Journal Reflections

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!

GET CONNECTED DAILY!  Find more reflections and prayers at Making Scripture Relevant on Facebook and Instagram.  Join the Weekly Scripture Journal email list by contacting heather@makingscripturerelevant.com

Sunday, October 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!

GET CONNECTED DAILY!  Find more reflections and prayers at Making Scripture Relevant on Facebook and Instagram.  Join the Weekly Scripture Journal email list by contacting heather@makingscripturerelevant.com

Sunday, October 3rd Readings

27th Sunday of Ordinary Time

Opening Prayer

God

You created man and woman

to share in the fullness of Your love.

You call both to be in community

with one another and in communion with You.

What you bring together cannot be torn apart.

Your love cannot be removed or taken away.

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

and it remains even when conflicts arise.

Let Your love be seen, felt and shared.

May I share Your love with others,

and seek Your love in others to

build up the kingdom together!

Journal/Reflection Questions

Genesis 2:18-24

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

Hebrews 2:9-11

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

Mark 10:2-16

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

General Questions for Journaling

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

Closing Prayer

Leader:  As I awake and begin each morning…

ALL:  May I rejoice in Your love!

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

ALL:  May I rejoice in Your love!

Leader:  As I encounter struggles and stress…

ALL:  May I rejoice in Your love!

Leader:  As I celebrate blessings and joys…

ALL:  May I rejoice in Your love!

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

ALL:  May I rejoice in Your love!

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

GET CONNECTED DAILY!  Find more reflections and prayers at Making Scripture Relevant on Facebook and Instagram.  Join the Weekly Scripture Journal email list by contacting heather@makingscripturerelevant.com

Sunday, September 26th Readings

26th Sunday of Ordinary Time

Opening Prayer

Father

Even when I make a mistake;

YOU love me!

When I don’t follow your precepts;

YOU forgive me!

Thank you for seeing the good in me;

YOU fill my heart!

Let YOUR WORD give me the ability to do this for others!

Amen

Journal/Reflection Questions

Numbers 11:25-29

  • Can you identify the message God is sending to the people in this scripture? What do you think Moses is thinking or feeling?
  • What does this scripture tell you about the ability to speak about God? Do you live this out? Give an example.
  • What do you learn about the power of the Holy Spirit in this scripture? How has this same power provoked you? Be specific.

James 5:1-6

  • What does this scripture say about what the world says is “fair” and what God says is “fair”?
  • Do believe your faith can become corrupted? Why or why not? What causes your faith to become distorted or off track? What role does God play in all of this?
  • Where do you see this scripture being played out in society? Where do you see yourself in the scenario? Is there anything that can be done to change the outcome?

Mark 9:38-43,47-48

  • What is the message Jesus is trying to covey? Who do you know that needs to hear it? How can you apply this message to your own life?
  • Jesus again is saying it is better to die than to live without. How does this message apply to you? How did it apply to Him?

General Questions for Journaling

  • Where do you see the Holy Spirit working?
  • Can you determine where it is truly the Holy Spirit and where it is someone “acting” as though the Spirit is speaking through them? How can you tell the difference?
  • Identify the gifts you find in other faiths, including the one which you practice. What good things are happening?
  • What was the last piece of good news you heard? Where did you hear it from and who did you tell?
  • Are you more likely to share good news with others than bad news? Does it make a difference if the news is about you or someone else?
  • Would you say you ALWAYS follow the rules or do what you are told? Are there exceptions?  Do you follow the rules to avoid negative consequences or for another reason?
  • Have you ever tried to make something fair? What was the situation? Did it work?
  • Is it okay to take from the rich to help the poor or is it just as wrong as the rich withholding from those who need help?
  • Is there a specific injustice you see in the world and feel called to do something about? What is stopping you?
  • Have you ever been in an “exclusive” club or organization? A sorority or fraternity?  Hold a membership card where you receive benefits for being a member? How does it make you feel when you receive the special benefits from being a member? What would you do or feel if someone who didn’t do what you did still received the benefits without paying their “dues”?
  • How do you speak out in the name of Jesus? What is the response when you do?
  • Where do you see God revealed in a typical day, week, month, year?
  • What are some of the things you feel strongly about that you would stand up and fight for? Can you list at least five things?
  • Is it better to stand back and not get involved or to fight for what you believe, even if it is against an opposition stronger than you?

Closing Prayer

Leader:  When I am in silent prayer…

ALL:  Holy Spirit, come dwell in me!

Leader:  When I need the courage to speak…

ALL:  Holy Spirit, come dwell in me!

Leader:  When I stand up for what is right…

ALL:  Holy Spirit, come dwell in me!

Leader:  When I bring comfort to a stranger…

ALL:  Holy Spirit, come dwell in me!

Leader:  I am your servant…

ALL:  Holy Spirit, come dwell in me!

Challenge for the Week:  How often do you pass judgment on another person simply because they worship or pray differently than you do?  How about those who worship in the same way?  What right do you have to judge if a person is good and holy based on the church they attend?  No one has the right to judge another.  Work to ignore those human instincts to compare and look with the eyes of Jesus to the focus or the truth of what others do.  If they are working toward peace and justice, who cares if they are Jewish or Islam or another Christian denomination?  Just because someone doesn’t worship at the same location, in the same way, doesn’t mean they are not serving the same God.  Sure you might have a few or even a lot of differences but when you are working toward the same goal of salvation, does it really matter?  Take time this week and start to break down any walls that have been built between you and another person or a group of people.  Let God’s truth come and tear those walls down so only love remains.

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, September 19th Readings

25th Sunday of Ordinary Time

Opening Prayer

Jesus

Give me the ability to step out of the way;

to allow a pause and not be impatient.

Keep me from feeling I am the only one,

who is able to find an answer or complete a task.

Let my faith overcome my fear…

Let me allow you to complete the good work,

for you can bring beauty to the completion of all things!

Amen

Journal/Reflection Questions

Wisdom 2 :12, 17-20

  • How does this scripture paint the wicked? What do they lack?
  • Where does Jesus say someone should prove themselves worthy? How does this scripture contradict what Jesus teaches?
  • Explain how this scripture is a model for bullying. What can you do in opposition?

James 3:16-4:3

  • What obstacle had God helped you overcome? How does this scripture give you the words to explain the experience?
  • Conflict can bring good outcomes and bad outcomes. Share examples from scripture of each AND/OR share examples from you own experience of both.

Mark 9:30-37

  • Explain Jesus’ actions in this scripture. Actions speak louder than words so what is He saying here when He takes the child into His arms?
  • Share examples of how Jesus modelled for the world how to be “servant of all”.
  • What are the qualities Jesus deems most important in a disciple? Identify at least five you can learn about in this scripture.
  • Do you think the disciples knew arguing over who would be the greatest was the wrong thing to be arguing about? Share a time when you were arguing about something you knew you shouldn’t.

General Questions for Journaling

  • What characteristics of other just seem to “turn you off”? What do you want to do when you encounter someone who does it?
  • Share examples of situations where you feel “tortured” or “trapped”. How can God or did God help you in this situation?
  • What brings you comfort when you feel you have no control?
  • Share a time when you broke the rules intentionally. What caused you to do so? Were there consequences?
  • Does wickedness exist in the world today? Where? What feeds it?
  • Where do you see evil in the world? What is being done to keep it from growing?
  • Have you experienced God’s patience? Describe what it is like. What specifically can you learn about patience from God?
  • Do you have conflict with God? Why or why not?
  • Can you have conflict within yourself? How can you wage war on yourself? Does this affect others? Is it influenced by others?
  • Think of a time when you acted out of anger or frustration; what were you angry or frustrated about? How did your anger or frustration help or hurt the situation?
  • How do conflicts arise between people? What causes conflict?
  • How many things are you passionate about? Is there a limit?
  • What do your words and actions say you are passionate about?
  • Do you share your passion with others or keep it for yourself?
  • How do you react when you hear that something will happen in a different way than you expected?
  • Do you treat children differently than you do adults? Why or why not?
  • What do you do when you don’t understand something? How does it change your attitude?
  • What qualities of a child do you possess when it comes to your faith? Be specific.

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Lord, teach me to cultivate good fruits

ALL:  through my words and actions.

Leader:  Lord, teach me to cultivate mercy

ALL:  and show compassion to all.

Leader:  Lord, teach me to cultivate peace

ALL:  with honesty and just decisions.

Leader:  Lord, teach me to cultivate love

ALL:  through sacrifice for greater good.

Leader:  Lord, teach me to cultivate humility

ALL:  and give you honor and praise!

Challenge for the Week:  Borrowed from Ronald Rolheiser’s reflection on the scriptures; he shares thoughts in the words of Marilynne Robinson about our inability to genuinely love our neighbor.  Marilynne Robinson submits that, even in our failure to live up (to) what Jesus asks of us, if we are struggling honestly, there is some virtue. She argues this way: Freud said that we cannot love our neighbor as ourselves, and no doubt this is true. But since we accept the reality that lies behind the commandment, that our neighbor is as worthy of love as ourselves, then in our very attempt to act on Jesus’ demand we are acknowledging that our neighbor is worthy of love even if, at that this point in our lives, we are too weak to provide it. Spend time with this challenge and consider how this resonates with you.

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, September 12th Readings

24th Sunday of Ordinary Time

Opening Prayer

Father

All the times when you step in

to protect me,

to give me the things I need,

to show love,

to teach me,

to give me strength or understanding,

to show patience,

I KNOW I AM YOURS…Thank you, Father!

Amen

Journal/Reflection Questions

Isaiah 50:5-9a

  • This scripture gives birth to the phrase, if God is for me, who can be against me? Which line of scripture gives you the most strength and understanding of this fact?
  • What advice does this scripture give on how to face turmoil or trouble? What attitude must one have when facing opposition? Is this attitude strictly for when people oppose your faith or beliefs or can it be true when facing any conflict?

James 2:14-18

  • What does this scripture say about how you should treat others? Is it easy to follow? Why or why not?
  • Look closely at yourself. Draw a diagram or chart to map out how your faith and works compare over the past week, month or year.  Are there trends?  Are there obstacles which deterred them from coming together?  Or on the positive side, are there situations which cultivated them to overlap?

Mark 8:27-35

  • The cross Jesus bore was made of wood, full of the sins of those He loved. What is your cross made of?  What do you carry?
  • Have you, like Jesus in this scripture, ever been misunderstood by faithful companion(s)? What happened? How was the misunderstanding resolved?

General Questions for Journaling

  • Consider a time when you lived out the first scripture. What was the situation?  How do you know God was on your side?
  • Imagine the first scripture playing out in a movie or play. What emotions would you feel to witness someone turning the other cheek?  How are those feelings different if you were the one who turned your face for another blow?
  • What in the first scripture lets you know you are not supposed to simply let people abuse you or trample you under foot? Is it a fine line or a wide divide between what the scripture teaches and physical, mental or emotional abuse?
  • Are you listening to what God is saying to you? What is the difference between listening and hearing?
  • Can you identify the “satan” in your life? What is it that consistently causes you to step backwards instead of leaping forward?
  • What does it truly mean to “deny one’s self”? Is it like saying no to a fourth piece of pizza or skipping dessert?  Why or why not?
  • The world teaches people to serve only themselves but Jesus says to serve others, on a scale from 1-10, how are you doing with this task?
  • Jesus wants to know he is fully loved and fully known, the way He fully loves and fully knows you. Share examples of how you can do this.
  • What specifically can you gain if you lose your life? What role does God play in this scenario?
  • Is saying Jesus is the Christ wrong?  Are there times when you should keep you mouth shut and your faith to yourself?  Give examples.
  • Make a list of reasons Jesus may have told the disciples not to tell anyone He is the one who is spoken about in the Old Testament.  What repercussions could occur if everyone knew?

Closing Prayer

Leader:  May I not turn my back on a person in need.

ALL:  Open my heart to YOUR love!

Leader:  May I not be quick to judge a person or situation.

ALL:  Open my heart to YOUR love!

Leader:  May I not rely on what the world says is truth.

ALL:  Open my heart to YOUR love!

Leader:  May I not use words to strike out and cause harm.

ALL:  Open my heart to YOUR love!

Leader: Empty me Lord so I may be made new…

ALL:  Open my heart to YOUR love!

Challenge for the Week:  Make of list of well-meaning phrases which mean nothing without love.  If you are paying attention, it is easy to see through body language or hear through tone of voice if someone truly wishes you to have a “good” morning or if they are just saying the words to fill the quiet.  It means much more to you that someone says Happy Birthday to you, even if it is a day late, than a “oh, it’s your birthday? Happy Birthday…”  This is not to say you can’t tell someone Happy Birthday without giving them a gift, but you should give them Christ’s joy.  You are God’s messenger, how are you getting the message of love across to your neighbor?  This goes for “have a nice day” or actually stopping to listen when you ask someone “how are you doing”.  Being Christ’s love in the world is a tough job…are you willing to work to put this into practice at least once a day each day this week?  Who knows it might catch on!

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, September 5th Readings

23rd Sunday of Ordinary Time

Opening Prayer

My God,

Let me seek the water that is brings me life!

I want to reach the stream that never runs dry!

You put a thirst in me that only you can quench!

Come, bring healing to my weary soul and fill until I overflow!

Amen

Journal/Reflection Questions

Isaiah 35:4-7a

  • What phrase from this scripture gives you hope?
  • Draw a picture of what this scripture looks like to you.

James 2:1-5

  • What does this scripture say about how we should treat others? Is it easy to follow? Why or why not?
  • Are there people or groups of people whom you have trouble treating with respect? What keeps you from doing so?
  • How does your appearance change the reaction you get from others? Is this important? Why or why not? Is it a good representation of you or what you want others to believe you are?
  • What are the benefits of being poor? What are the benefits of being rich? How do they differ?

Mark 7:31-37

  • What is the reaction of the people in this scripture? How do you think you would react if you had been there?
  • For what reason do you believe Jesus told the people to be quiet? Why do you think they disobeyed this order?
  • Why do you think Jesus “groaned” before he healed the deaf man?
  • What would you have felt if you saw Jesus walking away from the crowd? How does his action cause you to feel?

General Questions for Journaling

  • How do you celebrate the coming of Christ? What does it look like in your life?
  • What do you need from Jesus to heal? Are you in need of healing? In what way?
  • How do you prepare for Jesus to come into your life?
  • When you are without one sense, how do your other senses work to “make up” for the missing sense?
  • What is something you have seen or want to see that you would regret seeing if you were to become blind today?
  • What is something you would miss hearing if you were to lose your sense of hearing today?
  • Share an example of a personal experience when you felt God came to rescue you. What was the situation? How are you assured it was God who came?
  • Is there anything that causes you fear? Anything that God could not rescue you from?
  • How does goodness, beauty and healing come from something evil, ugly and broken? Can you give an example?
  • Is there something you need to be rescued from right now? How do you speak to God about it?
  • Has God rescued you from something in the past? How do you show gratitude?
  • Does God show favoritism? Why or why not? If so, to whom?
  • Do you think you treat everyone equally? Why or why not? Give an example.
  • Why does having money automatically demand respect in our society? Identify the poverty in your life. What has God already done in response to it?
  • Do you have favorites? Favorite stores?  Favorite restaurants?  Favorite place to stop while on a road trip?  This show partiality.  How does this affect others who are in the same business?  What do your actions change in the big picture?
  • How do you relate to the cries for help from those in need?

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Praise you Lord, all my days!

ALL:  When I am weak and need strength…you rescue me;

Leader:  Praise you Lord, all my days!

ALL:  When I am oppressed and seek justice…you set me free;

Leader:  Praise you Lord, all my days!

ALL:  When I am alone and need assurance…you send a friend;

Leader:  Praise you Lord, all my days!

ALL:  When I am guilty of sin and shame…you forgive me;

Leader:  Praise you Lord, all my days!

ALL:  When I am short on faith and hope…you fill me;

Leader:  Praise you Lord,

ALL:  all my days!!!

Challenge for the Week:  Imagine a day without clean water.  It is such a commodity in the world and many waste it.  It is difficult to understand this when you consider a human body is made up of 70% of it and 71% of the earth’s surface is covered in water.  However, the oceans hold 96.5% of all the earths’ water which means there is only 3.5% left to be considered fresh water and only a fraction of that is immediately drinkable.  These are not statistics, rather facts about how important water is in the existence of life.  Consider all the things you use water for on a daily basis and spend time in prayer with words of gratitude that you have the privilege to have access to clean, drinkable water AND for the 35% of the world’s population who do not have access to a clean water source or improved sanitation.  One more thing to add to the list of “gratefuls” each day!

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, August 29th Readings

22nd Sunday of Ordinary Time

Opening Prayer

Lord

You are so near to me

sometimes I forget how near.

My days get highjacked

with things that are meaningless.

Let me remember to reach out

so you may guide my path.

I am forever grateful

for your presence in my life!

Amen

Journal/Reflection Questions

Deuteronomy 4:1-2, 6-8

  • Moses tells the people the laws are simple; observe the commandments and God will be with you. What causes them to trip up? Can you relate? Share a specific example of a time when this happened to you.
  • Which of the laws God has set before you do you have trouble accepting? What makes them so difficult to abide?

James 1:17-18, 21b-22, 27

  • If God is speaking about you in this reading (and He is…) what might be some of the fruits that have come from your faith?
  • Saint James says to let the Word give us birth. What does this mean?  How can this happen?  Share from experience if you can.

Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23

  • What point is Jesus making by referencing Isaiah? How have politics changed or not changed?
  • Are there laws that go against your faith? What are they and what do you do about them?

General Questions for Journaling

  • Are there laws or rules which cause you to scratch your head in bewilderment? What might have caused that law or rule to exist?
  • In society do you have the choice to follow or not follow a law? What would be the consequence if you disobeyed the law?  What consequence is there if you disobey God’s law?
  • What kind of things does God ask for you to do? Are they difficult or easy?
  • Where do you turn for help and support? What kind of help and support do you need to fulfill the tasks God has asked of you?
  • Can you think of two or three “world issues” where you could make an impact? What keeps you from getting involved?
  • Is there a difference between faith that is in your mind and faith that is in your heart?
  • How much of what you do outside of church supports what you do inside? Where are there contradictions?
  • What gifts has God given you? Do you have gifts you would rather not have?  Brainstorm ways you can use those gifts.
  • If a mother can give birth multiple times, do you think a person can be “born again” multiple times? Explain your answer.
  • What God has planted in you, must you also plant in others? Agree?  Disagree? Explain.
  • How is caring for others a gift to God?
  • Describe a scenario where there is a balance between what God desires and what you desire? Is this possible?

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Lord, you teach me to observe your decrees…

ALL:  May I hear your Word and act on it!

Leader:  to live in your love and love one another…

ALL:  May I hear your Word and act on it!

Leader:  to walk humbly and live justly…

ALL:  May I hear your Word and act on it!

Leader:  to be rooted in you and bear good fruit…

ALL:  May I hear your Word and act on it!

Leader: to follow your ways; not the ways of the world…

ALL:  May I hear your Word and act on it!

Challenge for the Week:  Michael Jackson is one of those artists you either love or hate.  However you feel about him personally, his music is still some of the most recognizable worldwide.  One of his songs, “Man in the Mirror” talks about how if you want the world to change, you must first begin with yourself.  Change is not easy, but I think MJ had it right, if you want something to change, you MUST begin with your own impact. Of course, Jesus says the same.  He calls his disciples to stand up, die to the old self and be renewed…there MUST be a change or conversion in thinking to make an impact on others.  What change is God calling you to this week?  This month?  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

Sunday, August 22nd Readings

21st Sunday of Ordinary Time

Opening Prayer

Father God,

You created me.

You know me.

And you still choose me!

What keeps me from doing the same for you?

I choose you! 

Let me know you through all you’ve created.

Open my heart to the wonder!

Amen

Journal/Reflection Questions

Joshua 24:1-2a, 15-17, 18b

  • Joshua calls the people to decide whether to choose God or not. When did you make the choice? Share the experience.
  • Joshua has a list of reasons to follow God. What does your list of reasons look like? Are they similar or different from the ones Joshua speaks of in this scripture?
  • Did you, like the Israelites free choose your faith/religion? Why or why not? How do you take ownership of your faith today?

Ephesians 5:21-32 or 5:2a, 25-32

  • What new insight about marriage do you hear in this scripture? What do you have trouble understanding?
  • Saint Paul is saying when a man and woman are joined in marriage; their relationship requires love, reverence, honor, respect and dignity. What would your recipe for a marriage be?
  • What do you think Saint Paul would tell us to do about the current discussions about marriage today?

John 6:60-69

  • Simon Peter tells Jesus, “you have the words of everlasting life”, what words of scripture or what miracle or what action convinces you that Jesus has the words of everlasting life?
  • If there was no place to gather to worship, nowhere to celebrate Eucharist, what would happen to faith?

General Questions for Journaling

  • When have you experienced good fortune when choosing to serve the Lord? Have you ever been punished for serving the Lord?
  • Have you ever been witness to God saving someone? What was this like? How did you feel? Where were you? Have you ever shared this experience with anyone before? Why or why not?
  • What would you classify as a modern miracle? How big or small does a miracle need to be for you to believe it was the work of God?
  • Where in your home does God dwell? Do guests in your home see, hear, feel the presence of God? Share examples.
  • How do you feel when you come out of a church service? What emotions are present? Be honest.
  • What can you do to sustain the “joy of the Lord” throughout the week?
  • Do you actively choose to follow God or is it something that you out of habit or because it appeases someone else? 
  • What does it mean to actively choose God?
  • Do you think you could ever stop believing in God? Why or why not?
  • Have you ever wanted to leave the church, give up faith? What caused you to want to leave it behind?
  • How would your life be different if you left your faith behind?
  • How does choosing God affect your other decisions in relationship with your spouse, your job, your hobbies, etc.
  • When entering into a relationship with a friend or potential spouse, how much emphasis did you, do you put onto faith compatibility?

Closing Prayer

Leader:  You have blessed me Lord…

ALL:  with each Word you speak!

Leader:  You have blessed me Lord…

ALL:  with the just and unjust!

Leader:  You have blessed me Lord…

ALL:  with truth and righteousness!

Leader:  You have blessed me Lord…

ALL:  with prayers answered and unanswered!

Leader:  You have blessed me Lord…

ALL:  with a Spirit of courage!

Leader:  You have blessed me Lord…

ALL:  with love everlasting!

Challenge for the Week:  When a couple gets married, traditionally, the parents of each person invites guest to come to be witness to the union.  The sacredness of the marriage ceremony too often gets lost in the pomp and circumstance society has put onto the ceremony.  So much that many will not even attend the ceremony and just attend the reception.  There are even couples who get married someplace out of the county or at the courthouse and then invite friends and family to a reception to celebrate.  This all takes away from what a true marriage should be and focuses on the wedding.  Spend time this week reflecting on the value of marriage as shared by Saint Paul to the Ephesians and contemplating what you can do to help those you love to uphold this type of love and commitment in their relationships.

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, August 15th Readings

Assumption of Mary, Mother of God

Opening Prayer

God of creation,

You set everything in motion

        for Mary before she was conceived.

You knew she would be the one

        whom would give birth to Your Son.

It was never a question for you

        if she would say YES!

I pray, this is true for me too!

Journal/Reflection Questions

Revelation 11 :19a ;12 :1-6a,10ab

  • What signs do you seek to confirm your faith?
  • What emotions do you feel when you read/listen to this scripture? 
  • How could you explain this scripture to someone hearing it for the first time and not knowing who Mary is or who Jesus is?

1Corinthians 15:20-27

  • Share your thoughts about what you think will happen and what it will look like when Jesus comes again.
  • How have you died and been brought to life?  Is this something that has happened once or several times?  Explain.

Luke 1:39-56

  • What does this scripture say about knowing God?  About faith?
  • What example can you take from this scripture to work to live out in the coming month and perhaps make into a permanent habit?

General Questions for Journaling

  • What is your image of Mary? What does she look like physically? How do you imagine he voice sounding? What characteristics, in addition to the ones you read about in scripture, do you think she had?
  • Do you have a specific devotion to Mary? What is it and how did it start?
  • What is your image of heaven? What would be the perfect heaven for you?
  • Have you ever heard God’s voice? If yes, what did God say? If no, what do you think God’s would say or is saying?
  • When Jesus said he has prepared a place for you, what do you think that looks like?
  • What are your thoughts about the pain of childbirth? Why do you think this is mentioned in scripture? What lesson is there?
  • God created man and then woman, but gave women the honor of carrying life within her. What does this say about God? What does this say about women?  Why do you think God chose to have woman carry the child and not man?
  • Why do you think it takes 9 months for a woman to give birth?
  • Mary is called many names. What is your favorite name for Mary?
  • Have you seen an image, statue or stain-glass of Mary that is prominent in your mind? Where was it and what did it look like?
  • How do you explain death to a child? How do you describe heaven?
  • What does it mean to be filled with the Holy Spirit?
  • In addition to saying YES to God to bear His child, what other important things has Mary done?
  • Mary went away to be with her family during her pregnancy. Do you think the scripture is giving an example of the importance of family or something else?  Explain.
  • If you are a woman, what is your favorite memory of being pregnant? If you are a man, what is your favorite memory about the mother of your child while she was carrying your child?

Closing Prayer – Prayer on the Assumption of Mary

Leader:  Father in heaven,

ALL:  all creation rightly gives you praise,

Leader:  for all life and holiness come from you.

ALL:  In the plan of your wisdom

Leader: she who bore the Christ in her womb

ALL:  was raised body and soul in glory

Leader:  to be with him in heaven.

ALL:  May I follow her example

Leader:  in reflecting your holiness

ALL:  and join in her hymn

Leader:  of endless love and praise.

ALL:  We ask this through Christ our Lord, AMEN!

Challenge for the Week:  Mary was taken to heaven by the heavenly host of angels.  Spend time this week thinking about this glorious event and what it might have looked like and what it meant to Jesus.  Consider further what it will look like and what it will mean when you are raised up on the last day.

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@makingscritpurerelevant.com