prayers

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 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, 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

Sunday, August 8th Readings

19th Sunday of Ordinary Time

Opening Prayer

Lord

Give me the courage to step out

You have shown me the way

Let me move forward

Allow your love and mercy

        overflow from me

So wherever I go, others see YOU!

Amen

Journal/Reflection Questions

1 Kings 19:4-8

  • Share a time when you were able to look back on a situation in your life and see how God prepared you to be able to continue forward.
  • Reflect on how this scripture teaches the difference between what you want and what God wants and how God cares for you even when you aren’t willing or able to continue.

Ephesians 4:30-5:2

  • St. Paul says to be “imitators of Christ”.  What about this statement is difficult for you to follow?  Be specific.  What holds you back from imitating Christ more often in your daily life?   
  • Bitterness, fury, anger, shouting, reviling, malice…what is it about these emotions that are difficult for you to let go?
  • Explain how a “sacrificial offering gives a fragrant aroma”.  More specifically, how does Jesus’ sacrifice give a fragrant aroma?

John 6:41-51

  • How does the imagery of Jesus being the bread of life feel to you?  Do you think this is a good comparison or would another image/comparison make more sense to you?  Explain.
  • The people in the crowd have a difficult time believing and understanding.  What is their roadblock?  Do you have any roadblocks when it comes to your faith? 

General Questions for Journaling

  • How does it make you feel that God is still cheering for you, providing your needs when you are ready to give up?
  • When has God pulled you out of a pity party?  What specifically did he say to make you smile?
  • Where do you go to hide from others?  God?  Yourself?  What about this place gives you comfort?
  • People say, God only gives you what you can handle.  Share a time when you screamed at God, ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!
  • Do you believe angels still speak to people today?  Has God ever sent you an angel?  Share the experience.
  • Do you remember your dreams?  Do you think God speaks to you through your dreams?  Explain.
  • Make a list of 5-10 things that will bring you back from a bad mood. 
  • How do you grieve?  Are there levels to your grief?  Where is grief in relation to sadness or pain or emptiness or devastation?   
  • When was the last time you forgave someone?  Is there need for you to forgive someone now?
  • When was the last time you forgave yourself?  Are you in need of forgiveness?
  • What is the significance of the Body and Blood of Jesus for you?  Explain.
  • What is your favorite part of the Eucharistic celebration?
  • Are you always in the right mindset to receive the Body and Blood of Christ?  How important do you think it is for you to be prepared and what exactly does that mean or look like?

Closing Prayer

Leader:  I want to be a part of your life forever…

ALL:  Jesus, you were with me at the moment of my first breath!

Leader:  I want to be a part of your life forever…

ALL:  Jesus, you were there when I stumbled and helped me get back up!

Leader: I want to be a part of your life forever…

ALL:  Jesus, you helped me see my life is about serving others, not myself!

Leader:  I want to be a part of your life forever…

ALL:  Jesus, you taught me what it means to love!

Leader:  I want to be a part of your life forever…

ALL:  Jesus, you never leave me, you are always with me!

Leader:  I want to be a part of your life forever…

ALL:  Jesus, you gave me life, everlasting!

Challenge for the Week:  Like Elijah in the first reading, each of us is on a journey to the Holy Mountain.  Reflect this week on that journey.  When have you wanted to just give up because you didn’t feel you were making an impact or doing as much as those before you?  It is hard for us not to get wrapped up in productivity.  Instead, God has a plan for each of us and he knows already when we sit and when we stand…even the thoughts in our head that tell us we can’t go on.  As you reflect, take time to thank God for those times when he has come to your aide to help you and give you what you need to continue on the journey.  The journey is long and we have many lessons to learn along the way but the Lord has prepared a place for you and you are on the pathway to find it.

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 1st Readings

18th Sunday Ordinary Time

Opening Prayer

My God

Even in the desert places of my life

        YOU can hear me.

When I am grumbling and uncomfortable

        YOU can see me.

On those days when I look for solace

        YOU can touch me.

In my joy and in my sorrow

        YOU are there to fill me.

YOU are the aroma of my soul…

        may I always give thanks for your presence!

Amen

Journal/Reflection Questions

Exodus 16:2-4, 12-15

  • God provided each with their ‘daily bread’ and each was to take their ‘daily portion.’ How can you practice this in your life right now? 
  • Do you think God still sends down bread from heaven? Why or why not? Do you believe God sends things down from heaven?
  • Share some examples of grumblings you have for God. What fuels these grumblings? How does God respond? How do you want God to respond?

Ephesians 4:17, 20-24

  • What are practices of renewal? What are the things you must renew? How do you renew your mind? Your relationships? Your spirit? When was the last time you felt renewed in your faith?
  • What does it mean to ‘put away your old self?’
  • Make a list of ways you ‘renew your spirit.’ When was the last time you did one of these things? Does your spirit need renewed now?

John 6:24-35

  • How does the Eucharist feed you? How would you explain it to someone who has never received?
  • What is the bread from heaven which you receive today? How does it feed you in your life? Share specific examples of bread from heaven in your life. 
  • Do you pursue God? What is it you are seeking when you do so? What is the end result when you reach God?

General Questions for Journaling

  • When do you call on God? When you are afraid? When you are in need? When you are in trouble? Any other time?
  • If you were God, how would you feel about someone only coming to you when you need something?
  • Are there people in your life whom always complain to you? Do you enjoy listening to them complain? Why do you think they complain to you?
  • When was the last time you thanked God for giving you something you asked for or He met a need you had without you asking?
  • Do you think humans are naturally greedy? If yes, explain your answer. If not, where is greed learned? Is there anything you can do to reverse it?
  • Have you ever skipped a meal? Gone a day without eating? Describe what hunger feels like?
  • Do you believe hunger is physical or mental?
  • Have you ever made a change in your spiritual life so drastic that people took notice? What was it? What was the reaction of others?
  • Is change always difficult? Consider ways change can be good.
  • Consider a time when a painful transition in your life became helpful for another person. When was it, who was the person and how did it change or affect both of you?
  • Can you clean up your “act” like you clean up your house? Make some specific analogies of how.
  • Define the word “perish”. How does this apply to your life? Does good or bad come from things that perish? Do you allow things to perish or does God have control over that?
  • How does Eucharist give life to people today? Share some examples.
  • What are some of the things that sustain you in your life? Have these things always been the same or do they change as you deal with different situation and obstacles in your life?

Closing Prayer

Leader:  When given the opportunity to help…

ALL:  Guide me on the path of goodness!

Leader:  When I can’t decide what is right or wrong…

ALL:  Guide me on the path of righteousness!

Leader:  When I feel restless and unsatisfied…

ALL:  Guide me on the path of fulfillment!

Leader:  When I search for meaning and validation…

ALL:  Guide me on the path of truth!

Leader:  When I let go of our plans and follow you…

ALL:  Guide me on the path of holiness!

Challenge for the Week:  Saint Paul is not just talking to the Ephesians; he is speaking to you.  He says you should not live and act and think out of your mind; rather to renew your minds and live, act and think out of the holiness of truth. 

Of course, this is easier said than done. 

When you were baptized, presuming you were baptized as children, you were not likely aware of the commitment through baptism of a ‘daily conversion.’  It is as though you are a snake which sheds its skin as it grows.  As a committed disciple of Christ, you must also shed old thoughts, habits and attitudes.  This is how you can overcome and defeat those things which hold you back from a perfect relationship with God.  When you seek the truth, you come to find yourself growing in holiness because when you seek the truth you find God. 

What can you do this week to grow?  Where in your daily, weekly routines have you not sought after the truth and you feel as though you are suffocating (because of deceit and corruption) and you need to shed the skin of your old self?  It is time to be renewed!

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, July 25th Readings

17th Sunday Ordinary Time

Opening Prayer

Lord

YOU never cease to amaze;

        I am filled with wonder and awe at YOUR creation

YOU set the moon and the stars into motion;

        and breathed life into each of me.

YOU provide for my every need;

        sometimes through miraculous works of mercy or kindness.

Many are the gifts which YOU provide

        for all YOUR children.

YOU bless me, YOU love me, YOU provide for me

        YOU are the bread of life!

Journal/Reflection Questions

2Kings 4:42-44

  • Share a time when you didn’t think God provided enough? How was it like this scripture passage?
  • Why do you think there was enough for all to eat and still some leftover? 
  • Could you trust God like Elisha did and ignore logic to allow God to take care of it? Explain.

Ephesians 4:1-6

  • What does Saint Paul mean when he says to “preserve the unity of the spirit, through the bond of peace”?  How could you explain this to a new believer? How can you preserve unity?
  • How does your life show you believe that there is “one God…who is over all and through all and in all”? Give examples.

John 6:1-15

  • What would you tell a child about the distribution of food resources around the world? What do you believe God is teaching the world to do about it through this Gospel? Is there something specific you can do?
  • Imagine being there with Jesus, the disciples and the others. Would you expect Jesus to provide you with a meal if you traveled to the countryside to listen to him? Describe how you’d have felt if you were one of the disciples.

General Questions for Journaling

  • Have you ever been without enough food to eat? What did you do? Did you trust you would have food again? 
  • Share a time when God provided you with what you needed at the time it was required. What did you have to do for it to happen? How do you know God was involved?
  • On a scale from 1-10, how much do you trust God to provide for your needs? How would you rate your willingness to take a leap of faith?
  • What does your faith tell you to hope for? Do you believe wholly this will happen? What evidence do you have that makes it true?
  • Reflect on a time when you had to give more than you had to give.  What was the situation? How did it work out? Where was God in the situation/outcome? What did you learn from the experience?
  • Can a person be a prisoner in their own life?  To what are they imprisoned?  Have you personally experienced this?
  • Define a blessing. Are there limits to it?
  • Do you believe in miracles? Why or why not? How would you define a miracle?
  • How is a blessing and a miracle similar?  How are they different?
  • What do the scriptures this week tell you about generosity? Trust? Unity? Kindness? Humility? Patience? Getting your fill? What lesson do you think God wants you to learn from them?
  • When God shows up in your life, how do you feel?
  • Do you ever regret the time you spend with God? Why or why not?
  • Describe how God “feeds” you. What can you compare the feeling to?
  • How is the “fullness” of God like or unlike being “full” after a meal?

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Through the work of my hands…

ALL:  May I find fulfilment in YOU, Lord!

Leader:  Through the words I speak…

ALL:  May I find fulfilment in YOU, Lord!

Leader:  Through the prayers I pray…

ALL:  May I find fulfilment in YOU, Lord!

Leader:  Through my gratitude and humility…

ALL:  May I find fulfilment in YOU, Lord!

Leader:  Through the bread and wine…

ALL:  May I find fulfilment in YOU, Lord!

Challenge for the Week:  The Gospel message and the First Reading both talk about “leftovers”.  What do you think happens to the “leftovers”?  In today’s world, many of people plan meals for leftovers (especially on Thanksgiving) or enjoy taking a “doggie bag” when you go out for a meal.  There are some people who don’t like leftovers and won’t eat them, while others like to take leftovers and make them into something else altogether.  Still, many people will tell you that leftovers just aren’t the same or as good the second time around, while there are some foods that are just as good or better the next day!  Reflect on how this compares to God’s love. 

Some additional things to reflect on…

  • Do you give God love, only after you’ve shared with other? 
  • Does God devalue your time spent with Him when you do it out of obligation, instead of intentionally? 
  • Is there a quality of love God gives? 
  • How does it compare to the quality of love you give to him and others? 
  • Consider where you are giving ‘leftover’ love. 
  • Can you tell when someone giving love to you isn’t sincere or genuine?  How does that make you feel? 

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, July 18th Readings

16th Sunday Ordinary Time

Opening Prayer

Savior,

I wander aimlessly

Let me hear your voice more clearly

Your deepest desire is for me to be with you

Allow me to empty space

So you can fill me

Amen

Journal/Reflection Questions

Jeremiah 23:1-6

  • What do you believe makes a “bad shepherd”? What does God say will be done to those who mislead or do not care for the flock?
  • Where can you be a “good shepherd” to help aid and lead others to safety? Identify three things specifically you can do.

Ephesians 2:13-18

  • Reflect on some of the walls which divide people today. Which ones are evident in your life, your family, your community? What can be done to start to break down the walls that divide those around you?
  • Recall a story from the news or from your own life where you witnessed a dividing wall tumbling down. Share that story of restoration with three people this week.
  • What does this scripture offer in the form of advice?

Mark 6:30-34

  • Jesus was moved with pity for the crowds gathered…why? Can you think of an example from today where Jesus would also be moved with pity for those gathered?
  • How would you react if you were in this Gospel reading? Imagine having just come back from a long trip and you are taking a break to regain your energy. However, just as you are about to really relax, you are faced with having to go out again. What would you do? Could you show mercy for these people and give them what they need and sacrifice what you need?  Would you instead ask them for mercy to allow you to get the rest you need? How often are you asked to give more than you have for the benefit of others?
  • Jesus calls his disciples who work for him to take time for themselves. How do you take time for yourself?

General Questions for Journaling

  • How would you explain that God is just? What helps you to know God is just? Are there examples? 
  • Are there moments in your life when you look back and wonder where God was? Have you ever experienced a time when God wasn’t with you?
  • Where are modern day shepherds? Are they easy or hard to identify and find?
  • Who are the shepherds in your life?  What makes them voices you listen to and follow?
  • Can you be a shepherd and be a sheep as well? How is this possible? Identify situations where you are one or the other or both.
  • What is it about shepherds that God values? What are some of the characteristics needed to make a good shepherd?
  • Where do you see injustice happening in the world today? Who are the “shepherds” leading the flock? 
  • Where do you see an abundance of compassion in the world? What can you do to increase the work being done already?
  • Would you say fear is a major cause or contributor to injustice? Why or why not?
  • Is there someone in your life whom you feel sorry for? What is the situation? What do or can you do for them?
  • So many people live without purpose; what can you do to help lead them to the shepherd?
  • What does the symbol of the cross mean to you?  Has it changed over the years or does it remain the same as you always remember?

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Lord, Lead me to do what is right

ALL:  Let me hear your voice over the noise.

Leader:  Lord, Lead me to do what is right

ALL:  Give me courage to follow.

Leader: Lord, Lead me to do what is right

ALL:  Even when the road is steep and narrow.

Leader:  Lord, Lead me to do what is right

ALL:  Allow your spirit to radiate in me.

Leader:  Lord, Lead me to do what is right

ALL:  My hands reach out for justice.

Leader:  Lord, Lead me to do what is right

ALL:  Bring peace to this world.

Challenge for the Week:  There are many “divides” among people.  It could be political, religious, racial, economical and the list goes on.  These divides can seem deep where many people fall in between the cracks, while others seem so high to climb that it is deemed impossible to meet in the middle.  To bridge the divide might even seem like a waste of time and energy especially if you don’t have an opinion putting you on one side or the other.  However, there are other walls which divide people that are not so commonly spoken about…the wall built to keep people out because of personal prejudices or walls that you put up to protect you from having to change the way you do things or the way you think.  Individuals build walls in relationships to keep others from causing hurt feelings.  And it’s a defensive tactic to build roadblocks at work in order to achieve success.  However, sometimes those roadblocks become stumbling blocks to trip over and land flat on your face!  These things apply to your relationship with your God and Savior too. 

Spend time this week thinking about the walls you have built up around you, the roadblocks you have secured which have caused you to detour and the stumbling blocks you have tripped over; many of which you may be blaming someone else for setting up, but really you need to accept responsibility for creating it.  If it helps get a pen/pencil and a piece of paper to draw a diagram of these things so you can get a visual of just how many obstacles there are and if there is a pathway around these things.  Make the decision to choose one of these things to “break down” and clear the path.  Remember to seek God, your Shepherd to help make the pathway straight!

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Sunday, June 27th Readings

13th Sunday Ordinary Time

Opening Prayer

Lord

You are the beginning and the end.

You are the alpha and the omega.

You are the day and the night.

You are life and death.

Let me seek you in all things and at all times!

Amen

Journal/Reflection Questions

Wisdom 1:13-15; 2:23-24

  • The scripture says, “by the envy of the devil”, for what does the devil need to be envious?
  • What clarity do you find in this scripture about your purpose to live and the reason God created you?

2 Corinthians 8:7, 9, 13-15

  • Explain, “whoever had much did not have more, and whoever has little did not have less.”
  • How does this scripture explain the feeling of empathy? Does it inspire you to help other? What can you do right away?
  • How does the abundance of God make you feel?

Mark 5:21-43 or 5:21-24, 35b-43

  • Jesus simply needed to be present to heal. Are there situations in your life where all you really need to do is be there for another person?
  • This woman “encounters” Jesus. What does that mean to you? Do you remember your first encounter with Jesus?
  • When have you touched Jesus? Describe the experience.

General Questions for Journaling

  • Share an experience when you knew God was on your side.
  • Share an experience when you knew the devil was envious of your words or actions.
  • If God created man to be imperishable, how do you explain feelings of being defeated or broken down? Where do you see abundance in your life? How can you share it?
  • What are the qualities of humankind?
  • Are any of the qualities of humankind the same as the qualities of God?
  • What qualities of God do you wish you had?  What keeps you from having those qualities?
  • Draw a picture of yourself in God’s image. 
  • How does knowing God made all things change how you look at a person? An animal? An insect? A spider? A landscape?
  • Have you ever been on the receiving end of abundance given freely?
  • How does God’s presence impact you? Be specific.
  • How many times do you think a person must encounter God before they are a believer and follower?
  • Is there something that always lifts your spirits? Maybe a song or a special treat or hearing someone speak with voice full of helium?
  • How come people say God provides? How does God pay my rent?
  • Describe how you’d act in a room with extremely wealthy people. How is it different from the question below?
  • Describe how you’d act in a room full of people in deep poverty. How is it different from the question above?

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Lord, you created me…

ALL:  so I could find you!

Leader:  Lord, you created me…

ALL:  so I could see you!

Leader: Lord, you created me…

ALL:  so I could touch you!

Leader:  Lord, you created me…

ALL:  so I could hear you!

Leader:  Lord, you created me…

ALL:  so I could know you!

Leader:  Lord, you created me…

ALL:  so I could share you!

Challenge for the Week:  Have you ever gone to serve a meal or sat down for a meal at a shelter? Reflect this week on that experience (or those experiences). Think about how you felt, what you saw, whom you met and the circumstances which brought you to that place. Society would say you were in a place of poverty, is that what you saw? Perhaps. If your experience is anything like the ones I have had, you may have seen the world’s definition of poverty but not God’s. Some of the most generous and grateful people I have ever met are ones I have met by working in a soup kitchen, food pantry or shelter. When we reach out to others with our abundance of time, talent or treasure, we don’t expect to be touched in return by God’s grace but believe me it happens!

Sunday, June 20th Readings

12th Sunday Ordinary Time

Opening Prayer

Lord

You are the maker of all things;

You do not make junk.

Change my mind;

rid me of all worry and stress.

Allow me to let go;

and let you direct my life.

Guide me through your Word;

so I may live more for others than myself.

Journal/Reflection Questions

Job 38:1, 8-11

  • What is God trying to teach Job in this scripture? What lesson does God want you to learn?
  • Are you going through a storm in your life right now? Identify the source of the storm; was it self-made, man-made or created by God?

2Corinthians 5:14-17

  • How has the love of God called you into action? 
  • Define what it means to you to be a “new creation”?

Mark 4:35-41

  • What in your life causes you to be paralyzed with fear? How do you overcome fear?
  • The disciples were there together; who do you turn to when you see a storm coming? 

General Questions for Journaling

  • What do you do when you see a storm coming? How do you feel?
  • When you see a storm coming how do you react? Push on? Pull back? Simply hold on?
  • Do you believe God sets limits? What do you believe God limits?
  • Have you experienced a storm where you know God was with you?
  • Have you experienced a storm where you questioned God’s presence?
  • Reflect on who or what you live for; is it in honor of someone or something, it is for your own good, is it for Christ’s glory, or something else?
  • Are there things in your life which you missed out on experiencing because of fear? Do you have any regrets? What do you think God wants you to do about the things you regret?
  • Where do fears come from? How do they start? Do you believe fears are something each person is born with or are they something a person develops?

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Be the calm in the storm when I am going down…

ALL:  Come to me!

Leader:  Be the gentle water washing away my selfish thoughts…

ALL:  Wash over me!

Leader:  Be the filter which keeps my thoughts and actions pure…

ALL:  Cleanse me!

Leader:  Be my floodgate to hold me back from temptation…

ALL:  Surround me!

Leader: Be the waves which drive my actions…

ALL:  Consume me!

Leader:  When I pursue you…

ALL:  I am overwhelmed by your loving presence!

Challenge for the Week:  Make the decision to let go of control of ONE THING in your life and allow God to take over.  Focus on that ONE THING in prayer, not asking God to do what you want Him to do in the situation but to truly hand it over to him.  Imagine that ONE THING as an onion; as you start let go of your control over the situation, allowing God to take charge, think about each layer of the onion being peeled away.  As you pray to allow yourself to let God take over, you might also imagine yourself as that onion; allowing God to shed the weight of the worry, anxiety, stress you carry because of that situation.  This process takes time; it takes attention and lots of practice!  If you aren’t patient, you can end up with a smelly onion which only makes the situation worse; however if you allow God to take over your situation the onion will become nothing and the situation won’t seem as daunting.

Sunday, June 13th Readings

11th Sunday Ordinary Time

Opening Prayer

God,

You created me from the dirt

        with the Holy Spirit.

I become a new creation

        through the Sacraments.

You gave me eternal life

        by the death and resurrection of Jesus.

May I stay rooted in these truths,

        bearing good fruit for others.

Help me to grow in you,

        following the path you set out for me.

Be my guide, my comfort and omy peace.

Amen

Journal/Reflection Questions

Ezekiel 17:22-24

  • How are you able to provide “shade” or “shelter” to others through your connection to God?
  • If God can make a tree bigger or smaller or make one bloom or wither; what does this say about what He can do for you?

2Corinthians 5:6-10

  • What does it mean to “walk by faith and not by sight”? What does it look like?
  • Share an example of someone you know or of a personal experience of living by faith and not by sight.

Mark 4:26-34

  • How is God like the farmer in the parable? Where do you see yourself?
  • Do you give the same attention to detail as the farmer did to his crop as you do to your own spiritual life?
  • Do you tend to the work of your job the way the farmer tends to the crop?  If so how does it feel?  If not, what does it mean?

General Questions for Journaling

  • Share an example when you were able to live out the “least become great and the great become the least”.
  • When did Jesus model the “least to great and great to least” attitude?
  • Who other than Jesus in the bible practice the “least to great and great to least” attitude?
  • Where do you go for “shade”? What are some examples of when you need it? How does it feel when you find it?
  • Are there people whom you “shade” or offer protection? Do you do it naturally or did they ask for your help?
  • When would you say you “lose” your courage? Where does it go?
  • What helps you gain or re-gain courage when you need it?
  • Share an example or two of people whom you look up to who show or have shown great courage and how they inspire you.
  • When do you feel the most courageous? Be specific.
  • When do you feel the least courageous? Be specific.
  • What pleases God? How do you know?

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Life begins as a seed,

ALL:  in the darkness.

Leader:  It is nourished and fed,

ALL:  and begins to sprout growth.

Leader: It soaks up the rain and the sun,

ALL:  which is given freely.

Leader:  Branches bend and sway,

ALL:  but the roots are strong.

Leader:  Over time it becomes a new creation,

ALL:  offering shade, shelter and support.

Leader:  Feed me Lord,

ALL:  plant and sow seeds of love, mercy, grace and forgiveness in my life.

Challenge for the Week:  Jesus used parables to help the disciples and other followers understand faith, love and the Kingdom of God.  In each parable, there is deep symbolism to explore.  This week, try to find a symbol which richly describes your faith and spirituality.  It might be something that has been passed on for generations in your family, it might be a gift you recently received, it might be something you or someone you know made especially for you.  Whatever it might be, there is deeper meaning to it than others can see.  As you search, remember the celebration of the Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ…the bread and wine are simply food and drink to some but the Catholic faith teaches and believes them to be the body and blood of Jesus, Savior and Lord.  Also, the mustard seed, so small and meek but within it there is the predisposition to become a giant tree.  After seeking out your symbol, try to write out a parable/story/reflection about it.