Reflect

Sunday, March 6th Readings

1st Sunday of Lent

Opening Prayer

Heavenly Father

You lead me through the desert places

so I may be refreshed and made new

You put before me a banquet feast to nourish

so I may be filled with Your goodness

You gave your life to show love without conditions

so I may share that gift with others

Thank you Lord for guiding me!

Journal/Reflection Questions

Deuteronomy 26:4-10

  • What do you lay at the altar of God?
  • How does being in the desert change your perspective?
  • What good comes from this desert experience for the Israelites? For you?

Romans 10:8-13

  • How do you proclaim Jesus as Lord? Is it evident you are a Christian through your words? Your actions? Both? Share an example.
  • When did you last call on God? What was it for and what was the response?
  • How do you show love to God? How do you show God’s love for others? Is it the same or different, explain.

 Luke 4:1-13

  • The devil tempts Jesus to be self-glorifying; where do you see this behavior in the world today?
  • How does the devil tempt you to turn away from God?

General Questions for Journaling

  • When has God delivered you from a bad situation?
  • Identify a time when you felt alone or abandoned. Can you look back and see God there with you?
  • How does God nourish you? Do you allow God to nourish you?
  • Describe what it feels like to be empty of God’s presence.
  • Describe what it feels like to be full of God’s presence.
  • Make a list of things you can bring to others between now and Easter to help you express your faith more openly.
  • Are there people in your community/family who are crying out but you are ignoring them? Listen for what God wants you to do.
  • What are the communities which you dwell? Give them each a rating on a 1-10 scale on how they show/share the Gospel message.
  • How can love be blind?
  • When did you first understand unconditional love?
  • Does love require effort? Why or why not?
  • How are you exercising your faith?
  • How does having faith give power? What does faith have power over?

Closing Prayer

Leader: You call me from the desert places

ALL:  to share Your love with others.

Leader:  You call me from the desert places

ALL:  to set captives free.

Leader:  You call me from the desert places

ALL:  to visit the lonely and oppressed.

Leader:  You call me from the desert places

ALL:  to show mercy and kindness.

Leader:  You call me from the desert places

ALL:  to shine YOUR light for all to see!

Challenge for the Week:  Do you have a faith story?  Of course you do!  Just like in the business world where people have “elevator speeches” which describe and highlight their accomplishments and successes; Christians should have a faith story.  Spend time this week putting together your own personal faith story; include pivotal moments, desert places and mountain top experiences.  Include specific scripture passages which carried you through the bad times or sustain you in the good times.  Write it down and then put it in your Bible so it can be added to the many other stories of our salvation HIStory!

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, February 20th Readings

7th Sunday of Ordinary Time

Opening Prayer

Father

When you look at me,

You see me through loving eyes,

holy, forgiven and complete.

When I look at myself,

I see me through condemning eyes,

as a sinner and not enough.

Through your Word,

let me learn how to see me

and others as you see!

Amen

Journal/Reflection Questions

1 Samuel 26 :2, 7-9, 12-13, 22-23

  • How do you think those with David felt about his actions against Saul? What would you think if you were one of them?
  • What does David’s response say about his character? Is there something there which you’d like to see more of in people today? Be specific.

 1 Corinthians 15:45-49

  • How do you struggle with the “earthly” and the “spiritual” within yourself?
  • Have you thought of yourself as “spirit-filled”? How can the thought of being “spirit-filled” change how your look at the situations you face today? How does it change how you treat others?

Luke 6:27-38

  • Do you give to God in the “measure” in which you want God to give to you? *(God gives 100%, 24/7 regardless of what you give)
  • Is what Jesus is saying in this scripture realistic? Why or why not?

General Questions for Journaling

  • How easy or difficult is it to put God in charge of transgressions and retributions? What is it about humans that makes them want to take matters into their own hands? Specifically identify how you relate to this.
  • Do you believe one person’s life is worth more than another? For example, a mother of four vs an ordained sister, or a Leader of State vs a homeless person, explain.
  • Have you experienced God’s faithfulness in your life? Share a specific example so others can see God’s faithfulness too.
  • In your opinion, what makes a person “anointed”? What other opinions might be out there?
  • Can you spend quality time with people whom have different opinions and/or beliefs than you? Is this barrier too big to put aside for even a little while? Share an example.
  • Where do you rank respect on a scale of 1-10 in relationships? Is it different for your spouse? Your parents? Your boss? Your kids? Your friends? Your pastor? Your neighbor?
  • When you look at yourself do you see God? In what way?
  • Can you see God in others? Share examples.
  • Are there people whom you have a hard time seeing God? Share examples.
  • What measurement do you judge people against? What is the thing(s) that you judge the most? Race? Poverty? Religion? Job? Clothing?

Closing Prayer

Leader:  In those moments when I feel abandoned…

ALL:  Pour your gift of love upon me!

Leader:  In those moments when I am filled with anger…

ALL:  Pour your gift of love upon me!

Leader:  In those moments when plans change…

ALL:  Pour your gift of love upon me!

Leader: In those moments when I receive the results…

ALL:  Pour your gift of love upon me!

Leader:  In those moments when I can’t see past today…

ALL:  Pour your gift of love upon me!

Leader:  In those moments when I lay myself before you…

ALL:  Pour your gift of love upon me!

Challenge for the Week:  This week consider the barriers you build in your life to keep people at a distance.  Some of the barriers are built to protect you from being hurt yourself or inflicting pain on another, while others are built out of arrogance because you are not open to listening to another person’s view.  Spend time this week reflecting on the barriers you have built in relationships, especially in your family.  How have these become obstacles to spending time together and not just time, but quality time, when you can come together and genuinely enjoy each other.  No one has the same experiences as you, nor the same opinion.  Even siblings raised by the same parents have different memories of the same experience; imagine the greater scale of this scenario to include experiences in your community, the US and the world.  What steps can you take to break down barriers starting in your family relationships and allow the differences bring you together instead of keeping you apart?  (HINT:  This just might be something that needs a bit more time than a week – Lent is coming!)

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, February 13th Readings

6th Sunday of Ordinary Time

Opening Prayer

Jesus

Throughout the Bible are stories of hope

Open my eyes to see the hope in the world today

Let me hear the stories where hope is restored

And be a living example that hope never dies

Amen

Journal/Reflection Questions

Jeremiah 17:5-8

  • Draw a picture of the two images described in this scripture.
  • Share a time when you experienced both images, what was going on in your life, be specific about who was with you and what you felt.

 1 Corinthians 15:12, 16-20

  • Does this scripture bring you hope? Explain how.
  • How does the promise of the resurrection affect your faith? Be specific.

Luke 6:17, 20-26

  • What is the overall message Jesus to sharing with the people who have gathered to hear him speak?
  • What is the message Jesus has intended for you to hear in this scripture to help open your eyes to a situation in your life right now?

General Questions for Journaling

  • How do you feel about God giving free will? Is it good? Is it bad? How does free will get you into trouble?  How does it free you?
  • Are there choices you have made in your life which you wish you could change? Do you can do something about that choice now?
  • Is it easy or difficult to change? Do you always get to choose to change?  How can making the choice to change affect your attitude?
  • Who do you confide in to help make decisions? What qualities do you look for in a person who helps you?
  • What draws you to ask God for help? Are there obstacles which keep you from seeking God’s advice in matters?
  • How do you feel about trust? Is trust important to you? Is it something people have immediately or do you believe people need to earn it?
  • How much trust do you put in God? How much trust do you believe God has in you?
  • Would you describe yourself as someone who is open to new ideas and new ways to do things or do you consider yourself someone who is comfortable with the way things are and have always been? Share an example.
  • How would you explain the hope you have in the resurrection to someone who doesn’t know about Jesus?
  • Do you believe faith is a choice you make every day or is a choice you made once and it stays with you?
  • Share an example of a time when your faith was challenged; be specific about what you did, how you felt and the outcome.

Closing Prayer

Leader:  I will rejoice

ALL:  in the rising of the sun!

Leader:  I will rejoice

ALL:  in the delicate snowflake!

Leader:  I will rejoice

ALL:  in the blooming flower!

Leader: I will rejoice

ALL:  in the simplicity of a smile!

Leader:  I will rejoice

ALL:  in the warmth of a hand!

Leader:  I will rejoice

ALL:  in the hope you give!

Challenge for the Week:  Do you have a faith story?  Of course, you do!  Just like in the business world where people have “elevator speeches” which describe and highlight their accomplishments and successes; Christians should have a faith story.  Spend time this week putting together your own personal faith story; include pivotal moments, desert places and mountain top experiences.  Include specific scripture passages which carried you through the bad times or sustain you in the good times.  Write it down and then put it in your Bible so it can be added to the many other stories of our salvation HIS-tory!

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, February 6th Readings

5th Sunday of Ordinary Time

Opening Prayer

Father,

I hear you calling but I’m held back by…

fear and resentment

judgment and selfishness

sin and shame

Wipe away those things that bind me

Let me walk with you to edge

and take the leap of faith!

Journal/Reflection Questions

Isaiah 6:1-2a, 3-8

  • Whom do you fear? Of what are you afraid? Where does your fear come from?
  • How to you tell God you are ready to do His will?

 1Corinthians 15:1-11 (15:3-8, 11)

  • Have you fallen asleep to the purpose you have been called for? What can you do to find the passion and drive to go on?
  • How would you describe someone who is “fit” to serve God?

 Luke 5:1-11

  • When have you doubted God? What was your situation? How did God change your heart?
  • Are there people who are in deep waters who need you to come and bring them to the shore?

General Questions for Journaling

  • How has God made you worthy of His love?
  • Have you ever been paralyzed by fear? What was the situation? How did you overcome the fear?
  • How has your life been shaken up? Where was God during the storm?
  • What has God called you to do? Do you minimize the importance of your purpose?
  • How many people from the Bible (old and new testaments) can you name who encountered God but felt they were not worthy?
  • How many people from the Bible (old and new testaments) can you name whose lives were changed when they took a leap of faith to trust God entirely?
  • How is grace distributed?
  • What “work” is required to receive faith? Grace? Love?
  • Do you think God asks you to do things you are not capable or qualified to do? Why or why not?
  • How do you go about asking someone to do a big task? Do you just give them the big task or do you break it down into some smaller tasks to make sure they will be able to handle the big task?  Be specific.

Closing Prayer

Leader: You created me with the will to choose…

ALL:  Let me choose YOU!

Leader:  You gave me a name and purpose…

ALL:  Let me serve YOU!

Leader:  You walk the road ahead of me…

 ALL:  Let me follow YOU!

Leader:  You call me into the deep waters…

ALL:  Let me trust YOU!

Leader:  You welcome me to the shore…

ALL:  Let me be there with YOU!

Challenge for the Week:  Spend time reflecting this week on a time in your life that is comparable to the experience of the fishermen…when was God asking you to do something you didn’t want to do because you thought you had exhausted all possibilities.  Did you do as He asked anyways?  Did you choose to ignore the suggestion and go a different direction?  Regardless of which path you took, share your story with someone to show how God blew you out of the deep water and onto the shore and how you would do it all over again (the same or differently) as a witness of your faith.

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, January 30th Readings

4th Sunday of Ordinary Time

Opening Prayer

Father

You knew me before I was born

You know where my path leads

You continue to love and guide me

You open your arms to welcome me

Home!

Journal/Reflection Questions

Jeremiah 1 :4-5, 17-19

  • Jeremiah is trying to stir up the people to prepare for battle; what battles are you gearing up for which require you to be firm in your faith and understanding of who God is to you?
  • Who cries out for peace and justice today? What do they say? Do people believe and follow?
  • What are you willing to stand up to protect? Share an example.

1 Corinthians 12:31-13:13

  • What does this scripture tell you about love? Have you seen love like this?
  • How do you learn of love? How is love taught? Where does it come from? Does love have limits? Is there a capacity for love?
  • What does hope bring to your life? What does faith bring? What does love bring? How do the three things work together?

Luke 4:21-30

  • What does it mean to be humble? How is humility shown in this scripture?
  • Are there people in your life whom you have a hard time believing? What is it that causes you not to trust their words or actions?

General Questions for Journaling

  • Are there things in your life which you are willing to die for?
  • What are things which require a fight? Are you fighting or simply a spectator?
  • Do you feel called to step up and step in to lessen an injustice? What holds you back?
  • Where does your strength to fight an injustice come from? Is it provoked from outside or stirred up from inside?
  • Share an example where dealing with conflict in a peaceful manner gave the desired result. Share an example where dealing with conflict with aggression gave the desired result.  Which is the better way?
  • Does God ask too much of you? When?  How?
  • Can good come from bad things? How does one grow through conflict?
  • Can you love too much? Why or why not?
  • Can you be loved too much? Why or why not?
  • Where have you seen love fail? What initiated the breakdown and what was the result of the failure?
  • Share an example of when love broke down hate, either a personal experience or one you witnessed.
  • Is it easy or difficult to change an attitude? What are some key factors in doing so?
  • How does the name of Jesus provoke you to love?

Closing Prayer

Leader:  You created me out of love…

ALL:  without YOU I am nothing!

Leader: You breathed life into me…

ALL:  without YOU I am nothing!

Leader:  You gave me a purpose…

ALL:  without YOU I am nothing!

Leader:  You laid out the laws…

ALL:  without YOU I am nothing!

Leader:  You cleared a path…

ALL:  without YOU I am nothing!

Leader:  You surrendered and died…

ALL:  without YOU I am nothing!

Leader:  You rose and gave me new life…

ALL:  without YOU I am nothing!

Challenge for the Week:  Make a list of ways people can say and show love.   How many can you come up with?  Are there ways in which love can be expressed that you don’t feel comfortable sharing?  When you give love, do you always get love in return?  Sometimes we do and other times the love we give isn’t reciprocated…is that a requirement of love?  Be mindful of the love you give this week, does it have limits, restrictions, requirements?  Does the love you receive from others?  Reflect on the second reading as you focus on love; what is your heart needing to hear?

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, January 23rd Readings

3rd Sunday of Ordinary Time

Opening Prayer

Lord

Teach me to be holy

as you are holy!

Teach me to listen

as you listen!

Teach me to give

as you give!

I am ready

to do your will!
Amen

Journal/Reflection Questions

Nehemiah 8 :2-4a, 5-6, 8-10

  • Why does Ezra say this day is holy? What makes it so?
  • Throughout this scripture, Nehemiah tries to make sure you understand Ezra did everything he could to help the people understand. What is the purpose of this?
  • What can the world learn from this scripture passage about being attentive to everyone’s needs while still moving towards a common goal?

1 Corinthians 12:12-30

  • What does this scripture say to you about yourself? Choose one thing you can do to live out this scripture today.
  • Where do you see division and suffering in the world today? In your family? Within yourself? Identify one for each.
  • What wisdom from this scripture can shine light on the division you see? Be specific.

Luke 1:1-4, 4:14-21

  • How does Jesus fulfill the scripture he read in the synagogue, specifically how does He bring good tidings to the poor, set captives free and give sight to the blind?
  • Say out loud how the scripture was fulfilled and proclaim it like Jesus! When you proclaim it, how do you feel? Do you believe it about Jesus? Do you believe it about yourself?

General Questions for Journaling

  • How does the past affect your future? What value do you find in looking to the past?
  • What is the difference between living forward and living backward?
  • How does God share His hope for your future?
  • What gifts have been highlighted in you today?
  • What gifts have you seen in others today?
  • Have you ever intentionally kept gifts you keep to yourself? Explain the situation.
  • Share a time when you experienced working together with others to achieve a common goal. What did it feel like? Were there conflicts?  What was the outcome?
  • What makes a day more special than another? What value do you put on a day such as your birthday or an anniversary?
  • How do you determine a day to be Holy? What do you think God’s criteria would be to describe a day as Holy?
  • Are there books you have read more than once? What are they? What is the purpose of reading them again?
  • Are there shows you have watched more than once? What are they are why do you watch them again? Explain the value of experiencing it again.
  • What is your most favorite thing about yourself? Explain.
  • What superpower would you most like to have and why?
  • What do you believe and know in your heart strongly enough to stand up and proclaim to others?

Closing Prayer

Leader:  May you rest in God’s Spirit…

ALL:  as you begin each day.

Leader:May you rest in God’s Spirit…

ALL:  as you struggle to focus.

Leader:  May you rest in God’s Spirit…

ALL:  as you encounter giants.

Leader:  May you rest in God’s Spirit…

ALL:  as you celebrate victories.

Leader:  May you rest in God’s Spirit…

ALL:  as you embrace a loving God!

Challenge for the Week:  Create a pie chart which represents how much time you spend thinking about past events, situations and experiences, how much time you spend planning and hoping for the future, and how much time you give to thinking about what you are doing right now in the present.  Within each slice, write down the topics of conversation you have that contribute to the past, present or future.  Also consider the things you pray about, where do they fit into the pie chart?  You can do this with the books you read, the things you watch on TV, the hobbies you like to participate in because they all can be placed on one of the categories.  When you’ve completed adding the activities to the pie chart, how does it look?  Are you happy or satisfied with how you spend your time or where you focus your time, whether on the past, future or present?  Are there things you’d like to change or not?  Take it to prayer.

OR

Point out special gifts you see in ten people this week by either telling them you are grateful for the gift or talent they share or send a note.

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, December 19th Readings

Fourth Sunday of Advent

Opening Prayer

Prince of Peace and Lord of Lords,

I know you will soon be near.

Let me feel your loving presence

and fill my heart and mind with Your love.

May it be my strength, so I can do Your will.

I want to jump for joy so all can see You have come.

Come, to embrace humanity in Your love!

AMEN

Journal/Reflection Questions

Micah 5:1-4a

  • How has God called you forth? What did He call you out to do? 
  • What gifts has God given to you so you can complete the task He’s called you to do?
  • How is peace described by God?
  • How is peace described in the world?

Hebrews 10:5-10

  • How did Jesus do the will of God?
  • What ONE thing can you change to help you be more like Jesus?
  • How do you prepare your body for the reception of Jesus’ body and blood at communion?

Luke 1:39-45

  • What causes you to leap for joy? What does it look like when you leap for joy?
  • With whom do you share your joy? Do they share the joy with you or disapprove?

General Questions for Journaling

  • Where is God in poverty? Where is God in wealth? Give examples of both.
  • How do you embrace what you have been given?
  • Do you show gratitude even when it is not what you expected it to be?
  • When have you been disappointed in what you have been given? Are your expectations to blame for this? Be specific.
  • What would you say is the overall mission of all Christians?
  • What do you sacrifice for the sake of faith/religion/God?
  • Reflect on a time when you opened your doors to welcome another. What was the circumstance? How was hospitality shown? Was it easy or difficult?
  • When were you shown hospitality from another? What made you feel welcomed?
  • Light shown the way to where Jesus could be found, how are you shining light for others to find their way to Jesus?
  • Mary visits her cousin and Joseph travels with his family to their place of origin; what message can you derive from the parents of Jesus spending time with family before His birth? Do you think there is significance?  If so, why and if not, why not?
  • How are you drawn to family (like Mary) or where you come from (like Joseph) this holiday season?
  • What can you do to be more connected to family (and friends) this year?
  • Who are the family members you will miss this year and what is it about them that you will miss? Is there a way you can be close to them in your celebration, even though you can’t physically be together?

Closing Prayer

Leader: When I am weary…

ALL:  Lord Jesus, You give me strength.

Leader: When I am alone…

ALL:  Lord Jesus, You come to me.

Leader: When I have no place to go…

 ALL:  Lord Jesus, You show me the way.

Leader:  When darkness surrounds us…

 ALL:  Lord Jesus, You shine light on the path.

Leader:  Be the star which guides my way…

ALL:  bright as the star that shone to lead the wise men to You!

Challenge for the Week:  The birth of a child is a significant moment in not only their life, but in the life of those around them.  As you hear the stories of preparation before Jesus’ birth in scripture and sing along to the Christmas Carols telling of the baby in the manger, recall the special births you have been a part of in your life.  Perhaps it includes memories of your own children, grandchildren, or other family members and/or friends’ children.  Recall the special preparations that took place prior to their birth, what the circumstances of their birth were and your role within.  Reflect on who was there and the emotions you felt, and maybe even share a special memory with them if you can, telling them of the experience.  Of course, you can’t remember the details of your own birth, but you might have been told some stories, enough to be able to reminisce on the occasion.  Consider how each of these births (Jesus, family, friends, yourself) have impacted you and your life.  What role do you continue to play in their lives and visa versa? 

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, November 14th Readings

33rd Sunday of Ordinary Time

Opening Prayer

Lord

Why do I search in all the wrong places to find you?

When I look in the darkness,

You are not there.

When I look behind, above and below,

You are not there.

You are in all things at all times,

yet I struggle to find you!

Thank you for not turning away;

Thank you for your grace, love and mercy;

Thank you!  Thank you!  Thank you!

Amen

Journal/Reflection Questions

Daniel 12 :1-3

  • What qualities do you learn are important to have as a witness of Christ through this scripture? Do you possess any of them? If so, which ones? If not, what can you do to build up these qualities within?
  • Who are “stars” who shine brightly? Are there people in your life who let God’s light shine and worked toward justice? Can you name some people in history who have been examples of “stars”?
  • How might your life be different if you followed the stars?

Hebrews 10:11-14, 18

  • Why is sacrifice needed? What sacrifice(s) do you make for your relationship with God?
  • How does one become perfect in Christ? Is this even possible? Why or why not?
  • Consider, through the words of this scripture, the importance of the sacrifice of Mass. What is happening at Mass and do we understand the meaning as it is happening?

Mark 13:24-32

  • What is Jesus telling you about what you can take with you when you die? How does this change how you think of material things? How does this change how you might spend the rest of your life?
  • Does this scripture cause you fear or another emotion? What emotion do you think Jesus wants you to feel?

General Questions for Journaling

  • In the past week, where did you see God’s light shine? Who did it shine through?
  • Where do you turn for comfort when you are in distress? Is God there?
  • Would you consider yourself a leader or a follower? Why?
  • What was the last thing you took the lead on? Who was it for? What was the task? How did it turn out?
  • What kind of leader are you or would you be? Why?
  • How can you make your sins go away? What do you do to ensure you don’t ever sin again?
  • What does God do or can God do to help you defeat sin?

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Though I am a sinner;

ALL:  You made one sacrifice for my sins.

Leader:  Though I are ignorant;

ALL:  You continue to teach me your ways.

Leader:  Though I often lose direction;

ALL:  You continue to guide me on the right path.

Leader:  Though I waste much;

ALL:  You continue to give me what we need.

Leader:  Though I continue to fall short;

ALL:  You continue to build me up.

ALL:  Thank you Lord, for your constant love!

Challenge for the Week:  Attend Mass.  It really doesn’t matter if you do it on the weekend or during the week, the outcome is the same…you have witnessed a living sacrifice.  What does this even mean?  Well, when you go to Mass, it shouldn’t be just out of obligation so you can get it checked off your “to do list” or because you get to see friends or enjoy coffee and donuts afterwards.  Nor should you attend Mass and not be an active participant.  Mass is the “shortened” version of what is actually called the “Holy Sacrifice of the Mass” where Catholics come together to remember the sacrifice Jesus made for all.  This act of love is monumental and deserves a response from each person who gathers to remember it.  Jesus died for everyone and in return believers should sacrifice something each time they take the Eucharist.  Those who receive the Eucharist, receives a piece of Jesus, this is how you become more like Him!  So, go and make a sacrifice this week.  Leave behind the grumpy, negative, judgmental part of you and let the joyful, positive and accepting light of Jesus shine through!

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

Sunday, October 24th Readings

30th Sunday of Ordinary Time

Opening Prayer

Lord,

I shout for joy because you

heal me from my hurts,

you protect me from my enemies

and you provide me with peace of mind!

Your Word continues to guide me and lead me,

by teaching me your ways.

Thank you for always being there for me so

I can be Christ to others.

Amen

Journal/Reflection Questions

Jeremiah 31:7-9

  • Who are the burdened and downtrodden in this scripture? How does God provide them with support?
  • Where do you find security in this scripture? How is it or how can it be played out in your life?

Hebrews 5:1-6

  • What can you learn from this scripture about dealing with people who try your patience?
  • What does this scripture say about weakness? What are your weaknesses?

Mark 10:46-52

  • What do you say when you cry out to Jesus?
  • Are you persistent in making your desires known to God? What do you do about making your needs known and then acting on them?

General Questions for Journaling

  • Where do you seek consolation? Is it from a person or is it a place or something else?
  • Who comes to you for support when they are weary? What do you offer?  Is it too much?  Is it not enough?  How do you know it is what they need?
  • Have you ever felt the path you are on has too many curves or bumps? What can be done to level out the road a bit? How can you help yourself with this task? What can you do for others?
  • When did you recently sacrifice something for another person’s good? When has someone done the same for you? Has this happened with or without regret or expectation?
  • Make a list of 5-10 good qualities you possess which would draw people to you.
  • When someone comes to you for counsel, do you look for how you will benefit or how they will benefit? OR do you turn to the Holy Spirit for guidance in the counsel you give? What does this look like?
  • Jesus stood up for you and died for your sins; who do you stand up for? How do you let them know you stand up for them even in their weakness?
  • Are there people who refuse to “be quiet” in your life or in the community? Do they stay on one topic or do they harp on many?  What do you think their goal is?
  • Are there times when you should hold your tongue or the opposite, speak out more?  Identify those moments.
  • Where do you see Jesus working today? What is He doing to shout out the message of forgiveness, mercy and healing?
  • Is there somewhere Jesus needs you to go out to shout the good news?

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Jesus, have pity on me and restore my soul

ALL:  for I am weak.

Leader:  Jesus, have pity on me and restore my soul

ALL:  for I am blind.

Leader:  Jesus, have pity on me and restore my soul

ALL:  for I am crippled.

Leader: Jesus, have pity on me and restore my soul

ALL:  for I am ignorant.

Leader: Jesus, have pity on me and restore my soul

ALL:  for I am a sinner.

Challenge for the Week:  Take time this week to think about what it would be like to be blind.  How would you feel?  How might you be different?  How would you define the word see if you were blind, not having the experience of knowing what it truly was?  Then spend time considering what makes you “blind”?  What keeps you from seeing the positive in people or situations rather than the negative?  What things in your life or within yourself do you refuse to see and change?  How much time and effort do you spend trying to keep these things hidden from others, from God?  Pray…”Jesus, son of David, have pity on me.”

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