Sunday, June 5th Readings

Pentecost

Opening Prayer

Come, Holy Spirit, come!

Renew my life

Lead my actions

Guide my words

Show me the way, home!

Journal/Reflection Questions

Acts 2:1-11

Do you understand all that you believe? How does it become clear to you? Who makes it so?
How do you know the Spirit is here? What makes you know when the Holy Spirit is present and living and working?

1 Corinthians 12:3b-7, 12-13 or Romans 8:8-17

How does the Spirit work to give you gifts? Can you develop new gifts?
What can you do to die to the flesh? Is there something you need to die to in order to live more deeply in the Spirit?

John 20:19-23 or John 14:15-16, 23B-26

What does the Holy Spirit have to do with forgiveness of sins? Explain.
How does the Holy Spirit help you keep the commandments? Give examples.

General Questions for Journaling

Is it possible to speak without words? How good/clear is the communication?
What do you speak without words? What do you communicate to the world?
Where do you see the Holy Spirit teaching today?
What is the Holy Spirit guiding you do?
Where is the Holy Spirit leading you?
What is the Holy Spirit giving you strength to accomplish?
What wisdom, knowledge or understanding is the Holy Spirit giving you in order to teach others?
How does the Spirit manifest itself in your life?
Do you carry around “dead weight” which takes up space within you? How can you release it and fill the space with the Holy Spirit?
Define advocate. How does this describe the Holy Spirit?

Closing Prayer (excerpts from Veni Sanctus Spiritus)

Leader: Come, Holy Spirit, come!

ALL: Shine within these hearts!

Leader: Come, Holy Spirit, come!

ALL: Heal our wounds!

Leader: Come, Holy Spirit, come!

ALL: Renew our strength!

Leader: Come, Holy Spirit, come!

ALL: Wash away the stains of guilt!

Leader: Come, Holy Spirit, come!

ALL: Guide the steps that go astray.

ALL: Come, Holy Spirit STAY!

Challenge for the Week: Spend time connecting with the Holy Spirit this week and reflect on these questions: How aware are you of the Holy Spirit in your life? Rate yourself on a scale from 1-10. Where do you see the benefits of the Holy Spirit in your life? How does the Holy Spirit lead you and guide you? What was the last decision you made with the counsel of the Holy Spirit? When did you last turn away the Holy Spirit’s input and go your own way? How do you give thanks and praise to the Holy Spirit? Do you give the Holy Spirit recognition for the work He/She does in your life? How do you teach others about the benefits of following the guidance of the Holy Spirit? When did you last “rest in the Spirit”? Make a point this week to find peace by resting in the Spirit…whatever that looks like for you. If you don’t know, find out!

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 29th Readings

7^th Sunday of Easter

Opening Prayer

Open my heart Lord

so it may be filled with love for my neighbors

Open my lips Lord

so they may speak the Good News to others

Open my arms Lord

so they may reach out to those who need YOU!

Open my heart, lips and arms

to be at witness of YOUR WORD!

Journal/Reflection Questions

Acts 7 :55-60

How is what happened to Stephen in this scripture like what Jesus experienced?
When have you seen this type of behavior happen in the world today? What was the situation?

Revelation 22:12-14,16-17,20

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 17:20-26

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

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? Describe.
How open are you to speaking about your faith? Whom do you speak freely with and with whom do you withhold?
What would be the reaction of coworkers, family, or friends if you stood up to witness your belief in Jesus?
Do those you spend the most time with know the depth of your faith? Do you know theirs? Why or why not?
Have you ever sacrificed something in your life for your faith? What was it? Did you ever regain it or did you leave it behind for good?
Identify how your faith fills you or satisfies you? How can you share this feeling with others who don’t understand faith?
Where did you first learn about the faith? When did you understand God’s love? Who shared it with you? How do you continue to pass these lessons onto others to enjoy?
If you drew a picture of yourself and colored in the amount of you Jesus lives in, how much of you would be colored? Would it be all the same color or shades of colors? What resides in the space(s) Jesus doesn’t?
Identify the moment(s) when you have felt the most “full” of Christ? What did/does it feel like?
Describe how God is the beginning and the end, the alpha and the omega, the first and the last.
How do you pray for others? Are they prayers for deeper faith? Who needs these types of prayers? Write a prayer for them.
How do you live in God and God live in you? Be specific.
What does Jesus promise? How is it fulfilled?

Closing Prayer

Leader: Lift my eyes to heaven

ALL: to see the beauty of each new day

Leader: Lift my eyes to heaven

ALL: to find calm even in the storm

Leader: Lift my eyes to heaven

ALL: to seek you in those I encounter

Leader: Lift my eyes to heaven

ALL: to receive the gifts I need

Leader: Lift my eyes to heaven

ALL: to be a witness of all You came to give!

Challenge for the Week: Pay attention this week to the conversations going on in the world and make a list of the people witnessing to the truth they believe. Use this list to really look at what is being said and how you are influenced by it. How much of what you hear around you is positive? Negative? Actual facts or fabricated and twisted to fit a specific argument? Make a conscious effort to look to heaven as you hear these witnesses to help determine or confirm the words are true. When you look to heaven, you gain a clearer sense of who you are and what your purpose is in the world. Look up!

Sunday, May 8th Readings

4^th Sunday of Easter

Opening Prayer

Shepherd

Open my ears so I can clearly hear you when you call.

Let me follow you!

Open my eyes so I can clearly see you and come to save me when I am lost.

Let me follow you!

Open my heart so I can clearly know it is you who brings me comfort when I am weary.

Let me follow you!

Come, Good Shepherd, lead me on!

Amen

Journal/Reflection Questions

Acts 13:14, 43-52

Where do you go to “preach” the Word of God? How are you welcomed?
How do you bring “light” to others? Is it always welcome? Has it ever been rejected? Share the experience.

Revelation 7:9, 14b-17

Describe how God satisfies hunger. Has God satisfied a hunger in your life? Reflect on how this experience can help others.
Has God ever wiped away your tears? What was the circumstance? How do you know it was God?

John 10:27-30

What does God’s voice sound like? How is it different than other voices?
Is it easy to listen and follow God’s voice? Why or why not?

General Questions for Journaling

How do you act when you are faced with opposition? What do you think? How do you feel?
When faced with conflict, what is a good way to handle it and what is a not so good way? Think of actual situations when you were dealing with conflict and identify your actions as good and not so good.
Are there people or groups whom you reject because they have different views than you? Do you think it is possible to find common ground? What keeps you from finding a compromise?
Is there someone you know who needs comforting? What can you do to give them what they need?
Where do you see justice in the world? What do you to support it?
What do you hunger for? For what do you thirst? How do you search for satisfaction?
How is God leading you today? Have you stopped to listen for HIS voice?

Closing Prayer

Leader: Lord, YOU are my Comforter

ALL: YOU pick me up when I am down.

Leader: Lord, YOU are my safety

ALL: YOU protect me from harm.

Leader: Lord, YOU are my strength

ALL: YOU fill me with what I need.

Leader: Lord, YOU are my healer

ALL: YOU mend me when I am broken.

Leader: Lord, YOU are my companion

ALL: YOU are with me when I am alone.

Leader: Lord, YOU are my Shepherd

ALL: YOU lead me to my eternal home.

Challenge for the Week: What are the qualities of a good leader? What do you value in a leader, teacher, guide? Are these qualities universally good or are they only what you value? Make a list of the qualities you value in a leader and consider if there is anything missing? Do you have any of these qualities? Why does having these qualities make someone a good leader? What can you do to nurture some of the good qualities in your life? Are there people who look to you as a leader? What do they see in you as good qualities to follow?

Sunday, May 1st Readings

3^rd Sunday of Easter

Opening Prayer

Savior God

I cry out Lord, Lord

and you answer my plea.

In my darkest hour,

YOU come to me

YOU give me comfort

because YOU know what it feels like to suffer.

May I sing YOUR praises forevermore

My Lord, my Deliverer, my Redeemer!

Amen!

Journal/Reflection Questions

Acts 5:27-32, 40b-41

Have you ever been confronted about a wrongdoing? What was the situation and how was it resolved?
How does it feel to be accused of something whether you did it or didn’t do it? Are the feelings similar or different? Explain.

Revelation 5:11-14

Describe how the universe cries out to give God glory.
What can you do to show glory and give honor to God today? Be specific.

John 21:1-19 or 21:1-14

Are you seeking Jesus? Where do you look? Is your search easy or difficult?
John recognized Jesus on the shore; where do you see Jesus today?
Jesus cooks breakfast on the shore for His friends; how can you express your love to your family and friends without expectation?

General Questions for Journaling

Are there teachings in the church which you don’t talk about because you don’t understand them? What keeps you from learning about these things?
What is your favorite thing about your faith? How do you know it is your favorite?
Where do you feel most comfortable sharing your faith? With whom do you share it? How can you stretch your reach a little this week?
When have you gone against the law? Why did you? Did you get caught? Were there consequences suffered? Would you do it again?
Do you have a “pain plan” on how to deal with suffering or loss in your life? These experiences are inevitable, how can you prepare yourself to be able to get through the hard times?
How could you being prepared to deal with your pain help others?
What are you doing to keep Easter alive in your life right now?
Where is God calling you to care for others? How are you called to care for others?
Have you missed your call or are you already living it out and need to be renewed in your passion?

Closing Prayer

Leader: Lord, you await me on the seashore

ALL: to welcome me onto solid ground!

Leader: Lord, you await me on the seashore

ALL: to give me a warm embrace!

Leader: Lord, you await me on the seashore

ALL: to help satisfy my needs!

Leader: Lord, you await me on the seashore

ALL: to share with me our daily bread!

Leader: Lord, you await me on the seashore

ALL: to remind me of my call!

Leader: Lord, you await me on the seashore

ALL: to restore my faith!

Challenge for the Week: Each and every person suffers at one time or another. At some time or another, you will make sacrifices for another person, for your job or for your health. These sacrifices of time or money, for the sake of another person can become a point of contention for some people and they make sure everyone knows that they made this or these sacrifices either for your sake or for the sake of someone else. It can be worn as a badge of honor or a brought up as a reminder to show power. Sometimes the sacrifices made just sound like complaints or regrets.

Consider if Jesus took this same attitude of complaining or regretting the sacrifice He made when dying on the cross. It is something to reflect upon, to make sure that the sacrifices you make on behalf of another person are not used as leverage in your relationship, rather the sacrifices are made out of love. You never hear of Jesus complaining about His suffering or how sacrificing His life for the good of all people was a mistake.

Instead, you see Jesus modeling what to do when you are suffering or sacrificing yourself, and that is to turn towards God in the midst of His suffering. God cannot remove the pain, but He will sit there with you through it. The pain Jesus had to go through and His sacrificing Himself had to happen so that the resurrection could happen! It is an example of how good can come from sacrifice. How might your life be different if Jesus didn’t go through the pain of Good Friday in order to restore humanity by raising from the dead at Easter?

Holy Thursday Prayer Guide

Holy Thursday

Opening Prayer

I will call upon the Lord

and He shall answer!

I shall give thanks and praise

for all the Lord has done!

Alleluia!

Reflection Questions

1^st Reading – Exodus 12:1-8,11-14

Do you hide Christ in your life? In your conversations? In your home? What can you do to reveal him?
How do others know you are a Christian?

2^nd Reading – 1Corinthians 11:23-26

When you hear these words prayed during the Eucharistic Celebration of Mass, who do you invite to the table with you?
What do the words, “do this in remembrance of me” mean to you?

Gospel Reading – John 13:1-15

Jesus says, “Do you know what I have done for you?” He isn’t only speaking to the disciples when he says to go and do; He is speaking to you too. Identify 2-3 things you will do this Easter Season to follow Jesus’ example.
Jesus knows His disciples will scatter in fear, what do you think allows him to stay and celebrate the Passover meal with His friends and wash their feet?

Closing Prayer

Leader: Shown in hospitality;

ALL: love as I have loved.

Leader: Shown in compassion;

ALL: love as I have loved.

Leader: Shown in sacrifice;

ALL: love as I have loved.

Leader: Jesus…

ALL: you have shown me how to love!

Challenge for Holy Thursday: It is common practice for Jesus to be placed at the altar at the end of Holy Thursday’s Mass for the faithful to stay and participate in what in the Catholic Church calls Adoration. This time is set aside specifically on the Thursday before Easter during Holy Week, to practice in real time staying awake for Jesus. It is an opportunity to join Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane where He went to pray before He was arrested. The ritual generally lasts until Midnight and then Jesus is removed to imitate how He had been taken into custody.

Set aside an hour to be with Jesus. You choose how you will spend the time. You can sit in silence or pray the Rosary or light candles or write a prayer or draw a mandala; it is your choice how to spend this specific hour with Jesus.

Sunday, March 13th Readings

2nd Sunday of Lent

Opening Prayer

Father

Bring on the new day!

Allow my spirit to be awakened!

No more will I suffer, for YOU are my Lord!

I will keep your commands!

Your promises you keep!

Amen!

Journal/Reflection Questions

Genesis 15:5-12, 17-18

Have you questioned your ability to achieve what God requests of you? Share an example.
What does God ask for you to sacrifice for a relationship with him?
God gives Abram the stars to represent his promise. What has God used in your life to represent his promise to you?
What covenant does God make with Abram? How do the terms of the covenant affect you?

Philippians 3:17-4:1 or 3:20-4:1

Do you know people who “shine”? Describe what this means.
According to this scripture, what must you do? How can you better prepare yourself to achieve this?
How do you know if something is glorified? Does it look, smell, taste, feel different?

Luke 9:28b-36

God’s voice comes from the cloud in this scripture, where else has God’s voice come from? Where have you heard God’s voice?
How does being on a mountain top change one’s perspective? Share a time when you have been on top of a mountain, what did you see, what did you feel?
Why do you think people in the Bible go up to the mountain to pray? What is the significance? What should we learn from this action?
Why is it good for the disciples to be there on the mountain? Why is it also good for the disciples to come down?

General Questions for Journaling

What is the difference between righteous and self-righteous? Can they lead you down the same path? Why or why not?
Does darkness come suddenly or does it creep up on you? Share an example. Then compare the situation to your faith life.
Have you ever been afraid of the dark? What about the darkness frightened you? Describe the feeling you get when you come out of darkness into light.
Do you trust God 100%? What keeps you from trusting God at all times, and in all things? Be specific and honest with yourself about what keeps you from trusting God all the way.
Are you blinded by other things in your life? What are some of those things that can blind you from God’s goodness?
Would you describe yourself an being 1)led blindly through life by God, 2)a consultant with God on your path in life, 3)going through life ready to face whatever comes your way.
Make a list of at least five things that boost your spirits. What happens within you when you get excited about something?
How do you come to know Jesus better? Write down all you know about Jesus. Do you know anyone who needs to have this information?
Where have you seen God in everyday situations?
How do you know God is real?
What earthly things are keeping you from Jesus?
How do you imitate God?

Closing Prayer

Leader: As the day comes to a close and darkness fills the sky…

ALL: I hear your voice, Lord.

Leader: When I surrender to the silence of the night…

ALL: I hear your voice, Lord.

Leader: In the birds who chirp their welcome to a new day…

ALL: I hear your voice, Lord.

Leader: As I say my prayers and pause for a response…

ALL: I hear your voice, Lord.

Leader: When I go forth to see what my day has in store…

ALL: I hear your voice, Lord,

guiding me, leading me up the mountain!

Challenge for the Week: In the Gospel, something spectacular is revealed and Jesus tells the disciples not to tell anyone. However, if you’re like me, your instinct is to share good news when you hear it. Think about it. When you get asked to the prom, when you land your dream job, when you buy a new car, all of these things are pretty exciting, and it would be really difficult to keep these things to yourself. Reflect this week on how these disciples must have felt to not be able to share what they had seen and heard while on the mountaintop. Would you have the discipline to keep this experience to yourself?

Sunday, March 6th Readings

1^st Sunday of Lent

Opening Prayer

Heavenly Father

You lead me through the desert places

so I may be refreshed and made new

You put before me a banquet feast to nourish

so I may be filled with Your goodness

You gave your life to show love without conditions

so I may share that gift with others

Thank you Lord for guiding me!

Journal/Reflection Questions

Deuteronomy 26:4-10

What do you lay at the altar of God?
How does being in the desert change your perspective?
What good comes from this desert experience for the Israelites? For you?

Romans 10:8-13

How do you proclaim Jesus as Lord? Is it evident you are a Christian through your words? Your actions? Both? Share an example.
When did you last call on God? What was it for and what was the response?
How do you show love to God? How do you show God’s love for others? Is it the same or different, explain.

Luke 4:1-13

The devil tempts Jesus to be self-glorifying; where do you see this behavior in the world today?
How does the devil tempt you to turn away from God?

General Questions for Journaling

When has God delivered you from a bad situation?
Identify a time when you felt alone or abandoned. Can you look back and see God there with you?
How does God nourish you? Do you allow God to nourish you?
Describe what it feels like to be empty of God’s presence.
Describe what it feels like to be full of God’s presence.
Make a list of things you can bring to others between now and Easter to help you express your faith more openly.
Are there people in your community/family who are crying out but you are ignoring them? Listen for what God wants you to do.
What are the communities which you dwell? Give them each a rating on a 1-10 scale on how they show/share the Gospel message.
How can love be blind?
When did you first understand unconditional love?
Does love require effort? Why or why not?
How are you exercising your faith?
How does having faith give power? What does faith have power over?

Closing Prayer

Leader: You call me from the desert places

ALL: to share Your love with others.

Leader: You call me from the desert places

ALL: to set captives free.

Leader: You call me from the desert places

ALL: to visit the lonely and oppressed.

Leader: You call me from the desert places

ALL: to show mercy and kindness.

Leader: You call me from the desert places

ALL: to shine YOUR light for all to see!

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 HIStory!

Sunday, February 27th Readings

8th Sunday of Ordinary Time

Opening Prayer

Lord

Give me eyes to see

the beauty in all things.

Allow me to speak

kindness with my words.

Teach me to live

so others might follow.

Let me be a vessel of THE GOOD NEWS!

Amen

Journal/Reflection Questions

Sirach 27 :4-7

What tests your faith? Is it a teaching of the church? A way a person acts? Bad things happening? How do you keep your faith strong in spite of these tests?
What is the lesson here about how to treat others? How can you put this scripture into practice today? What specific thing(s) do you need to do?
If you were shaken in a sieve right now, what fragments of yourself would remain? What fragments would fall through? What story would these tell? Is the story the one you tell yourself or the one that is actually true?

1 Corinthians 15:54-58

In what ways can a person “labor for the Lord”?
How do you protect yourself from being infected by negative, corrupt or immoral influence? Is there a way to avoid these things completely? Why or why not? What advice would you give to another person to help keep these things from spreading like a plague?
What are you going through right now that you hope is not in vain?

Luke 6:39-45

What does this scripture say about the importance of self-care and personal awareness of your words and actions? Be specific. Make a list.
What specific truth do you hear God speaking to you through this scripture?
When was the last time you let your heart lead your actions? What was the outcome?

General Questions for Journaling

How do you tell if someone is speaking truth? How would you measure truth in your own words?
Is there a time when judgment of a person is okay? Share an example.
Share a time when your first impression/judgment of a person was completely wrong.
Have you ever felt you were judged wrongly? How did you handle the situation?
Where does judgment in general come from? Do people judge out of love? From insecurity? From competitiveness or jealousy?
Right Judgment is a gift of the Holy Spirit. How does the adjective “right” change your definition of judgment?
Are there things in your life that weigh you down? Hold you back? Keep you from moving forward?
What do you hide or bury, keep out of sight of others?
Share an example of when you found light in a dark situation or something positive from a negative? How did you find it? Did you see it immediately or did it take time to realize?
Describe the feeling or your emotions and how your body changes when you find a light at the end of a long tunnel of despair.
Do you believe a person who is infected with negativity can change? Why or why not? What do you believe your role is in that person’s life?
Take time to draw your tree. Identify the fruit you produce, good and bad. What influences you and how does it affect those around you?

Closing Prayer

Leader: I will give thanks to you all of my days…

ALL: for life given at conception!

Leader: I will give thanks to you all of my days…

ALL: for the sound of the ocean waves!

Leader: I will give thanks to you all of my days…

ALL: for the morning dew glistening in the sunrise!

Leader: I will give thanks to you all of my days…

ALL: for the warm hug of a new friend!

Leader: I will give thanks to you all of my days…

ALL: for a fiery sky at the end of the day!

Leader: I will give thanks to you all of my days…

ALL: for all you give; I will give thanks!

Challenge for the Week: Spend time this week reflecting on your past experiences. When you look back, you can identify those times in your life when you had to deal with something heavy or hard and maybe even had doubts on whether you’d be able to come out on the other side of the situation. Often the world says these experiences leave marks or scars on a person (physically and/or emotionally) but when looking at them from God’s perspective, you have been “refined”. These experiences of trouble, trauma, heartbreak, disappointment and even death are opportunities for you to grow. When you are open and listening to God in these moments, you can learn something about yourself and perhaps even gain insight on others. Revisit some of these times in your life to see if there are opportunities you have missed to reveal something in yourself or open you up to a new perspective on a relationship or a situation. Allow God to refine you!

Sunday, February 6th Readings

5th Sunday of Ordinary Time

Opening Prayer

Father,

I hear you calling but I’m held back by…

fear and resentment

judgment and selfishness

sin and shame

Wipe away those things that bind me

Let me walk with you to edge

and take the leap of faith!

Journal/Reflection Questions

Isaiah 6:1-2a, 3-8

Whom do you fear? Of what are you afraid? Where does your fear come from?
How to you tell God you are ready to do His will?

1Corinthians 15:1-11 (15:3-8, 11)

Have you fallen asleep to the purpose you have been called for? What can you do to find the passion and drive to go on?
How would you describe someone who is “fit” to serve God?

Luke 5:1-11

When have you doubted God? What was your situation? How did God change your heart?
Are there people who are in deep waters who need you to come and bring them to the shore?

General Questions for Journaling

How has God made you worthy of His love?
Have you ever been paralyzed by fear? What was the situation? How did you overcome the fear?
How has your life been shaken up? Where was God during the storm?
What has God called you to do? Do you minimize the importance of your purpose?
How many people from the Bible (old and new testaments) can you name who encountered God but felt they were not worthy?
How many people from the Bible (old and new testaments) can you name whose lives were changed when they took a leap of faith to trust God entirely?
How is grace distributed?
What “work” is required to receive faith? Grace? Love?
Do you think God asks you to do things you are not capable or qualified to do? Why or why not?
How do you go about asking someone to do a big task? Do you just give them the big task or do you break it down into some smaller tasks to make sure they will be able to handle the big task? Be specific.

Closing Prayer

Leader: You created me with the will to choose…

ALL: Let me choose YOU!

Leader: You gave me a name and purpose…

ALL: Let me serve YOU!

Leader: You walk the road ahead of me…

ALL: Let me follow YOU!

Leader: You call me into the deep waters…

ALL: Let me trust YOU!

Leader: You welcome me to the shore…

ALL: Let me be there with YOU!

Challenge for the Week: Spend time reflecting this week on a time in your life that is comparable to the experience of the fishermen…when was God asking you to do something you didn’t want to do because you thought you had exhausted all possibilities. Did you do as He asked anyways? Did you choose to ignore the suggestion and go a different direction? Regardless of which path you took, share your story with someone to show how God blew you out of the deep water and onto the shore and how you would do it all over again (the same or differently) as a witness of your faith.

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.

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.

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weeklyscripturejournal

Dive deeper into the weekly readings through journaling. Each week questions are based on the scripture readings from Catholic's Liturgical Year.

Jesus

Sunday, June 5th Readings

Sunday, May 29th Readings

Sunday, May 8th Readings

Sunday, May 1st Readings

Holy Thursday Prayer Guide

Sunday, March 13th Readings

Sunday, March 6th Readings

Sunday, February 27th Readings

Sunday, February 6th Readings

Sunday, January 23rd Readings