Sunday, December 27th Readings/Genesis

Feast of the Holy Family

(Genesis 15:1-6, 21:1-3/ Hebrews 11:8, 11-12, 17-19/Luke 2:22-40)

Opening Prayer

Lord,

How do I know you are near?

Is it in a kind word of a stranger?

A random act of kindness?

You are everywhere I turn!!!

What can I do to draw you closer?

Let me find you in my daily routine.

Teach me Lord,

so I might find you in the simplicity of my day!!!

You are there,

may I always reach out to find YOU!!!

Journal/Reflection Questions

Genesis 15:1-6,21:1-3

Share how a child is a gift from God and list at least 10 ways you can honor this gift.
What does this scripture teach you about God’s nature?

Hebrews 11:8,11-12,17-19

What inheritance has God left for you? Have you accepted it?
How do you explain how Abraham’s descendants are as vast as the stars?

Luke 2:22, 39-40 (full reading Luke 2:22-40)

Can you see salvation in the eyes of newborn child? What is it that you see? Describe what you see in the eyes of a baby?
What do you believe Simeon saw in Jesus? How did Simeon know Jesus was born to do great things?

General Questions for Journaling

Describe your relationship with your parents. How is it similar or different from your relationship with your children?
Have you ever prayed for your parents specifically? Do you believe they have prayed for you specifically?
What traits did you get from your Father? Are they good? How do you use them?
What traits did you get from your Mother? Are they good? How do you use them?
Describe your parents in 10 words or less. Describe your Mother. Describe your Father.
How would you describe your parent’s relationship? Do/did they have a relationship with God? How would you describe their relationship with God?
What do you believe your parents said when they heard you were joining their family?
What did you say when you learned you would be a parent?
Do/did you turn to God for parenting advice? Share a time when you did and what you heard in response.
Are you open to the promises of Christ? Why or why not? What is the promise Christ has given?
Is there someone in your family whom you wish you could speak to? Who is it and why?
How do you honor life given and live taken away? Do these things mean something or are they simply things which happen? Explain.

Closing Prayer

Leader: Jesus, I recognize you…

ALL: in my sins, forgiven and healed!

Leader: Jesus, I recognize you…

ALL: in the miracles that happen each day!

Leader: Jesus, I recognize you…

ALL: when people come together to pray!

Leader: Jesus, I recognize you…

ALL: in the beauty which surrounds me!

Leader: Jesus, I recognize you…

ALL: in the eyes of strangers and in my family!

Challenge for the Week: Have you seen the “I am Second” signs and bumper stickers? This message is out there for us to remember that we are asked to put God above all things in the 2^nd Commandment. This means even our own needs or the needs of our spouse/significant other and/or our children/family. This is contradictory to the messages we hear in media. Reflect on how you can put God first in your life from the moment you wake up until the moment you lay your head to rest. Is this a difficult request? Why or why not? If God is not first in your life, where do you place God’s needs on your list of priorities and responsibilities? How can you shift your thoughts into place God’s needs above our own? Find a friend or family member to talk to about this change so you can help each other put God’s needs, wants and desires above those of others.

Fourth Week of Advent

Opening Prayer

Jesus,

You come to make us whole!

You give us strength and hope!

You love us without boundaries!

With you,

We shall live forever!

Journal/Reflection Questions

2Samuel 7:1-5, 8b-12, 14a, 16

What can you learn from David about what God wants for you?
What mistake does David make which you can learn from?
Look back on this past year; did God speak to you through another person like Nathan spoke to David? What was the scenario? How did you respond to God?
What do you imagine the “dwelling place of God” looks like? Smells like? Sounds like? Feels like?

Romans 16:25-27

What is Saint Paul saying about God’s Plan? How do you see this at work? Do you see evidence of it not working?
Name three ways you have proclaimed the Gospel this past week.
How is glory known?

Luke 1:26-38

Mary’s life changed when she said “yes” to God. How has your life changed? Have you truly said “yes” to God? What evidence supports this?
Why do you think God sent Jesus to earth through Mary?
Why did the people send for priests, Levites and Pharisees? Who do you call on to help you “find truth” in a situation? How do you discern what is true and what is not?

General Questions for Journaling

What gift did God give you this year? What gift has He promised you this Advent/Christmas?
Reflect on a time when you gave more than you received in return. What did you feel? How did you react?
Reflect on a time when you received more than you gave. What did you feel? How did you react?
Does generosity have a limit? Why or why not?
Can you ever have too much of something good? Too much of something bad? How do you determine?
Are there people in your life which you regard as “higher” than yourself? What makes them so? How would God respond?
What does God reveal about Himself through the prophets of the Old Testament?
What do you learn about God’s character through Jesus?
What is your definition of love? What is your definition of forgiveness? Can you have one without the other? Explain.
What sounds do you hear during this time of year? What images or memories come to mind when you hear them? Where is God?
What are some of the smells which come with the season? How do they make you feel? Where is God?
Have you ever encountered an angel? What was the situation and how did you know it was an angel?

Closing Prayer – (Glory to God Prayer)

Leader: Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to people of good will.

ALL: We praise you, we bless you, we adore you, we glorify you, we give you thanks for your great glory,

Leader: Lord God, Heavenly King, O God, almighty Father.

ALL: Lord Jesus Christ, Only Begotten Son,

Leader: Lord God, Lamb of God, Son of the Father,

ALL: You take away the sin of the world, have mercy on us;

Leader: You take away the sin of the world, receive our prayer;

ALL: You are seated at the right hand of the Father, have mercy on us.

Leader: For you alone are the Holy One; you alone are the Lord.

ALL: You alone are the Most High, Jesus Christ,

with the Holy Spirit, in the glory of God, the Father. Amen

Challenge for the Week: The story of Mary visiting Elizabeth is known by each of us but there is one who is sometimes overlooked when we remember the story…Zachariah. He is Elizabeth’s husband and became mute soon after Elizabeth became pregnant. The challenge this week as we come into the final days of Advent and enter into Christmas is to take some time to be quiet. Perhaps this looks like setting aside a specific amount of time to be silent, maybe you turn off the radio in the car or refrain from turning on the TV. This could also take the shape of NOT saying something negative or judgmental to a friend or relative when you are at a holiday gathering…to keep your mouth shut. Then while being quiet, try to take in what you witness; like Zachariah, you might be a part of a miracle!

Sunday, December 6th Readings

Second Week of Advent

Opening Prayer

Lord,

YOU are always near; YOU never leave me.

YOU promise grace and peace all the days of my lives.

May I seek YOU in the wilderness and in the harvest.

I will find YOU waiting! AMEN!

Journal/Reflection Questions

Isaiah 40 :1-5,9-11

What does it mean to make a highway for God? What would this look like?
Do believe God smooths out the mountains in your path? Give an example.
Where do you see Jesus’ glory revealed this holiday season? Be specific.

2Peter 3:8-14

Saint Paul says to conduct ourselves in holiness and devotion. What does this look like? Is it possible to be holy AND devoted? Give an example.
What do your words, actions or how you spent time say you are devoted to?
What are some obstacles which delays you from expressing your love and devotion to God?

Mark 1:1-8

How do you compare to John the Baptist? Name similarities and differences. Are there qualities of John the Baptist which you would like you have?
Make a list of potential lessons you could share about God with this scripture. Can you come up with 10?

General Questions for Journaling

How would you describe the road of life? What are some of the things which make the road rough? What helps make the road smooth?
Where do you see God’s love/mercy smoothing out rough spots in your life? In the world?
How can you be a voice in the wilderness? Where are you called to share the Good News? Name at least three places.
If God makes your pathways straight, then what creates the obstacles you encounter or stumble over? How can you avoid these obstacles or how can you be better equipped to overcome them? What do you need? Be specific.
Is there someone you know that needs to hear the Good News of Jesus’ birth? What would you say to them?
What is one thing you know about God’s timing? How do you know this?
If you rated your patience on a scale from 1-10, where would you land? Can you be honest with your assessment? Is your score where you want to be?
Are you more patient with yourself or with others? Why?
What or who causes you to lose patience? What role do you play in this?
What can you learn from God about patience?
Is there need for repentance in your life? In your community? In your church? What can you do to make things right?
Is the message of repentance and non-judgment the type of message you would choose to share during the holiday season? Why or why not? What message do you think needs to be heard?
Are you filled with fear or joy when you reflect on “the coming of the Lord”?
How do you “prepare the way” for the coming of Jesus? What preparations do you make for Christmas? What preparations do you make for Advent?
What is your favorite memory of advent? How do you celebrate advent? Do you change anything to represent this is a special time?
What is the significance of baptism to you? Do you live as if you have been baptized? Or do you live as if you are baptized?

Closing Prayer

Leader: Lead US Lord…

ALL: like a shepherd leads His sheep!

Leader: Lead US Lord…

ALL: like a teacher leads His pupils!

Leader: Lead US Lord…

ALL: like a King leads His people!

Leader: Find US ready Lord…

ALL: to follow where YOU lead!

Challenge for the Week: How can you give “glad tidings” this holiday season? Is there one person you need to reach out to and spend some time, perhaps to smooth out your relationship? Are there people in the community who need some assistance or a friendly smile? Spend time this week determining how you define “glad tidings” and make a plan to share “glad tidings” with others. This could even be something which becomes a new tradition or something you will continue to do even after the holiday season has passed. Take the example of John the Baptist and let your words and actions point to Jesus!!!

Sunday, November 22nd Readings

Solemnity of Christ the King

Opening Prayer

Lord,

Let me not forget

You are near,

You bring comfort

when I am weary,

and seek me out

when I am lost.

Though I may not see you,

YOU ARE THERE!

AMEN!

Journal/Reflection Questions

Ezekiel 34 :11-12,15-17

How do you relate to God as a shepherd?
In what ways does God shelter you? Tend to your needs? Heal your wounds?
Where do you see God ‘scattered among the sheep?’ What image(s) come to mind?

1Corinthians 15:20-26,28

What does the phrase ‘destroy death’ mean in this scripture?
How did Jesus destroy death? How do you or could you make this statement true in your life?
How does this scripture reflect the changing seasons? Make a list of parallels you see.

Matthew 25:31-46

Imagine yourself in this scripture. Where do you see yourself? Reflect back over the past year and identify times when you were given opportunities to live out your faith; did you?
How does this scripture make you feel? What does it tell you about God?

General Questions for Journaling

Where are you in proximity of God? Have you scattered like the sheep?
Is there a safe distance to stay from God? If yes, what is the distance? It is the same for everyone? If no, why not?
How are you like a shepherd? What does it look like? Are you a leader? Who do you lead?
What qualities of a shepherd do you have? Are there qualities you want to have?
What are some evils which you fear?
Can serious illness or death change your faith? Explain. Give examples.
It is easy or difficult to see God in tragic events? Why or why not? What is the purpose of doing do?
Do you have faith that God protects you and cares for you in this life and in the next? What reassures you? Be specific.
Do you have areas in your life which need to be restored? How do you go about doing this?
How do you separate people? What groups do you put them in? What labels do you use?
Can you relate better to a rich, smart leader or a poor, suffering one? Which do you believe Jesus is? Why did Jesus come as a shepherd and not a king?
What is the difference between giving for reward and giving freely? How does it affect the one giving? How does it affect the one receiving? Do you think God has a preference as long as you are giving? Explain.

Closing Prayer

Leader: Lord, you care for me

ALL: so I will care for others.

Leader: Lord, you shelter me in a storm

ALL: so I will provide shelter for others.

Leader: Lord, you protect me from harm

ALL: so I will be a stronghold for others.

Leader: Lord, you show me mercy

ALL: so I will me merciful to others.

Leader: Lord, you teach me compassion

ALL: so I will offer comfort to others.

Leader: Lord you love me without limits

ALL: so I will give love unconditionally to others.

ALL: Lord, I long to do your will!

Challenge for the Week: Sheep rely on their sense of smell to stay close to the flock. Take time this week to think about what you rely on to stay close to God. Are those whom you spend the most time faithful to their walk with Jesus? Do they live out the Corporal Works of Mercy listed in the Gospel? Are there people in your life whom you identify as goats mixed among the sheep? When have you been deceived by a wolf in sheep’s clothing? Do you identify yourself a sheep? Goat? Wolf? Are there times when you’ve been all three? What keeps you connected to the flock or are you the one who strays?

***Next week begins the NEW YEAR in the Catholic Church. It’s the perfect time to make some new year resolutions.