change your behavior, it requires a different attitude and perspective to keep you from falling back into the undesired behavior. This can be hard, especially if you are just starting out. Many people fail when making a resolution to change a behavior due to triggers such as environment or the company they keep.

For example, if you choose to quit smoking but your co-worker whom you normally go outside to smoke with does not, it can be a challenge to still go out with them while they smoke. When you no longer go with them, it can have a negative effect on your relationship and if you do go out with them, you’re more likely to fall back into the behavior you’re trying to avoid.

Discipline is a key factor in discipleship, which is why I’ve always found it interesting that you can’t spell discipline without disciple. I feel there is a message in it somehow such as when you discipline yourself, you are a disciple in training. It makes sense because discipline is a type of sacrifice and when you strive to live your life as a disciple, you do have to make sacrifices.

You can read examples of some of the sacrifices a disciple would make (have made) in the Bible, beginning in the Old Testament. It is full of examples of people who sacrificed for God’s glory such as Abraham, Moses, Job, Naomi, and so many more. In the Old Testament, sacrifices were made on a regular basis as a part of the worship experience. When Jesus came on the scene, He called on the first disciples who left behind their families and possessions to travel with Jesus. Then of course the ultimate sacrifice, Jesus gave His own life for the forgiveness of sins, which is remembered each time Mass is celebrated around the world.

Today, sacrifices might include choosing to go to a Church service or function instead of staying home and watching a movie or a live sporting event. It might mean you skip the drive thru coffee in the morning and donate that money to support a nonprofit organization.  Perhaps the sacrifice is refraining from gossip or saying negative things about other people. Discipline to become a disciple can look different for each person, but it still requires a sacrifice, making the effort to change your behavior.

The practice of discipline is a primary focus during the season of Lent, when in the Catholic church people refrain from eating meat on Fridays and typically give up or take on something. However, discipline is also lived out when you don’t eat for an hour before going to Mass, so you are emptied before receiving communion (Jesus). I like this thought of shedding something or removing something to make room for Jesus, in the same way you decrease your ego to increase God’s plan for you.

So, when the scripture says that Jesus disciplines those He loves, it gives me insight as to why following Jesus can be difficult at times. It helps explain why Jesus says the gate to heaven is narrow because it requires discipline and being able to do hard things. Even Saint Paul contributes to the argument that being a disciple is difficult. He says you must deny the things your body desires and do the things that the Spirit desires; this is not an easy thing to do.

One way to accomplish this feat, or at least begin to make strides towards the goal of getting through the narrow gate, is to practice the “see no evil, hear no evil, and speak no evil” philosophy. In other words, shedding the thoughts and behaviors that cause you to sin. When you practice filtering your thoughts and behaviors through this philosophy, it can help you identify things you need to do to change or refrain from doing. It is definitely no easy feat, but there is (at least for me) comfort in knowing you are not alone on the journey.

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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.  It’s more than a book, rather a guide to becoming a stronger disciple through physical and spiritual exercises.  Get your copy and begin the journey!