Journal Reflections

Sunday, March 21st Readings

Fifth Sunday of Lent

Opening Prayer

O Lord,

I cry out to you from the depths,

        I don’t know if you can hear me.

I beg forgiveness

        but I fear my sin to too great.

Yet, God, you promised to bring your people

        back from the graves.

Jesus, raised Lazarus from the dead.

Scripture gives me hope

you will hear my cries and forgive me.

Lord, bring me out of the darkness

and into your glorious light!

Journal/Reflection Questions

Ezekiel 37 :12-14

  • Describe what it means to have God’s Spirit within you? How does it give you life?
  • What does it mean to the people for God to say he will bring them back to the land of Israel?

Romans 8:8-11

  • How does the Spirit dwell in you? Be honest, what are the characteristics that show the Spirit dwells in you. Which characteristics do you want to improve on?
  • At this point in your Lenten journey, do you feel worthy of God’s Spirit within you? Have you kept up with your Lenten disciplines as you’d hoped? Does this scripture give you hope or cause you to feel despair?

John 11:1-45

  • Jesus knows Lazarus will not die, rather will be used to help Jesus show the Glory of God. Have you ever experienced a time when you knew an experience would exemplify God’s glory?
  • Share how this Gospel gives insight about God’s timing.
  • Complete the story of what happens next, after Lazarus is raised. What does Mary, Martha and Lazarus say? What do they do? How long does Jesus stay with them? What about the Disciples?

General Questions for Journaling

  • What is your experience with God’s promises?
  • If you could choose one event in your past that you could ‘do over’ would you go back and do it over? How would you want the outcome to change?
  • How do you know God hears your prayers? Does silence mean he didn’t hear you?
  • Does God’s voice sound the same to you every time you speak to Him? Does it sound the same to everyone? Explain.
  • Define the word redemption.
  • Describe how it feels to have God’s Spirit within you? 
  • When you know you have God’s Spirit within you, does it affect how you think, feel and act? Explain.
  • What is your favorite thing about your life right now? Where is God in it?
  • When you hear of the death of someone, especially of someone close to you, what is the natural human response? How is that similar or different to how Jesus responded to the news of Lazarus?
  • What do you think happens when you die?
  • Do you have a bucket list?  A list of things you want to do or places you want to go before you die?  Is this list something you actively pursue or something you made once and put in a drawer?

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Lord, hear my voice…

ALL:  I will do it!

Leader:  Lord, forgive my sin…

ALL:  I will do it!

Leader:  Lord, open the grave…

ALL:  I will do it!

Leader:  Lord, dwell in me…

ALL:  I will do it!

Challenge for the Week:  Draw an outline of a gingerbread man on a blank piece of paper.  On the inside of the paper write down all the sins you can think of that you have committed.  Reflect on how much sin consumes your body.  How many of the sins you’ve committed are because of your physical body?  How many were committed due to emotions?  Which sins were committed even though you knew they were sins and you did them anyways?  What percentage of your body is sin? This is not one of those activities where you want to have a high score, nor do you want to have balance.  Seek reconciliation of your sin and then spend time this week determining what you can do to keep your numbers down.

Sunday, March 14th Readings

Fourth Sunday of Lent

Opening Prayer

Father

When I look for you,

        I don’t always see you.

Teach me to look,

        through a child’s eyes.

I step out today,

        You are watching out for me.

I stumble and fall,

        You are there holding me.

Let me not be blind

        to the joy you have in front of me!

Journal/Reflection Questions

2Chronicles 36:14-16, 19-23

  • In the Old Testament you hear God sent messengers “early and often” to His people. In the Gospels you learn about Jesus, God himself who came to share God’s plan for His people. Then in the New Testament the Holy Spirit is left to dwell in and among His people. How are the messengers of the Old Testament the same and how do they differ from the Holy Spirit?
  • How do God’s angels bring you comfort, reinforcement in the battle, and/or safety in the hard times?
  • Are there messengers from God today who give support or warning? Share an example.

Ephesians 2:4-10

  • Reflect on the phrase, “dead to our transgressions”. This word is also in the Our Father prayer. How hard or easy is it for you to live this out?
  • How does God’s love for you filter out in your life? Does it come out through compassion? Mercy? Grace? Forgiveness? Make a list of other ways God’s love can filter through a person’s life.

John 3:14-21

  • Do you recall the story of Moses and the serpent? Reflect on how these scriptures relate.
  • How is God lifted up in your life? Within your family? 
  • God gave his son to the world…how does that make you feel?

General Questions for Journaling

  • Has God given you a message but you are unsure how to pursue it? Afraid you don’t have the strength to accomplish it? Do you fear ridicule or abandonment of family or friends? 
  • Could God be talking to you and you simply are not listening?
  • God’s followers/believers have always fought opposition. What do you fight because you are a believer? What struggles or battles seem to find you no matter where you turn?
  • What is God’s response when you fail and mess up over and over? What is God’s response when you succeed and do the right thing repeatedly? Does God’s response change because of your actions? Why or why not? Explain.
  • How do you define grace? Is it a noun? A verb? An adjective?
  • How is grace received? Where does it come from? What is its purpose?
  • What lesson can you learn from God’s example to stay consistent in love, mercy and forgiveness? 
  • How does faith save a person? Give an example.
  • Do you fully embrace your faith 100%? What percentage would you put on your faith? Does it depend on your situation? Be specific.
  • Why do you think of all the scripture passages, John 3:16 is the most known and memorized verses?
  • Do you love God with or without expectation? Explain.
  • Create a list of “good” things that happen in the dark, what needs darkness to live or survive?
  • Are you or have you ever been completely in the dark? Describe the experience.

Closing Prayer

Leader:  When there is darkness, YOU send the light.

ALL:  The God of heaven and earth; create us anew!

Leader:  When we are hurt, YOU bring healing.

ALL:  The God of heaven and earth; create us anew!

Leader:  When we feel alone, YOU offer comfort.

ALL:  The God of heaven and earth; create us anew!

Leader:  When we sin against you, there is grace and mercy.

ALL:  The God of heaven and earth; create us anew!

Challenge for the Week:  At this point, you might start seeing the mirage of the promises of Easter.  However, don’t be fooled.  The season of Lent is only at its halfway mark and there is still Good Friday and Holy Saturday to get through.  Perhaps you are feeling courageous because you have fought off temptations, keep up your courage!  Or maybe you have let slide some of your Lenten observances to fast, give alms and pray, it’s not too late to begin again!  The scriptures this week encourage you to either stay the course or get back on track.  They signify that victory is on its way.  Again, don’t be fooled.  This is the time when you are called to go deeper, to step up your game, recharge and continue on…this is a false summit…find the supplies you need to carry on because this is when it gets real! 

Sunday, March 7th Readings

Third Sunday of Lent

Opening Prayer

Father,

You put a thirst in me that only You can quench.

You lead me through rocky and desert places

to a wellspring with the water of life.

May the scripture I read today satisfy my desire

and fill me with Your Spirit so I may overflow!

AMEN

Journal/Reflection Questions

Exodus 17:3-7

  • Why was Moses afraid? When have you felt like Moses? Where was God? How did God help you?
  • Do you think Moses ever doubted God? Why or why not?
  • What about you is different than Moses?

Romans 5:1-2,5-8

  • An agreement made between two people requires each side to give something. God gave us His Son, Jesus gave us His life and the Holy Spirit gave us the Bible.  What are you being called to give?
  • Could you give up your life for another person? Anyone or just specific people? How does this differ from giving up your life for God? Or giving your life to God?

John 4:5-42

  • What does Jesus ask for and then offer in return? Imagine Jesus asking you the same thing. How might you respond, how have you already responded? What has He asked for in return, what do you give?
  • Define “living water”. 
  • Have you ever, like the disciples, wondered what God was doing?

General Questions for Journaling

  • Have you ever grumbled at God?  Have you ever grumbled against God?
  • What causes you to grumble to other people?
  • It is said that “faith makes you stronger”; explain how this is true or not true.
  • Do you thirst for things in your life? Take time to be honest with yourself and reflect on things you thirst for each day. Are these things life giving or do they drain life from you?
  • Describe what it feels like to have faith poured over you?  Love poured over you?  Joy poured over you?
  • What do you think the woman at the well was feeling when Jesus told her all of the things of her past. How would it make you feel if a stranger did the same to you? How does it feel to know Jesus does know your past?
  • Are there things about you that you wish God didn’t know? How does your behavior/attitude change, knowing God knows all of your secrets?
  • Put yourself in the Gospel story as one of the villagers. How would you react when the woman came back to share what had just happened at the well? Would you believe her? Would the encounter change how you felt about her?
  • The woman at the well shows how humans long to be loved and Jesus is the only one who can give the everlasting love humans desire. What do you desire?  Are there things in your life you cannot live without?
  • When you are in the desert and look out into the horizon, you can see a mirage, an image of water in the distance. Use this image to describe an experience in your life. What was your desert experience? What was your mirage?
  • How does the story of the woman at the well, help give you encouragement to continue to work on your Lenten sacrifices?

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Make me a well-spring…

ALL:  of your peace!

Leader:  Make me a well-spring…

ALL:  of your comfort!

Leader:  Make me a well-spring…

ALL:  of your joy!

Leader:  Make me a well-spring…

ALL:  of your compassion!

Leader:  Make me a well-spring…

ALL:  of your goodness!

Leader:  Make me a well-spring…

ALL:  of your love!

Challenge for the Week:  The woman at the well in the Gospel story sees Jesus but doesn’t know he is the Messiah.  She had heard of him, but had not seen him.  Take time this week to think about the times you have missed seeing Jesus or spending time with him.  What can you do to be more open to seeing Jesus in your everyday activities, not just when you want to see him or when you go to church.

Sunday, February 28th Readings

Second Sunday of Lent

Opening Prayer

God of all creation,

You can turn the night into day;

        the darkness into light.

You can create something out of nothing;

        beauty from the ashes.

Shine your light into our dark places.

Transform our ashes into a new creation.

God you are with us!

Journal/Reflection Questions

Genesis 22: 1-2, 9a, 10-13, 15-18

  • How does this story speak to you about Abraham’s love for God? His love for his son, Isaac?
  • Can you imagine yourself as Abraham or Isaac in this story? Don’t listen to the scripture as though it is a story you are listening to or a movie you are watching, rather as a participant. How does this change your perspective?
  • Describe what you think God’s blessing means to Abraham.

Romans 8: 31b-34

  • God intercedes for you in your life. Is there someone who needs you to intercede for them? Make a plan to do so soon.
  • What is the difference between “God with us” and “God for us”?

Mark 9: 2-10

  • They were blinded by the light which shone on Jesus and were paralyzed. Share an experience when you felt God’s presence so intensely you were paralyzed.
  • What do you believe is the message of this scripture? Is there anything specific that strikes you as something requiring more personal reflection?
  • Again we read, God says, “This is my beloved Son”. When were these words spoken before? What are the similarities and differences from the two times these words were spoken and what is the significance?

General Questions for Journaling

  • Have you ever heard God’s voice and followed even though you questioned? 
  • What are the things you withhold from God? How can the season of Lent help you to open up?
  • What can you not live without?  How many of them tangible? If they are people, what specifically is it that you couldn’t live without?
  • How does your life reflect how much you blindly trust God? Is it something you can measure? Try.
  • Make a list of things you can truly turn over for God to control.
  • Make a list of things you have a hard time letting go of the control. What makes it hard for you to let go and allow God to be in charge of the actions required of you in your life?
  • Have you ever gone against what you believe is God’s will? What was the situation? What was the outcome?
  • Have you ever witnessed a heroic act? Explain.
  • Do you think God has favorites?  Do you think God treats each person the same?
  • The world controls what news stories you hear. They can shine light on a story to keep your gaze away from what is happening in the dark. What helps you find the truth in all the mess?
  • Are there things happening in your community or the world which need illuminated? What can you do to shine light on them?
  • In what events or activities do you experience or see the transfiguration happen in the world today?
  • Have you ever experienced something so amazing it is hard to explain to another person? What makes it hard to explain?
  • Share a time when you experienced something with someone and afterwards saw that person in a different light. (It could be for the positive or for the negative)
  • When was the last time you went away just to spend time alone with God?

Closing Prayer

Leader:  When we experience God’s presence

ALL:  We transform ourselves…

Leader:  When we live in God’s presence

ALL:  We transform others…

Leader:  When we share God’s presence

ALL:  We can transform the world…

ALL:  We are transforming agents of YOUR love!

Challenge for the Week:  The season of Lent calls you to be more disciplined with your prayer, your giving and your sacrifice but really what it is drawing you to, is to be in deeper relationship with Jesus.  Spend time this week considering what it would have been like to walk with Jesus when he travelled around.  What would you learn?  What would you feel?  Do you think you could have those same experiences right now?  What if I said, YES!  You can walk with Jesus in the present time.  He is already with you and through prayer, giving and sacrifice you can become more aware of the voice directing you.  What are you waiting for???

Sunday, February 21st Readings

First Sunday of Lent

Opening Prayer

Lord,

Empty me this Lent.

Take from me the things

which draw me from you.

Remove from my thoughts

all that causes me to sin.

I surrender myself to you.

I am YOURS!

Journal/Reflection Questions

Genesis 9:8-15

  • What does this scripture tell you about the things God loves?
  • What did the rainbow mean to Noah and his family? Does it have the same value to you today?
  • What is Noah’s role in making God’s promise complete? What is your role in it?

1Peter 3:18-22

  • During Lent we are to imagine ourselves living in the desert; without water. Have you ever felt parched or thirsty for Jesus, the living water?
  • The scripture says, “saved by water”. Reflect on the similarities of the flood of the First Reading and your own Baptism. Does this change your perspective or understanding of these events in anyway?
  • Look for the references to each person in the Holy Trinity in this scripture. What do these references reveal about each person and how can the characteristics help you through your experience of Lent?

Mark 1:12-15

  • What are the things which tempt you in the desert place? 
  • How have the angels of God ministered to you when you have been in the desert?
  • What does the scripture mean that this is a time of fulfillment?

General Questions for Journaling

  • What does the rainbow mean to you? How do you share this with others? 
  • What lesson can you learn from the story of Noah? What can you take away from the 40 days or of the dove and fig leave? How is this story relevant today?
  • What sign(s) of God’s love have been present in your life today?
  • How do you show signs of love to others? 
  • What confirms for you that God will keep his promise(s)? Be specific.
  • Can the suffering of Christ be a beacon of strength?
  • Do you believe God can be disobedient? Why or why not?
  • How have you been disobedient to God? How does this affect your relationship with Him? How does it affect your relationship with others?
  • How would you say your baptism has formed or changed you? Explain.
  • What can you do to get in touch with the waters of baptism washing you clean?
  • Where is God in the desert your experience?
  • Can you make time this Lent to spend uninterrupted time with God? What demons do you need to face?
  • Where does God want you to go to minister to others?
  • What does conversion mean to you? Why is conversion important? 
  • At Ash Wednesday services you will hear, “You are dust and to dust you shall return” and/or “Turn away from sin and be faithful to the Gospel” as ashes are placed on your forehead.  What do these words really mean and how can you take them to heart this Lent?

Closing Prayer

Leader:  A sign of covenant in a rainbow after a hard rain…

ALL:  YOU lead us out of the desert places, let our souls rejoice!

Leader:  A sign of courage in a slingshot facing a giant…

ALL:  YOU lead us out of the desert places, let our souls rejoice!

Leader:  A sign of hope in a star over Bethlehem…

ALL:  YOU lead us out of the desert places, let our souls rejoice!

Leader:  A sign of forgiveness on the cross at Calvary…

ALL:  YOU lead us out of the desert places, let our souls rejoice!

Challenge for the Week:  Lent is a time for us to make a promise to be a better person, a better friend, a better disciple.  God’s promise to love and protect us is symbolized with a rainbow and with a cross.  Spend time this week, as you enter into the Lenten season, thinking about a sign or symbol you can use to show God you are committed to fulfilling your Lenten promise of fasting, alms giving, and praying.  Find a sign or symbol which will help you stay focused on keeping your promise and to remind you God is always with you.

Ash Wednesday

Lent is more than a time when Catholics don’t eat meat and give up something like chocolate or cursing.
Lent is a season.
And like any season, ie spring, summer, fall, winter, there is (or rather should be) TRANSFORMATION.
This Lent, allow the scriptures to change you, transform you.
Let the Word fill you, awaken you and bring you to life.
When you do, then you’ll understand the full meaning of God saying, “return to me with your heart.”
Sometimes it is in letting go, that you find what you are seeking.

First Reading – Joel 2:-12-18

“Be Merciful O God, for we have sinned”

Psalm 51

On the surface this scripture is contradictory.
Jesus says, to go to your room and shut the door to pray in private, yet Ash Wednesday is the only time when you come to church and leave with a visual mark for everyone to see you believe in Jesus.
The ashes become the outward symbol that you are believer, thus shouting to everyone that you are Christian. However, the mark also is the acknowledgement that you are unclean, you are a sinner.
“Turn away from sin and be true to the Gospel”
So, YES, you are called to go to your room to pray in private to seek forgiveness, to become clean.
Think of Lent as you being “grounded.”
It’s time to work on yourself, your relationship with others and your relationship with God.
A time to change the wrong you’ve done and to make amends.
Lent begins with the Ashes on your forehead but through the six week of Lent you sacrifice, pray, and do the work.
Then at the end of Lent, the ashes are washed clean by the blood of the lamb. Washed away through the renewal of Baptismal Promises

Gospel Reading – Matthew 6:1-6,16-18

Sunday, February 14th Readings

6th Sunday of Ordinary Time

Opening Prayer

Compassionate God

YOU silence every cry, YOU wipe away every tear.

Each of us are bound, bruised and broken,

        but throughout history Lord,

everything YOU touch is made whole.

You are the healer and perfector of all creation.

Comfort us, Almighty Father. 

Hold us in your arms…forever!

Journal/Reflection Questions

Leviticus 13:1-2,44-46

  • When have you acted like Moses and Aaron and forced another to be exposed or excommunicated?
  • Are there people in the world today which you dub as unclean? What are your criteria for determining they are unclean?
  • How do you relate to those who are labeled as a leper?

1Corinthians 10:31-11:1

  • Do you give thanks to God each time you eat and drink? Consider how many hands your food passed through to get to you and provide you with the nourishment you need.
  • When do you give thanks to God? How many times on average do you give thanks to God?

Mark 1:40-45

  • Jesus reached out in pity, when have you felt Jesus reach out to you with pity? What was the situation? What was the outcome?
  • Would you be able to contain yourself if you were healed and not tell anyone or would you be like the leper who shared with everyone the good that was done?
  • How is the leper in the first reading treated differently or the same as the leper in the Gospel reading? What lesson do you take from this?

General Questions for Journaling

  • Do you know a leper? Is there someone in your workplace or community whom others have outcast or deemed “unclean”?
  • What if your sins showed on your skin like the sores of leprosy? 
  • Have you ever been outcast because of a physical ailment? 
  • How can you use your scars to bring healing to others?
  • Do you have a physical feature which you try to hide or cover? What is it?  How could God use it? How can you show God’s glory through this thing you try to hide?
  • Can the glory of God spread by touch like the disease of leprosy? Why or why not?
  • What does it mean to “do everything for the glory of God”? Share examples
  • Think back to yesterday and determine if you were aware of God’s presence all day. Were there gaps?
  • What times of the day or what activities are the most difficult for you to be aware of God’s presence in your life?
  • Do you have a hero? An idol? What characteristics draw you to them?
  • Who in your family do you take after? What traits do you have in common?
  • Did you “inherit” family traits which you are proud of or ones with which you struggle?
  • What traits do you have in common with Jesus? Do these come naturally or do you work at them?
  • Define “pity”. What is it, who has it and where does it come from?
  • Is there something or someone within your grasp that needs a healing touch? What can you do?
  • When have you experienced the healing touch of God in your life?

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Lord, let me see what you see!

ALL:  When I see illness,

Leader:  Lord, you see wellness.

ALL:  When I see something broken,

Leader: Lord, you see it whole.

ALL:  When I see poverty,

Leader:  Lord, you see richness.

ALL:  When I see sin,

Leader:  Lord, you see forgiveness.

ALL:  When I see death,

Leader:  Lord, you see life.

ALL:  Lord, let me see what you see!

Challenge for the Week:  How do you show God glory each day?  Is in your morning or evening prayer enough?  Is praying before your meals sufficient?  Consider all of the “everyday” things you do such as brushing your teeth, driving or doing the laundry.  Make a list of all of the “everyday” things you do and then think of a way to do that same task for the “GLORY OF GOD”.  Then do it!

Sunday, February 7th Readings

5th Sunday of Ordinary Time

Opening Prayer

Lord

At times the ways of this world consume my thoughts.

Help me so I may not become overwhelmed or weary

                rather, let me follow you;

for YOU alone can save.

Let me run to you when I am weak, restless and suffering.

I know your grace, mercy and love never ends;

        but I can sometimes forget;

let me cling to YOUR word

to remind me of your promise!!!

Journal/Reflection Questions

Job 7:1-4,6-7

  • Share a time in your life when you could relate to Job. What feeling or emotion do you most relate to? Do you still feel this way?
  • Compare Job’s description of his life on earth to how you describe your time on earth. How are the descriptions similar? How do they differ?
  • Where is God in this scripture?  Be specific.

1Corinthians 9:16-19,22-23

  • Saint Paul speaks of sacrifice for the sake of the Gospel. What are you willing to give up or sacrifice? How is this shown in your life?
  • Saint Paul says it is your obligation as a follower of Jesus to speak the Gospel. How do you fulfil this obligation?
  • What drives you to share the Gospel with others?  How does it relate to what St. Paul is telling the Corinthians in this scripture?

Mark 1:29-39

  • Imagine yourself as Jesus in this Gospel. What are you thinking? Feeling? How do you process all that happens? 
  • Jesus asked the people to not talk about the miracles which occurred. Would you be able to keep quiet about a miracle you witnessed? What do you think is the purpose of keeping quiet?
  • Jesus calls out many demons, describe some of the demons which possess people today.  Is there anything you can do to call out demons like Jesus?
  • Jesus goes off to pray after a long day of work.  What is the outcome of his time alone in prayer?

General Questions for Journaling

  • Do your pursue God or expect God to come to you? What does each scenario look like?
  • What causes you to be restless? Stress? Money? Family or Relationship issues?
  • How does stress or worry affect your way of thinking? Can it change our attitude about things? Why or why not?
  • Where does happiness come from? Be specific or share an example. 
  • How do you respond when you hear, “How can you believe in God if He allows such suffering in the world?”
  • What kind of hope can you offer someone who is in the midst of suffering? What are some things you can say or do?
  • Are you better at sympathy or empathy? What is the difference and how can you show both to others better?
  • When do you pray? How much effort do you put into it? Does it depend on what else you have planned for the day or whether you are too tired or not?
  • What could happen if you put as much effort into Mass (going to church) as you do when you attend your child’s extra-curricular activity (basketball game or dance recital) or as you do attending a concert or professional sporting event?
  • Define weakness. Do you believe it is a positive or negative trait? Explain.
  • What motivates you each day to get out of bed? Be specific.
  • Do you have desires in life? Do you have a plan for those desires to be met? How do your desires match up with what God desires for you?
  • Is there something you need Jesus to heal? Write down what you are in need of healing and place it in your bible. Let Jesus begin to heal you!

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Lord, may I speak your name

ALL:  and feel your presence!

Leader:  May I speak your name

ALL:  and hear your voice!

Leader: May I speak your name

ALL:  and be healed of my hurt!

Leader:  May I speak your name

ALL:  and be empowered to do your will!

Leader:  May I speak your name

ALL:  and be filled with grace and mercy!

Leader:  May I speak your name

ALL:  and KNOW that I am loved!

Challenge for the Week:  Put yourself in the Gospel as Jesus.  Write down what you think Jesus prayed when he went away.  What do you imagine was the conversation between Jesus and God?  Spend time this week having this same conversation with God.  Remember to take time to listen to God’s response and consider how you may move forward with the mission which God has entrusted you with in your life.

Sunday, January 31st Readings

4th Sunday of Ordinary Time

Opening Prayer

My Lord

How do I let go of anxiety

        so I might speak with authority?

Let me shed my insecurity

        so I might walk with confidence!

Teach me ways to stand strong

        so I show conviction in my beliefs!

Allow me to hold fast to YOU,

        as I find your words in my voice! 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Deuteronomy 18:15-20

  • Read the scripture as though you are Moses.  Does it change the meaning or message? What thoughts or feelings well up in you when you do this?
  • Does this scripture encourage you to speak God’s Word or cause you to be afraid to speak God’s Word? 

1Corinthians 7:32-35

  • Name the distractions in your life which cause you to not be as close to God/Jesus/Holy Spirit as you desire. Consider what you can do to lessen the distractions that keep you from this relationship.
  • How does being married or single distract you from God? 
  • How does being married or single bring you closer to God?

Mark 1:21-28

  • The people in the temple where amazed by Jesus’ action. What causes you to be amazed by God? 
  • Jesus was teaching with authority. What are you comfortable speaking about with authority?
  • How can you, like Jesus, speak truth to draw out the demons in a situation or in a relationship?

General Questions for Journaling

  • Do believe God anxiously waits for you to wake up each day to watch you unfold what is laid out on your path?
  • Identify the characteristics of a prophet of God. Do you have some of them?
  • Do you believe there are prophets who exist today? Who are they and are they guides for you?
  • Are there people in your life which you know to speak only truth?
  • Can you identify people whom you believe are or where prophets of their time? Who are people who have created a great uproar in their community or in the world? For what purpose?
  • As a baptized person, you are a prophet…how can you live more like the prophet you are?
  • What worries you about the world today? Write down at least 5 things and pray each day for the things that worry you.
  • Have you ever experienced so much worry that it became a dark cloud over you? How were you able to overcome?
  • Have you ever rebuked something? Why? Was it for selfish reasons or for God?
  • Do you have something “unclean” within you which you need to ask Jesus to call out?
  • Where do you see “unclean” situations? Consider globally, nationally, locally and individually and listen to God respond to your concern.
  • Who in your life do you trust explicitly? Is anyone who is in authority whom you trust? How do you know when someone is being authentic?
  • Has a new thought, process, or idea ever challenged you to change your ways? 

Closing Prayer

Leader:  YOU bring us out of darkness;

ALL:  WE ARE FREE!

Leader:  YOU lead us out of the desert;

ALL:  WE ARE FREE!

Leader:  YOU call us out of our selfishness;

ALL:  WE ARE FREE!

Leader:  YOU free us from our sins;

ALL:  WE ARE FREE!

Leader:  Lord, with YOU

ALL:  WE ARE FREE!

Challenge for the Week:  What do you call God?  Make a list of all of the names that can be used to describe all three persons of the Trinity, write them down.  Then take the list you made and cut the names out individually and place in a bowl, dish or cup.  Draw from this list a different name each day and use that name in your prayers that entire day.  Spend time throughout the day reflecting on the name and what it means to you, how it describes God and what it reveals about God’s nature.  Start now, or make plans for this to be included in your Lenten prayer practice. 

Sunday, January 24th Readings

3rd Sunday of Ordinary Time

Opening Prayer

God of all,

There is no where I can go

        that will take me away from You.

No mountain is too high,

        No ocean is too deep;

                You are always there!

Let my heart and mind know

        I cannot run away from You.

Your will, Lord, is always done!

Journal/Reflection Questions

Jonah 3:1-5, 10

  • Share a time when you were like Jonah and didn’t want to do what God was asking you to do. What was the situation? What was the outcome?
  • What message did Jonah bring to Nineveh? How does this same message ring true in your life right now?
  • What truths about God are revealed through this scripture?
  • What significance does the three days have to this story? Where else in scripture does God promise change in three days?

1Corinthians 7:29-31

  • Are there times when you act as though you are not a child of God? 
  • What does God want from you right now?  Is it the same or different from what he wanted from you a year ago? 5? 10?
  • What does the scripture tell you about what God values?

Mark 1:14-20

  • What is your idea or definition of the “time of fulfillment”? Describe.
  • How can you live like a disciple called to be a “fisher of men”? What can you do to “catch people” for God?
  • Jesus found them “mending their nets.” What requires mending in your life right now? Does God find you doing the mending or are you waiting for someone else to fix it?

General Questions for Journaling

  • How has your view of the world changed over the past 5, 10, 15, 20 years? Do you still value the same things? Do the same things still bring you joy and make you happy?
  • Reflect on the past week; are any of your actions in need of repentance? How would God answer the same question about you?
  • Is there anything you must repent to have a stronger relationship with God? Are there things you should repent to heal or strengthen a relationship with a friend or family member? 
  • Do you believe there is a recipe for happiness which could be true for all people? What would it look like?
  • Do you act as if you believe God loves you despite your shortfalls? If God can love you, what can you do to show love to yourself?
  • What were the credentials needed to be one of Jesus’ disciples? Are they still the same today?
  • How do you act when given a deadline? Does it increase productivity?  Does it cause stress? What about your attention/focus changes?
  • How have you been called to change? Where does the call come from?
  • What benefit comes from a threat? Are there times when they are effective? Why or why not?
  • Are there things you hold onto? What value do they have to you? What value does the world give them? What value does God give them?

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Lord, when you call…

ALL:  your words engulf me!

Leader:  Lord, when you call…

ALL:  my heart is awakened!

Leader:  Lord, when you call…

ALL:  I turn to listen!

Leader:  Lord, when you call…

ALL:  my soul rejoices!

Leader:  Lord, when you call…

ALL:  I hear nothing else!

Leader:  Lord, when you call…

ALL:  your servant is ready!

Challenge for the Week:  The word present has a couple of very different meanings.  One present means “right now” and another is “a gift” but what if to God they really mean the same thing???  Consider the present moment in time as a gift from God.  How do you use it?  What value do you give it?  Unfortunately, many people spend much of their time thinking about the past and planning for the future.  They don’t always give the present, the value of time which it deserves.  This doesn’t only apply to the time you spend alone, with your own thoughts but it also affects the time you spend with friends, family and others whom deserve your uninterrupted attention.  Are you present with them?  What can you do to become more present, in the moment?  What changes can you make to allow you to be more present minded…what a true present that would be!