Sunday, August 27th Readings

21st Sunday of Ordinary Time

Opening Prayer

Father

Vast is Your love for me,

let me see it each day!

Endless are the gifts You give,

let me show gratitude!

Abundant is the mercy You grant,

let me share it with others!

You surround me with what I need

and guide me through,

my ups and downs.

Forever You are with me;

You are my all in all!

AMEN

Journal/Reflection Questions

Isaiah 22:19-23

Imagine yourself as Eliakim. How does it feel to be called God’s servant? Can you see yourself being given a place of honor in God’ house?
How does God show His authority in this reading? How can you allow God to have authority over your life? Who has authority now?

Romans 11:33-36

Describe what “riches” Saint Paul is referring to in this scripture.
How might you seek to know what God is thinking? How does one “know God’s mind”?

Matthew 16:13-20

Explain why the disciples and others would compare Jesus to Jeremiah, Elijah and John the Baptist?
Who do you say Jesus is? Do you tell him? Do you tell others?

General Questions for Journaling

Where do God’s blessings come from? Are they given on purpose or by accident? How do you know?
How does God inhabit your life? Be specific.
What are the things you don’t understand about God? What are the things that you DO understand about God? How does the knowledge of these things affect your faith?
What experience(s) have taught you about the meaning of the words, eternal, everlasting, forever? What have you learned?
How can faith help you to let go of past hurts, worries or tragedy?

Do you see God’s plan for you? What makes you know for sure this is the path God intends for you?
Is the work you do or the job you have one you choose or one you “fell into”? Could this have any bearing on your attitude toward it?
Do you feel you are using the gifts God gave you to complete the tasks required of your job?
Are you fulfilling your vocation in the position you hold? Do you feel as though God choose you to do the work you do?

How does Jesus reveal himself to you? Where are you? What is the situation? How do you carry the experience with you?
How is it that Jesus makes Peter the “ROCK” on which to build His church but Peter denies knowing Jesus three times? How does this make you feel?
What qualities of Peter make him the perfect example of a disciple?

Closing Prayer

Leader: I am humbly in Your presence…

ALL: when I allow the silence to take over.

Leader: I am humbly in Your presence…

ALL: as I pause to give thanks before a meal.

Leader: I am humbly in Your presence…

ALL: when I look into the eyes of an innocent child.

Leader: I am humbly in Your presence…

ALL: as hear the rumble of thunder and crack of lightning.

Leader: I am humbly in Your presence…

ALL: when I see a couple holding hands.

Leader: I am humbly in Your presence…

ALL: as I open my heart and mind to the wisdom of your Spirit!

Challenge for the Week: Growing up in the church, I’ve heard the phrase, “clothed in Christ”. As a child I would imagine literally wearing a white robe like the one we see Jesus wearing in many of the pictures of him. Now as an adult, this phrase takes on much more meaning since it is really a figurative phrase. What are specific ways a person can be “clothed in Christ”? Spend time this week reflecting on these ways and then focus on yourself, discerning how you too are “clothed in Christ. In your prayer time, ask God to help you move your thinking so you can take ownership of this phrase and believe it when you say, “I am clothed in Christ!”

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

11^th 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, January 8th Readings

Epiphany of Our Lord

Opening Prayer

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!