Mary Mother of God

Sunday, June 25th Readings

12th Sunday of Ordinary Time

Opening Prayer

Lord

Like a mighty champion,

          You come to my rescue!

I hide in darkness but

          You bring me into the light!

Great is your mercy and

          bounteous is Your kindness!

My heart is revived by

          Your gracious gift of grace!

I am so full of love

          that it overflows to others!

Praise your Holy Name, Jesus!

Journal/Reflection Questions

Jeremiah 20:10-13

  • Where do you see God prevail as “mighty champion”?
  • Where do you see evidence of God rescuing the “life of the poor”?
  • What is your definition of “life of the poor”?

Romans 5:12-15

  • Where do you see evidence of sin in your life? In the world? How do you find forgiveness for this sin?
  • What can you do to multiply God’s gift of grace in your life, family, community? Share examples.

Matthew 10:26-33

  • Do you find comfort or discomfort in the scripture, “nothing is concealed that will not be revealed or secret that will not be known.”
  • What has God whispered to you? Did you proclaim what you heard? Why or why not?

General Questions for Journaling

  • Have you ever felt trapped by “evil” or “sin”?
  • When have you stumbled in the face of adversity?
  • Describe suffering. What does it look like, sound like, smell like, feel like?
  • How have you trespassed against God this week? How is it/can it be resolved?
  • How have you trespassed against your neighbor this week? How is it/can it be resolved?
  • How have you trespassed against yourself this week? How is it/can it be resolved?
  • Can good come from resentment? Why or why not?
  • What are you afraid of and how do you deal with/calm the fear?
  • Is there sin you keep from God and are afraid to let go? 
  • Are there secrets you keep from others, how does keeping these secrets affect the relationship?
  • How do you acknowledge yourself as a child of God?
  • Have you ever suffered for being a Christian? Have you been ridiculed because you go to Church? Share.
  • In what ways is your faith still in the darkness? How can you bring light to it?

Closing Prayer

Leader:  When I have obstacles in my path

ALL:  I praise the Lord!

Leader:  When I am the target of slander

ALL:  I praise the Lord!

Leader:  When I feel buried in doubt

ALL:  I praise the Lord!

Leader:  When I am drowning in sorrow

ALL:  I praise the Lord!

Leader:  When I have a mountain to climb

ALL:  I praise the Lord!

Leader: When I feel walls caving in

ALL:  I praise the Lord!

Leader:  When I call out to my Lord,

ALL:  I am ready for anything!

Challenge for the Week:  John 15:26b says, “The Spirit of Truth will testify.”  It’s like if you have to testify in court, they ask you to swear on a Bible to tell the truth.  Truth is valuable but not always very easy to come by.  At an early age, “the truth” becomes subjective based on our experience, perspective, and whether telling it is going to get us into trouble.  As adults, avoiding the truth is done sometimes to avoid causing others pain and other times to protect ourselves from pain.  At the beginning of time, Adam and Eve had to speak up and tell the truth about their sinful act. God already knew what they had done…this is still true today with your sin because the “Spirit of Truth” will testify to identify it!  Consider this week the number of people whom you trust enough to tell the truth.  Can you identify ten?  Would that be easy or difficult?  What would you say are the criteria of the relationship which make you trust them with the truth?  Take time to let them know how you feel about them and that they can count on you to be truthful and trustworthy.

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, June 18th Readings

11th Sunday of Ordinary Time

Opening Prayer

Creator God,

The harvest is abundant because You make it so.

You provide the soil, the sun and the nutrients to grow.

You care for the troubled and the abandoned.

You give whatever is needed, without cost.

This is the way You show Your love.

AMEN

Journal/Reflection Questions

Exodus 19:2-6a

  • God called Moses to Him to share a message. What was the message. How is this message for Moses relevant to you too?
  • What significance do think there is that they pitched the tents at the front of the mountain and Moses had to go up the mountain to talk to God?

Romans 5:6-11

  • Identify three emotions you feel when you read or hear this scripture. What do each of the emotions mean?
  • Where do you see evidence of Gods love for you today?

Matthew 9:36-10:8

  • Can you relate to the disciples in the Gospel reading? In what way? Be specific.
  • When you think of the “kingdom of heaven” what do you image?

General Questions for Journaling

  • Share an example of a time when you KNOW God lifted you up from a depression or saved you from a negative situation.
  • What or who do you hold dear? Can you list at least 10?
  • When was the last time you hear God speak to you? What did He say? How did you respond?
  • What is your favorite thing in nature?  Is it an animal, a tree, an image, a feeling.
  • Scripture often refers to a shepherd and sheep. What are the references and what do you think God wants you to know/learn from this reference right now?  Are you currently a shepherd? A sheep? Both?
  • Share an example of a time when you felt like a shepherd.
  • Share an example of a time when you felt like a sheep.
  • Does knowing you are a child of God change how you see or love yourself? Why or why not?
  • Is there someone you would die for or give your life in place of? Who is it and why?
  • Does your life feel like it is in the harvest season or the drought season? Explain.
  • When you give praise and thanks to God, do you expect something in return? Why or why not?
  • Is there a cost to loving God?  If so, what is it?

Closing Prayer

Leader:  You call me up the mountain

ALL:  You walk with me each step of the way

Leader:  You call me up the mountain

ALL:  You remind me of Your promises

Leader:  You call me up the mountain

ALL:  You call me reconcile my sins

Leader:  You call me up the mountain

ALL:  You give generously of Your love

Leader:  You call me up the mountain

ALL:  And I know I am Your Beloved!

Challenge for the Week:  Many Christians ask the question, ‘have you been saved’?  This week contemplate what it means to be ‘saved’ and how it applies to you.  How does Jesus’ life and death factor into your being ‘saved’?  What does sin have to do with it?  Are there scripture verses that support your belief?  Once you’ve spent time thinking about your answer, start a conversation with someone you know by asking them what being ‘saved’ means to them and be open to their perspective.

OR

In accounting, there are two columns, income and expenditure.  Income is a record of what is given to you and deposited into your account.  It is income that fills you and allows you to be able to pay out.  Even when you don’t have income, there are still expenses that incur, so sometimes you have to borrow in order to fulfill your obligations.  It is good practice to regularly reconcile your accounts, to see where you stand.  In the scripture this weekend, Saint Paul is telling the Romans that their lives were reconciled.  When you think about this truth in reference to the way accounts are reconciled, what does that mean to 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.

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, June 11th Readings

Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ

Opening Prayer

Jesus

You are the bread of life!

You are the manna sent from heaven!

Without you, I am empty!

Fill me, nourish me, and sustain me!

I will have my fill and never go hungry!

You are my daily bread!

Journal/Reflection Questions

Deuteronomy 8:2-3, 14b-16a

  • God sent manna from heaven, how is this still true?
  • One cannot live on bread alone, how does this apply to your life?  What is the “bread” you live on?
  • What does this scripture teach you about faith in God?

1Corinthians 10:16-17

  • One cannot live on bread alone, when you receive communion, how do you feel changed?  Do you feel the same when you read God’s word?
  • What cup of blessing do you hold today?  How can you let this blessing overflow and be a blessing to others?

John 6:51-58

  • The sacrifice made by Jesus on the cross is the foundation of the Eucharist.  What do you sacrifice when you come to the altar to receive Jesus’ Body and Blood?
  • Describe how partaking in Jesus’ Body and Blood sustains you?  What does it mean to you?

General Questions for Journaling

  • What is the symbolism of the “hunger” we have in our lives in relation to God?
  • How has God delivered you from slavery?  What are you still a slave to in your life?  How can God help you become free?
  • When you receive communion, you become a living tabernacle.  How do others see Christ in you?
  • What does God provide you in order to continue on the path of discipleship?  What more do you need on your journey of faith?
  • Which commandments are easy to follow?  Which are difficult?  Why?
  • Have you had desert experiences in your life?  Can you look back and see God “feeding” you in those times? 
  • Identify a time when you were “parched”.  How did this experience affect your faith?
  • How do you see yourself as a part of the Body of Christ?
  • What is your definition of Communion? 
  • What feelings or emotions are associated with hunger?  How are they different than the emotions and feelings of being satisfied?
  • How do the scriptures help you see how God feeds you?  What can you do to be more aware of the food God supplies for your life?
  • The Word Eucharist means Thanksgiving, how is the celebration of Mass like the Thanksgiving holiday?
  • It is said, you are what you eat.  What are some bad food choices you make?  How can God help you to make better choices?
  • What are some good food choices you make?  How do they improve your spirit?

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Christ before me…

ALL:  I praise YOU!

Leader:  Christ around me…

ALL:  I give you thanks!

Leader:  Christ beside me…

ALL:  I am at peace!

Leader:  Christ within me…

ALL:  I am filled with joy!

Leader:  I am Christ to others…

ALL:  Let the feast begin!

Challenge for the Week: In the Catholic Church, the Mass is separated into two parts, the Liturgy of the WORD, reading the scripture and the Liturgy of the EUCHARIST, celebrating the Body and Blood of Jesus.  In both cases, you are consuming Christ.  During COVID churches were closed, and there had been restrictions to the access to the Body and Blood of Christ.  Though participation in the celebration of Mass virtually, you could not consume the actual Body and Blood of Christ.  This was a time when the need to dive deeper into the WORD of God, the scriptures, the WORD made flesh in Jesus was essential.  This is still true today.  There are several ways to connect more deeply to the Scriptures on a daily basis to be filled.  You can read and meditate on a daily prayer book, get scripture verses sent to via text or email and you can journal or pray the rosary or a dozen other practices to help you connect and feel the abundance of Christ within you.  When you spend time reading, praying and allowing the WORD to marinate your soul, then you will know what it means to be filled with God’s WORD and be satisfied! 

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, April 2nd Readings

Palm Sunday

Opening Prayer

Jesus

When I call out in prayer,

          what do I say?

Do my words express my trust in you?

When I live out each day,

          what do I say?

Do my actions show I trust you?

Let me be more aware of how I hurt you.

May I work to let my words and my actions,

          express my love and trust in YOU!

AMEN

Journal/Reflection Questions

Isaiah 50:4-7

  • From whose perspective is this reading? What does it tell you about speaking out against injustice?
  • How can you identify with this scripture? Are you feeling weary as the season of Lent comes to a close?
  • Does this scripture give you any encouragement to keep on with your Lenten disciplines?  Explain.
  • What does God promise to those who hear His word and act on it?

Philippians 2:6-11

  • How do you show love? Do you love others with conditions? What can you do to love others more fully?
  • What are you selfish about? With whom are you selfish? Are there people in your life whom you do not share openly? Why?
  • What qualities of Jesus do you admire the most? How do you relate to these traits?

Matthew 26:14-27:66

  • Have you ever been in a state of extreme physical pain? How were you able to cope? Have you been with someone who has been in extreme physical pain? What can you do to help those who suffer?
  • If you were there on the day of Jesus’ crucifixion, could you have stayed with Jesus until the very end? Who in this scripture can you relate to the most? Why?
  • Choose an action from the Gospel reading that reflects something going on in your life right now. 

General Questions for Journaling

Closing Prayer

Leader:  May I be emptied…

ALL:  so I can be refilled with humility.

Leader:  May I be emptied…

ALL:  so I can be refilled with obedience.

Leader:  May I be emptied…

ALL:  so I can be refilled with hospitality.

Leader:  May I be emptied…

ALL:  so I can be refilled with forgiveness.

Leader:  May I be emptied…

ALL:  so I can be refilled with acceptance.

Leader:  May I be emptied…

ALL:  so I can be refilled with trust.

Leader:  May I be emptied…

ALL:  so I can be refilled with faith.

Challenge for the Week:  This week make the commitment to sacrifice some of your time and do something uncomfortable.  It might be something simple like making small talk with the person in line with you at the store or offering to purchase the coffee of a stranger.  You might consider taking some of the “me time” you work to create and volunteer.  Perhaps you could make time for someone you have been avoiding or someone who has been sick or is alone.  Too often, we get wrapped up in ourselves and we begin to complain about things that we really shouldn’t complain about.  Look around this week and sacrifice yourself for the sake of another who is going through something much more difficult than you.  It will help you gain perspective and prepare your heart for Holy Week!

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, January 15th Readings

2nd Sunday of Ordinary Time

Opening Prayer

Lord, Lamb of God!

May Your light shine

          from the heavens!

May Your Spirit dwell

          throughout the land!

Let all those who gather

          in your name

                   feel Your presence!

AMEN

Journal/Reflection Questions

Isaiah 49:3, 5-6

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

1 Corinthians 1:1-3

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

John 1:29-34

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

General Questions for Journaling

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

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Through the waters of Baptism…

ALL:  I am CLEANED!

Leader:  Through the waters of Baptism…

ALL:  I am made PURE!

Leader:  Through the waters of Baptism…

ALL:  I am SATISFIED!

Leader:  Through the waters of Baptism…

ALL:  I become WHOLE!

Leader:  Through the waters of Baptism…

ALL:  I am BELOVED!

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

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

Discipleship 5K: A Physical and Spiritual Journey to the Cross by Heather Neds, author of the Weekly Scripture Journal is more than a book, it is a guide to becoming a stronger disciple.  Grab and copy and start the journey!

Sunday, January 8th Readings

Epiphany of Our Lord

Opening Prayer

Lord

You shine like a star for all to see

You bring light to the dark places

You pour out Your goodness

You fill me until I overflow

Help me to radiate in this world, like YOU!

AMEN

Journal/Reflection Questions

Isaiah 60:1-6

  • The Magi were drawn to the baby Jesus because of the “great light”. What draws people to a relationship with Jesus today? What draws you into a relationship with Jesus?
  • God calls you into the light. Are there areas of your life which you close off to God or to others because they are dark? Identify the darkness in your life and resolve to let God begin to shine light onto it. Make a resolution to seek help from people who can help shed light onto a dark situation.

Ephesians 3:2-3, 5-6

  • What brings light into your life? Take a piece of paper and write down the things that bring light to your life and draw a star around each one. Place this paper in a significant place in your house, on the refrigerator, on your bathroom mirror, in your prayer space, wherever you will see it and be reminded and encouraged.
  • How would you identify yourself as a copartner with God? What does Saint Paul mean here?
  • Saint Paul says all people are heirs to the kingdom of God. Do your actions express this truth? Who in your life needs to be shown God’s unconditional love? What steps can you take to make them feel like a child of God?

Matthew 2:1-12

  • The Magi travelled a great distance to find Jesus. How far have you travelled to find Jesus? What makes the journey worth it?
  • How will you pay homage to Jesus this year? Do any of your resolutions help you deepen your relationship with him? What gifts do you bring to Jesus?
  • The scriptures over the past month have given us examples of how God speaks to his people through dreams. Does this cause you to look at your dreams in a different way?
  • Do you think God still speaks to his beloved people through dreams? Why or why not?
  • What do your dreams warn you against? Do you listen?

General Questions for Journaling

  • Can you identify where God is working in your life? How do you help or hinder God’s work in your life?
  • What does a steward do? How are you a steward of God’s grace?
  • How is it that you came to know Jesus? 
  • How far would you travel to see God?
  • What are you willing to sacrifice/give up in order to find God?
  • How do you relate to Jesus as a baby? What are you to learn or take away from the circumstances of Jesus’ birth? 
  • Is there someone or something that threatens you and your growth in the Spirit? Is there an obstacle in your life, you must overcome? Name the Herod in your life, then ask God to guide you to safety.
  • Things don’t always work out the way you expect. The story of Jesus’ birth says you just have to go with the flow. Are there prayers in your life which have been answered, just not in the way you expected? 
  • Is the faith you express a gift or curse to others?  Explain and give examples of how faith can be both.
  • Is it harder to believe Jesus came to save ALL people or Jesus came to save YOU?

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Lord, You are a shining light…

ALL:  shine so I might find You in the darkness.

Leader:Lord, You are a shining light…

ALL:  let Your light be a beacon when I am weary.

Leader:  Lord, You are a shining light…

ALL:  spotlight the path I must follow.

Leader:  Lord, You are a shining light…

ALL:  consume me so others see Your glow within me.

Leader:  Lord, You are a shining light…

ALL:  awaken me to Your radiance!

Challenge for the Week:  Throughout Jesus’ life, He unwrapped the gift of Himself and shared the gifts with others.  Jesus was a good son, obedient to God, a teacher, a healer and a welcomed companion and friend.  What gifts have you been born with but have not unwrapped?  Have you unwrapped gifts within you which you have not shared with others?  What keeps you from unwrapping the gifts and sharing them?  Spend time this week reflecting on your life and the gifts which you have been given and unwrapped.  Have you used the gifts to the benefit of God?  Have you kept the gifts to yourself or only shared them with a few people?  Are there still gifts left for you to unwrap?  How do you know when it is time to unwrap and share the gifts you have been given?  Light a candle in your home to help remind you to reflect on the gift Jesus is and the gift you are too!

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

Discipleship 5K: A Physical and Spiritual Journey to the Cross by Heather Neds, author of the Weekly Scripture Journal is more than a book, it is a guide to becoming a stronger disciple.  Grab and copy and start the journey!

Sunday, January 1st Readings

Mary Mother of God

Opening Prayer

God of heaven and earth

How must Mary have felt,

          going through all of these trials?

What did she think,

          about journeying away from home?

Was she sad

          because her mother wasn’t with her?

Did she struggle

          with believing what the Angel said?

How did others treat her

          when they saw she was pregnant?

Help me to connect with Mary

          so I might learn how to let my faith

          overcome obstacles!

AMEN

Journal/Reflection Questions

Numbers 6:22-27

  • Who in your life right now needs to hear that they are a blessing to you? Practice how you will tell them.
  • How have you felt blessed by others this year? How can you let them know you are grateful?

Galatians 4:4-7

  • Have you ever considered yourself as adopted by God? What does that look like? What does that feel like?
  • How does the birth of a child bring fullness? Is it the same or different than when Jesus was born? How?

Luke 2:16-21

  • Have you been given a message to share like the shepherds? What is the message?
  • Spend time reflecting on what the birth of Jesus means to you? What do you conclude?

General Questions for Journaling

  • Where do you see blessing? Is there anything you can do to contribute?
  • Make a top ten list of blessings with the date on it and put it in your bible.
  • Do you feel uncomfortable receiving compliments? Why or why not?
  • Do you feel uncomfortable giving compliments? Why or why not?
  • Have you ever tried to hide from God? Do you think God hides from you?
  • Would you define yourself as a slave? What are you a slave to?
  • What do you treasure? What makes it so special?
  • When have you been amazed? Was it recently or a long time ago? 
  • How do you describe the feeling of being amazed? 
  • What do you describe as being amazing? What makes it so?

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Lord, when I feel unworthy…

ALL:  bless me with the Spirit of Grace!

Leader:  Lord, when I am in despair…

ALL:  bless me with the Spirit of Hope!

Leader:  Lord, when I feel neglected…

ALL:  bless me with the Spirit of Love!

Leader:  Lord, when I feel incomplete…

ALL:  bless me with the Spirit of Wholeness!

Leader:  Lord, when I are full of worry…

ALL:  Bless me with the Spirit of Peace!

Challenge for the Week:  Take time to reflect on the past year.  There have been good things and bad things happen; how have these things affected you?  What do you have to look forward to in the New Year?  Are there things which you are dreading to face?  What have you learned this year that can help you overcome any obstacles in the coming year?  Are you making resolutions half-heartedly for the sake of “tradition” or are you spending time to make a change for good?  Spend time in reflection on the scripture readings of the birth of Jesus, focusing on each of the people in the story from the Innkeeper to Joseph to the Angels to Mary to the Shepherds, each person has a message for you…what is it and how can it help you make resolutions for 2023?

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

Discipleship 5K: A Physical and Spiritual Journey to the Cross by Heather Neds, author of the Weekly Scripture Journal is more than a book, it is a guide to becoming a stronger disciple.  Grab and copy and start the journey!

Sunday, January 16th Readings

2nd Sunday of Ordinary Time

Opening Prayer

Lord Jesus,

You are generous beyond compare.

The wellspring of your love never runs dry.

You are the giver of all that is good.

I want to overflow with praise for you,

And shout from the rooftop that You are God!

AMEN

Journal/Reflection Questions

Isaiah 62 :1-5

  • Jesus is the King of Kings, how does this scripture describe your relationship with him?
  • What does this scripture tell you about how God loves? Does it help you understand God’s love more or less?

1 Corinthians 12:4-11

  • Where do you see yourself in this scripture? How does the Spirit manifest within you?
  • When have you seen these gifts work together for good in your community or in your life?
  • Where have your gifts been called upon and gathered for a specific purpose or did they come together organically? Explain.

John 2:1-11

  • Compare your life to the wine which was served first and your future to the water which was turned into wine. Can you find hope in the comparison?
  • Put yourself in the scripture. Imagine yourself as the head waiter, the bride/groom, the guests, Mary. What are you thinking? How do you make sense of what happened? Whom do you share this occurrence with and how?
  • How do the words, “do whatever he tells you” change meaning when you hear them coming from Mary, speaking of Jesus?

General Questions for Journaling

  • How do you know God loves you? How would you explain this kind of love to someone who had never met God?
  • God calls you His delight and promises not to forsaken you; what other names does God give you? What other promises does He make?
  • What gift(s) do you have? How do you use it/them?
  • Are you jealous of a specific gift? Why? What would you do with it if you had it?
  • When have you seen a variety of gifts work together for good?
  • What specific gift is needed in your family right now? In your workplace? In your community?
  • There is a time to speak up and a time to be silent. Share examples of each and explain.
  • When you call on God, what name do you use? What name does God use to call on you?
  • Would you say you have experienced love to its greatest extent? Share the experience.
  • Do you feel favored by God? Why or why not? 
  • What does it mean to you to be favored by God?
  • How do you compare God’s love for you and the love of a parent?
  • How do you compare God’s love for you and the love of a spouse?
  • Does comparing God’s love to the marriage union still hold value when people get divorced or don’t get married at all? Why or why not?
  • How does God know you love Him? Do you tell Him? Do you show Him? What do you do?
  • When have you seen the Spirit at work? Do you have to look hard to see it?  How often do you experience this?
  • Are there gifts God has given to you which you are afraid to use?
  • Do you believe there are still gifts of God within you which haven’t been manifest yet? Why or why not?
  • Do you believe the phrase, “you get what you pay for”? What does it mean?  How can you translate it to faith?
  • Is there anyone in your life whom you trust will provide for all of your needs? Do you think it is a rarity or surplus in life to have one or more people who take care of you to this extent?
  • Have you ever been asked to give more than you thought was expected? What was the situation?  How did it affect your attitude?  What was the outcome?
  • How does the saying “save the best for last” apply to your life? Share examples of when this is true.

Closing Prayer

Leader: Lord, you are the miracle in my life,

ALL:  turning water into wine.

Leader:  Lord, you are the miracle in my life,

ALL:  healing the sick and lame.

Leader:  Lord, you are the miracle in my life,

ALL:  providing for every need.

Leader: Lord, you are the miracle in my life,

ALL:  making the ordinary, extraordinary.

Leader:  Lord, you are the miracle in my life,

ALL:  pouring mercy over sinners.

Leader:  Lord, you are the miracle in my life,

ALL:  giving eternal life through death.

Challenge for the Week:  One name for God is King of Glory and Jesus is referred to as the King of Kings who reigns over the Kingdom of God.  So when you read the First Reading which says you are “crowned” as children of the Most High King, how does that make you feel?  Have you ever wished to have a crown?  How does wearing a crown, potentially change your behavior?  What words would you use to describe royalty; do any of these words describe you?  Why or why not?  This week during your prayer time, before you get out of bed or after you brush your teeth, make a point to crown yourself with an imaginary crown and remind yourself of your royal bloodline!

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January 1st Readings

Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God

Opening Prayer

God of heaven and earth

How must Mary have felt going through all of these trials?

What did she think about journeying away from home?

Was she sad because he mother wasn’t with her?

Did she struggle with believing what the Angel said?

How did others treat her when they saw she was pregnant?

Help me to connect with Mary so I might learn how to let my faith overcome my obstacles!

AMEN

Journal/Reflection Questions

Numbers 6:22-27

  • Who in your life right now needs to hear that they are a blessing to you? Practice how you will tell them. Write it down if you need to.
  • How have you felt blessed by others this year?  How can you let them know you are grateful?

Galatians 4:4-7

  • Have you ever considered yourself as adopted by God? What does that look like? What does that feel like?
  • How does the birth of a child bring fullness? Is it the same or different than when Jesus was born? How?

Luke 2:16-21

  • Have you been given a message to share like the shepherds?  What is the message?
  • Spend time reflecting on what the birth of Jesus means to you?  What do you conclude?

General Questions for Journaling

  • Where do you see blessing? Is there anything you can do to contribute?
  • Make a top ten list of blessings with the date on it and put it in your bible.
  • Do you feel uncomfortable receiving compliments? Why or why not? What was the last compliment you received?
  • Do you feel uncomfortable giving compliments? Why or why not? Who was the last person you complimented? What was their response to the compliment?
  • Have you ever tried to hide from God? Do you think God hides from you? Explain – Give an example.
  • Would you define yourself as a slave? If so, what are you a slave to? If not, consider how you spend your time and money to be sure your words and actions are in line.
  • What do you treasure? What makes it so special?
  • When have you been amazed? Was it recently or a long time ago? 
  • How do you describe the feeling of being amazed? 
  • What do you describe as being amazing? What makes it so?

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Lord, when we feel unworthy…

ALL:  bless us with the Spirit of Grace!

Leader:  Lord, when we are in despair…

ALL:  bless us with the Spirit of Hope!

Leader:  Lord, when we feel neglected…

ALL:  bless us with the Spirit of Love!

Leader:  Lord, when we feel incomplete…

ALL:  bless us with the Spirit of Wholeness!

Leader:  Lord, when we are full of worry…

ALL:  Bless us with the Spirit of Peace!

Challenge for the Week:  Take time to reflect on the past year.  There have been good things and bad things happen; how have these things affected you?  What do you have to look forward to in the New Year?  Are there things which you are dreading to face?  What have you learned this year that can help you overcome any obstacles in the coming year?  Are you making resolutions half-heartedly for the sake of “tradition” or are you spending time to make a change for good?  Spend time in reflection on the scripture readings of the birth of Jesus, focusing on each of the people in the story from the Innkeeper to Joseph to the Angels to Mary to the Shepherds, each person has a message for you…what is it and how can it help you make resolutions for 2021?