Sunday, September 3rd Readings

22nd Sunday of Ordinary Time

Opening Prayer

Jesus,

You came to find the lost.

You came to rescue the imprisoned.

You came to save the sinner.

I am lost, imprisoned and a sinner.

May I allow myself to be found.

May I allow myself to be rescued.

May I allow myself to be saved.

I am found, rescued and saved.

Thank you Jesus, you are my Savior!

AMEN

Journal/Reflection Questions

Jeremiah 20:7-9

Can you imagine being “duped” by God? What would (did) it look like? What was the purpose?
Do you believe God wants us to be “duped”?
Describe what it feels like to feel something in your bones? Have you ever felt something so deep? Share the experience.

Romans 12:1-2

How does the study of scripture help you to transform your mind? How does this transformation change your words and actions; be specific.
What does Saint Paul mean when he says, “don’t conform yourself to this age?” How does this specifically speak to you?

Matthew 16:21-27

What cross are you called to pick up today? Are you able to pick it up? Is your cross light or heavy? Explain.
If God does not think the way that humans do, how is it you are able to understand what God wants for you?

General Questions for Journaling

Does oppression happen in this world? Who do you know is oppressed? How do you know? What do you do about it? Do you suffer from oppression?
How do you know God is driving your actions or if you are following your own desire? How can you tell which way God is calling you to go?
How does it feel to lose something? Describe the process of letting go.
How do you feel when you find something? How would you describe the process of finding a place for the thing you found?
Are there injustices in the world which break your heart? Are there injustices which occur that cause your gut to ache? Is the Holy Spirit calling you to do something about it?
What was the last exciting news you shared and with whom did you share it? What was your purpose for sharing? Was it your news to share?
What was the last disappointing news you shared and with whom did you share it? What was your purpose for sharing? Was it your news to share?
Have you ever risked being made fun of to stand up for what you believe? Share the experience.
How can you give strength to another who is standing up for what they believe in, even if you don’t agree?
Have you ever been thankful for suffering? What was the circumstance? Why were you thankful?
What does it mean to “lose your life” according to God? What does it mean to “lose your life” according to the world?

Closing Prayer

Leader: Lord fill me…

ALL: with reckless desire for you!

Leader: Lord fill me…

ALL: with unending compassion for others!

Leader: Lord fill me…

ALL: with raging fire for justice!

Leader: Lord fill me

ALL: with determination to do your will!

Leader: Lord fill me

ALL: with the ability to surrender,

Leader: so I can be

ALL: more like you each day!

Challenge for the Week: In your life, you have positive and negative influences. How do you determine which are the good ones and which are the bad ones? They are not always clear. There are times when there is a positive influence that you ignore because you are not in a good place yourself and other times when you are too close to a situation to see you are being influenced in a negative way. How can you know? When you turn to God for help and clarity, He can bring to light what is good and what is evil but are you willing to listen? Spend time this week looking at the things which influence your life and prayerfully consider how the people and things you allow into our daily life affect you in a positive or negative way. Summer is about to end and with the change of the season; you too should take time to change.

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 a copy and start the journey!

Sunday, February 19th Readings

7th Sunday of Ordinary Time

Opening Prayer

Jesus

When I feel beaten

and alone,

When it seems all is lost

or forgotten,

Let me cling to YOUR spirit.

Allow me to gain strength

through your love.

Come.

Dwell in my soul.

AMEN

Journal/Reflection Questions

Leviticus 19:1-2, 17-18

How is holiness described here? How is your personal holiness connected to others?
To love others as Jesus loves is a tall order. Are there people in your life with which you hold a grudge? Feel contempt toward? Consider unworthy of your time or attention?
How does it feel when you carry a grudge, hatred, or revenge with you and into your relationships?

1Corinthians 3:16-23

Can a person deceive themself? Can they lie to themself? Share an example.
If God dwells in you, you are the tabernacle. How do you treat your body as the temple of God? How do you honor God within yourself?
How do you treat the “temple of God”? What can you do to take better care of yourself knowing within you dwells God?

Matthew 5:38-48

Jesus said the “old” law was to seek justice, “an eye for an eye” but the “new” law says to “turn the other cheek.” This is easier said than done but have you done it? Reflect on a time when you were able to “turn the other cheek”, how were you able to do this?
What makes it difficult to turn the other cheek? Name the feeling. Where does it come from?
Consider your actions toward someone who has hurt you. What are the feelings you feel when you are around that person or when you know you know you will need to interact with them? What steps can you take to transform those negative feelings into more positive ones?
Spend time reflecting on how Jesus lived out this Gospel message in his final days on earth. What can you take from this example and apply to a situation you are experiencing at this time in your life?

General Questions for Journaling

How do you define community?
Are you a member of one or more communities?
What value do you derive by being a part of a community?

What does it mean to be holy? How can you be holy like God is holy? Where do you start?
Where do you see God’s holiness in your life? What signs of heaven do you find here on earth?

Is there someone whom you are in conflict with right now? What stands in the way of reconciliation?
What do you see when you look in the mirror? Do you see your sin or your potential?
Imagine your heart is a garden, what condition is your garden in? What do you need to do so God can grow more abundantly in your heart? What do you need to weed out? What do you need to plant?
Knowledge you can measure through testing to show how much you know. How is wisdom measured?
On a scale from 1-10, identify the wisdom within. How do you rate? Do you know anyone whom you’d rate at a 10?
Who taught you about taking turns or how to be fair?
How does it feel when you don’t get your turn?
Are there situations in your life right now that are “not fair”? How do you deal with them?
Is there something in your life (a sin) which tempts you? How often do you give in? What helps you to resist?
Have you ever been able to find peace in an unfair situation? Share.

When was the last time you gave more than was required or asked for? What was the situation? Why did you give more?
Are there people in your life who have hurt you? Have you forgiven them for that hurt? What did you do or what do you need to do in order to let go of the hurt and allow forgiveness to work?
Identify where evil lurks in your life. How do you identify it? How do you feed it? What can you do to resist evil?
One of the hardest things for humans to do is to let go and forgive. Is there someone who is waiting for your forgiveness? What can you do to begin to work on forgiving that person?

Closing Prayer

Leader: Holy is the word of Jesus,

ALL: Holy is the WORD!

Leader: Holy is the flesh of Jesus,

ALL: Holy is the BODY!

Leader: Holy is the blood of Jesus,

ALL: Holy is the BLOOD!

Leader: Holy is the cross of Jesus,

ALL: Holy is the CROSS!

Leader: Holy is the peace of Jesus,

ALL: Holy is His PEACE!

Leader: Holy is the name of Jesus,

ALL: Holy is His NAME!

Challenge for the Week: Pray, Pray, Pray. Pray for yourself, pray for those you love, pray for friends and family who are sick or have asked for prayers and don’t forget to pray for those who have hurt you or who persecute you? This does not mean to pray for them to stop hurting you, rather to prayer for their soul; pray for their conversion; pray their hurt may be healed; pray they seek God. It is not easy to pray for good things for those who hurt you or persecute you. It is human instinct is to wish them harm, but remember Jesus says in the Gospel this week you must love your enemies. Consider also how you can show love toward those who hurt you. Turn to the Bible to find examples you follow.

Architect and Maker

I played a game as a kid that I think was called M.A.S.H but can’t really remember is that was an acronym for something and if it was, what it meant. However, I do remember that one person would ask another person a series of questions where they could give 3 or 4 answers per category. For example, you would ask them to name people they would like to marry, what kind of house they’d like to live in, how many kids they will have, etc.

Depending on who you played with, sometimes there were only a few categories, but others liked to get very detailed in their questions. Such as asking you what type of car you’d like to drive and then asking what color you wanted your car to be. Regardless, once all of the information was collected, you’d begin a process of eliminating the choices until there was only one item left in each category. In the end, you’d have a full description of a person’s life.

Of course, this is completely fictional. No one is able to confidently know what their lives will look like, where they will live, who they will marry and what kind of car they will drive. One could give an educated guess, but to know for certain what your life’s situation will be in five years, or even one year, it would only be a guess.

I mean, one year ago this week, my husband and I were in St. Louis celebrating my husband’s birthday by attending a couple of baseball games, and we got the call that my husband was acquiring a couple of projects in Austin. We have had no idea that we were about to pick up and move after living in Kansas City for our entire 29-year marriage, and after I’d just began a new job in January. It was a bit of a shock, but the decision to move was easy.

I imagine this is how Abraham and Sarah felt when God told them they were going to have descendants as countless as the stars; a little shocked but ready to do and accept whatever God had planned for them. Abraham and Sarah probably had no idea it was possible for them to have a child at such an old age, but God made it happen. For us, it was a desire to move to Colorado where we could spend more time outdoors hiking and biking. We had no idea we could have the lifestyle we desired in Texas!

I realized that in real life, unlike in the game I played as a child, I cannot choose the options in each of the categories because they have already been chosen for me by God. God knows where I will be in five years, and I just need to trust. Yes, I could fight the changes and try to blaze my own trail, but I believe that God will get His way in the end.

God’s will for me will happen whether I let go and let God or if I try to be the captain of my own adventure. I can make decisions (big and small) without God’s help, or I can turn to God for guidance. This is really my only choice, whether or not I will open myself up to listen for God to lead me where I am to go today. So, I choose to let go and let God lead my decisions because in the end, His is the one who created me for a purpose, and He knows what that purpose is. I am not going to stand in the way of God’s plan, whatever it is, I trust it will be better than anything I could have imagined on my own.

___________________________________________________________________________________

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!

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, December 12th Readings

Third Sunday of Advent

Opening Prayer

O my people,

Sing with joy!

Sound the trumpets!

Awake!

Bring peace!

Shout out;

the Savior is coming!

AMEN

Journal/Reflection Questions

Zephaniah 3:14-18a

What keeps you from jumping for joy as you hear this scripture?
Draw a picture of what you see happening in this scripture. Who is there? What colors would you use to paint the scene?
The scripture says, God will rejoice over you. How do you think He rejoices?

Philippians 4: 4-7

How do you make your petitions known to God? Do you only focus on what you want/need? How do you make the community prayers known?
What keeps you from rejoicing the Lord always? Identify three specific things.
What keeps you from showing kindness to all? Is it in your control to change this?

Luke 3:10-18

Who do you turn to seeking direction? Who do you ask, “what should I do”?
How big is your circle of influence (the people you ask for help determining God’s will in your life), who is included, are there people who should be included who are not, are there people whom you should reconsider?
Who are those who turn to you for guidance in answering the big questions about life, love and faith?

General Questions for Journaling

How do you celebrate God? Jesus? Holy Spirit? Do you celebrate them as one or have special ways of honoring each?
When was the last time you shared the “Good News” with another person in everyday conversation?
On a scale from 1-10 how comfortable are you sharing your faith with others?
How does God show you He is present?
Are there places where you feel more at ease to share the “Good News” of Jesus?
How does the church’s celebration of Advent/Christmas and Lent/Easter help open the door for you to share your faith?
How do you “cry out with joy or gladness”?
Do you think, “cry out with gladness” is an oxymoron like “jumbo shrimp”? Explain.
How much of your heart and mind would you say God consumes? Draw a picture to illustrate what consumes your heart and mind; be honest.
Are there places you will not go because you fear God is not there? Is there something you can do to overcome this fear?
How do you let go of anxiety and stress?
How often do you find yourself in a state of worry or overwhelmed with stress? Do you think it is too much, just right or not enough?
Is generosity taught? How does a person learn to be generous?
Where is God calling you to show generosity today?

Closing Prayer

Leader: When anxiety and fear overtake you…

ALL: Be still the Lord is near.

Leader:When judgement and accusations fill you…

ALL: Be still the Lord is near.

Leader: When weariness and fatigue consume you…

ALL: Be still the Lord is near.

Leader: When you have no more to give…

ALL: Be still the Lord is near.

Leader: He is waiting for you with open arms…

ALL: Be still the Lord is near.

Challenge for the Week: When the President of the United States enters a room; “Hail to the Chief” can be heard. This week reflect on what song would play when God/Jesus/Holy Spirit enters the room. What instruments would be playing, harps? What does a “Choir of Angels” sound like? Does it sound like a strong wind? Gentle breeze? The sound of the waves crashing or lapping on the shore? A trickling stream? There are many possibilities but spend time exploring each of them until you find the right combination of sounds that expresses how you feel when you encounter God/Jesus/Holy Spirit.

Then, perhaps even more challenging, determine YOUR song. What would you have play as you enter into a room? What instruments would be used? What is the tune? Is it something familiar or original? Who would sing it? And if there are words, what do they say?

Sunday, November 7th Readings

32nd Sunday of Ordinary Time

Opening Prayer

Father in heaven,

Each day I work hard to please you

but this is not what you ask of me.

You ask for me to love you with all my heart.

You ask me to find you in others.

and want me to share your love.

Love you and share your love…this is what you ask;

Help me to stay focused on the goals you have for me.

Amen

Journal/Reflection Questions

1 Kings 17:10-16

What does the widow do to receive the generosity of another?
Are there only a few people whom you would sacrifice the last of something for or would you sacrifice the same for a stranger/anybody?
What is God saying to you in this scripture about being ready to accept Him into your life?

Hebrews 9:24-28

What is the significance of one sacrifice?
How does one find salvation according to this scripture?
What is the core message you hear in this scripture? Each person will hear something differently according to their experience…share!

Mark 12:38-44

What is Jesus telling you about giving? Is He only talking about money to the church? Be specific.
What are the two types of people Jesus is referring to in this scripture? What characteristics are being highlighted as good and bad? Where would you rate yourself on the scale?
How are you like the widow? In what ways do you want to be more like the widow?

General Questions for Journaling

What do you have that never runs empty?
What do you have that limits you?
Is there anything you wouldn’t give away? What would it be and why?
Define generous spirit. Would you say you have a generous spirit? Why or why not?
Share a time when you recently did something for another person. Did they ask you to do it or did you do it because you saw a need.
What is the difference between doing something you are asked to do and doing something because you saw a need?
What is needed to create a habit of giving? Do you have these qualities? Who do you know has them?
What good comes from helping others?
Are there always rewards for doing good things?
When you think of what God brings to your relationship and what you bring, do you think God is measuring like you do? Why or why not?
What do you think God is saying about what you bring to your relationship?
Is generosity about how much you give or how you give? What is the difference?
Make a list of the things God love most about you.
How do you define a “leap of faith”, share some examples.

Closing Prayer

Leader: When I am held up at a red light…

ALL: Help me make room for YOU!

Leader: When I give up control of the remote…

ALL: Help me make room for YOU!

Leader: When I let someone else choose…

ALL: Help me make room for YOU!

Leader: When I hold my tongue…

ALL: Help me make room for YOU!

Leader: When I sacrifice time or money for another…

ALL: Help me make room for YOU!

Challenge for the Week: Jesus uses the widow woman to show how one gives from the heart, all they can possibly give. This week, make a point to not just do the minimum needed or required of whatever task is in front of you. Give a little more effort in preparing the meal for your family, take a bit more time enjoying the beauty of the colors of fall, and be more attentive when your spouse is telling you about the events of the day…whatever you have in front of you, give yourself completely.

Sunday, October 24th Readings

30th Sunday of Ordinary Time

Opening Prayer

Lord,

I shout for joy because you

heal me from my hurts,

you protect me from my enemies

and you provide me with peace of mind!

Your Word continues to guide me and lead me,

by teaching me your ways.

Thank you for always being there for me so

I can be Christ to others.

Amen

Journal/Reflection Questions

Jeremiah 31:7-9

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

Hebrews 5:1-6

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

Mark 10:46-52

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

General Questions for Journaling

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

Closing Prayer

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

ALL: for I am weak.

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

ALL: for I am blind.

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

ALL: for I am crippled.

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

ALL: for I am ignorant.

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

ALL: for I am a sinner.

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

Sunday, October 17th Readings

29th Sunday of Ordinary Time

Opening Prayer

Jesus

You humbled yourself; You sacrificed.

You carried my sin, my guilt and my shame.

May I remember the pain and suffering you endured for me.

Let me not forget it was for my good and the good of all!

Jesus, you know and understand what I need!

Amen

Journal/Reflection Questions

Isaiah 53:10-11

Share some examples of how a person gives their life as an offering for sin. What does this mean?
Have you ever wanted to take the place of another person who was suffering? Share the experience.

Hebrews 4:14-16

What tests did Jesus have to go through? Share the times in scripture when Jesus was put to the test. What was he tested for/about?
Name the emotion you feel knowing Jesus knows how you feel when you are reluctant to spent time with him or go to confession or to help someone in need.
When do you recall Jesus showing weakness? When did he suffer? What makes you know Jesus understands us when we have done wrong?

Mark 10:35-45

When have you been like the disciples and not understood what you were truly asking?
What do you understand from Jesus’ response to the disciples? What does this tell you about how he will respond to your unknowing?
From the scripture, so the disciples come to understand Jesus? Why or why not?

General Questions for Journaling

Is it better suffer alone or with others? Explain your answer.
Do you feel others suffering? What can you to for those who suffer? Be specific.
Have you seen how God’s message is spread through suffering? Share some examples in your personal experience and in the world.
How does suffering through something cause you to draw closer to God? How does it separate you?
How does it feel to know God understands your joys and your sorrows? Reflect on EXACTLY what that means and how you can bring God to the forefront of those experiences instead of an afterthought.

What is your definition of weakness? How can you redefine it in a positive way?
What is the difference between sympathy and empathy? How can both of these affect suffering?
What good can come from suffering? Share an example.
Do you feel as though you are being tested? Who is testing you?
What is it about power that is so alluring?
Why do you think it is fun to be “king of the mountain”? What do you think about when you are the one in charge?
How can you be a better servant to others? Share a specific example you will work on this week. (family, friend, community)
Conflict in the world and in our lives is unavoidable. What things are worth fighting for? What are you willing to sacrifice for? What is worth suffering?

Closing Prayer

Leader: Moses an abandoned child and Leader of the Israelites.

ALL: Through suffering, YOU are light

Leader: Joseph imprisoned and champion of dreams.

ALL: Through suffering, YOU are light

Leader: Jesus crucified and resurrected.

ALL: Through suffering, YOU are light

Leader: Peter denied and head of the Church.

ALL: Through suffering, YOU are light

Leader: Destruction of the world and a brilliant sunrise.

ALL: Through suffering, YOU are light

Challenge for the Week: The corporate ladder coined the phrase to “one up” someone which means to move up a rung of the ladder ahead of another. This type of competition isn’t anything new to human nature, it happened with the disciples and even the sons of Adam and Eve! There is always someone who thinks they are better or smarter or better looking; they believe they deserve the high praise and recognition, but Jesus is saying the one who deserves to live in the kingdom is the one who suffers. Since it is human nature to compare oneself to another, watch yourself this week. When you think someone did a better job than you, tell them. If someone is having a good hair day, let them know. Recognizing and acknowledging the good of others is a practice of humility and that can be painful. Though this acknowledgement is not the same type of suffering Jesus endured, it is a way of letting go of pride and ego. Jesus isn’t asking you to suffer alone, He knows how you feel because He has been there!

Sunday, October 10th Readings

28th Sunday of Ordinary Time

Opening Prayer

God,

Your WORD is like a warm blanket

It keeps me company when I am lonely

And warms my soul and comforts me.

Blessed am I that I can wrap up in your WORD!

Amen

Journal/Reflection Questions

Wisdom 7:7-11

What do you imagine is priceless to God? What is priceless to you? How do the two differ? How are they the same?
Can you identify with the emotion expressed in this scripture? To what could you compare it?

Hebrews 4:12-13

This scripture explains God sees everything and knows everything, how does knowing God already knows what you have thought and what you have done or not done change your daily prayer?
Human instinct is to, like Adam and Eve, try to cover up sin. What might happen if you didn’t cover up what you did wrong?
How is God naked before you? Does God conceal anything? Explain.

Mark 10:17-30

How do you relate to the Rich Man? When have you felt God ask you to do something you were not ready to do?
Does God REALLY want you to give up everything to follow Him? What is the ultimate message here?
Have you ever been discouraged like the Rich Man in the Gospel reading because you have been faithful but Jesus continues to ask for more from you?
There is a saying that “anything worth doing is worth doing right”, how does this saying relate to the Gospel message? What does this mean for you?

General Questions for Journaling

For what do you pray? How does God respond to your prayers?
Reflect on your prayers; are they the same each day?
Are your prayers specific or general?
Do you plead with God only when you are in trouble?
How are pleading and begging the same or different? Can you bargain with God?
What prayer are you waiting on God to answer for you? Are you waiting because God hasn’t given you the answer you desire?
What causes you to “trip up” before God? Are there specific things God asks of you that you hesitate to accomplish? What holds you back?
How would another person know what you valued? What do you do with your valuables? How do you treat them? How are they displayed?
Do your actions affirm your values or do you say you value something because it makes you feel better to say so? Give an example.
What has God provided to you which is priceless? Have you thanked God for this?
Do you think God gives more to a person who is giving than to a person who isn’t as giving?
Who is the most giving person you know? What qualities about them do you admire the most?
What is your process for making decisions? Where does God fit into your discernment?
Who can be saved? What does it mean to be saved?
Do you think anyone can ever stop being good? Honest? Faithful?
What motivates you to be a better person?
How does clinging to something cause harm?

Closing Prayer

Leader: May I seek out where YOU lead…

ALL: Fill my spirit with WISDOM!

Leader: May I be glad today and everyday…

ALL: Fill my spirit with REJOICING!

Leader: May I reach out to others…

ALL: Fill my spirit with KINDNESS!

Leader: May I sing YOUR praises…

ALL: Fill my spirit with CELEBRATION!

Leader: May I follow YOUR heart…

ALL: Fill my spirit with LOVE!

Challenge for the Week: Identify one thing which is keeping you from giving yourself completely to Jesus? What it is that you just can’t let go of or stands in your way of fully embracing the life God intended for you to live? Jesus says to let go and follow me. Consider how you feel when you don’t have someone’s full attention; perhaps a child when you are disciplining them or a spouse when you are sharing about the ups and downs of your day. This must be how God feels when He is speaking to you and sharing His desires with you, but you don’t listen or pay attention or take action. This week work on shedding ONE obstacle which causes you to not be in full communion with Jesus. Work on breaking the habit and creating a new one which keeps you on the path toward a better relationship with God, the ultimate JOY!

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?

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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.

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