Scripture Reflections

Ash Wednesday

Lent is more than a time when Catholics don’t eat meat and give up something like chocolate or cursing.
Lent is a season.
And like any season, ie spring, summer, fall, winter, there is (or rather should be) TRANSFORMATION.
This Lent, allow the scriptures to change you, transform you.
Let the Word fill you, awaken you and bring you to life.
When you do, then you’ll understand the full meaning of God saying, “return to me with your heart.”
Sometimes it is in letting go, that you find what you are seeking.

First Reading – Joel 2:-12-18

“Be Merciful O God, for we have sinned”

Psalm 51

On the surface this scripture is contradictory.
Jesus says, to go to your room and shut the door to pray in private, yet Ash Wednesday is the only time when you come to church and leave with a visual mark for everyone to see you believe in Jesus.
The ashes become the outward symbol that you are believer, thus shouting to everyone that you are Christian. However, the mark also is the acknowledgement that you are unclean, you are a sinner.
“Turn away from sin and be true to the Gospel”
So, YES, you are called to go to your room to pray in private to seek forgiveness, to become clean.
Think of Lent as you being “grounded.”
It’s time to work on yourself, your relationship with others and your relationship with God.
A time to change the wrong you’ve done and to make amends.
Lent begins with the Ashes on your forehead but through the six week of Lent you sacrifice, pray, and do the work.
Then at the end of Lent, the ashes are washed clean by the blood of the lamb. Washed away through the renewal of Baptismal Promises

Gospel Reading – Matthew 6:1-6,16-18

Sunday, February 14th Readings

6th Sunday of Ordinary Time

Opening Prayer

Compassionate God

YOU silence every cry, YOU wipe away every tear.

Each of us are bound, bruised and broken,

        but throughout history Lord,

everything YOU touch is made whole.

You are the healer and perfector of all creation.

Comfort us, Almighty Father. 

Hold us in your arms…forever!

Journal/Reflection Questions

Leviticus 13:1-2,44-46

  • When have you acted like Moses and Aaron and forced another to be exposed or excommunicated?
  • Are there people in the world today which you dub as unclean? What are your criteria for determining they are unclean?
  • How do you relate to those who are labeled as a leper?

1Corinthians 10:31-11:1

  • Do you give thanks to God each time you eat and drink? Consider how many hands your food passed through to get to you and provide you with the nourishment you need.
  • When do you give thanks to God? How many times on average do you give thanks to God?

Mark 1:40-45

  • Jesus reached out in pity, when have you felt Jesus reach out to you with pity? What was the situation? What was the outcome?
  • Would you be able to contain yourself if you were healed and not tell anyone or would you be like the leper who shared with everyone the good that was done?
  • How is the leper in the first reading treated differently or the same as the leper in the Gospel reading? What lesson do you take from this?

General Questions for Journaling

  • Do you know a leper? Is there someone in your workplace or community whom others have outcast or deemed “unclean”?
  • What if your sins showed on your skin like the sores of leprosy? 
  • Have you ever been outcast because of a physical ailment? 
  • How can you use your scars to bring healing to others?
  • Do you have a physical feature which you try to hide or cover? What is it?  How could God use it? How can you show God’s glory through this thing you try to hide?
  • Can the glory of God spread by touch like the disease of leprosy? Why or why not?
  • What does it mean to “do everything for the glory of God”? Share examples
  • Think back to yesterday and determine if you were aware of God’s presence all day. Were there gaps?
  • What times of the day or what activities are the most difficult for you to be aware of God’s presence in your life?
  • Do you have a hero? An idol? What characteristics draw you to them?
  • Who in your family do you take after? What traits do you have in common?
  • Did you “inherit” family traits which you are proud of or ones with which you struggle?
  • What traits do you have in common with Jesus? Do these come naturally or do you work at them?
  • Define “pity”. What is it, who has it and where does it come from?
  • Is there something or someone within your grasp that needs a healing touch? What can you do?
  • When have you experienced the healing touch of God in your life?

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Lord, let me see what you see!

ALL:  When I see illness,

Leader:  Lord, you see wellness.

ALL:  When I see something broken,

Leader: Lord, you see it whole.

ALL:  When I see poverty,

Leader:  Lord, you see richness.

ALL:  When I see sin,

Leader:  Lord, you see forgiveness.

ALL:  When I see death,

Leader:  Lord, you see life.

ALL:  Lord, let me see what you see!

Challenge for the Week:  How do you show God glory each day?  Is in your morning or evening prayer enough?  Is praying before your meals sufficient?  Consider all of the “everyday” things you do such as brushing your teeth, driving or doing the laundry.  Make a list of all of the “everyday” things you do and then think of a way to do that same task for the “GLORY OF GOD”.  Then do it!

Sunday, February 7th Readings

5th Sunday of Ordinary Time

Opening Prayer

Lord

At times the ways of this world consume my thoughts.

Help me so I may not become overwhelmed or weary

                rather, let me follow you;

for YOU alone can save.

Let me run to you when I am weak, restless and suffering.

I know your grace, mercy and love never ends;

        but I can sometimes forget;

let me cling to YOUR word

to remind me of your promise!!!

Journal/Reflection Questions

Job 7:1-4,6-7

  • Share a time in your life when you could relate to Job. What feeling or emotion do you most relate to? Do you still feel this way?
  • Compare Job’s description of his life on earth to how you describe your time on earth. How are the descriptions similar? How do they differ?
  • Where is God in this scripture?  Be specific.

1Corinthians 9:16-19,22-23

  • Saint Paul speaks of sacrifice for the sake of the Gospel. What are you willing to give up or sacrifice? How is this shown in your life?
  • Saint Paul says it is your obligation as a follower of Jesus to speak the Gospel. How do you fulfil this obligation?
  • What drives you to share the Gospel with others?  How does it relate to what St. Paul is telling the Corinthians in this scripture?

Mark 1:29-39

  • Imagine yourself as Jesus in this Gospel. What are you thinking? Feeling? How do you process all that happens? 
  • Jesus asked the people to not talk about the miracles which occurred. Would you be able to keep quiet about a miracle you witnessed? What do you think is the purpose of keeping quiet?
  • Jesus calls out many demons, describe some of the demons which possess people today.  Is there anything you can do to call out demons like Jesus?
  • Jesus goes off to pray after a long day of work.  What is the outcome of his time alone in prayer?

General Questions for Journaling

  • Do your pursue God or expect God to come to you? What does each scenario look like?
  • What causes you to be restless? Stress? Money? Family or Relationship issues?
  • How does stress or worry affect your way of thinking? Can it change our attitude about things? Why or why not?
  • Where does happiness come from? Be specific or share an example. 
  • How do you respond when you hear, “How can you believe in God if He allows such suffering in the world?”
  • What kind of hope can you offer someone who is in the midst of suffering? What are some things you can say or do?
  • Are you better at sympathy or empathy? What is the difference and how can you show both to others better?
  • When do you pray? How much effort do you put into it? Does it depend on what else you have planned for the day or whether you are too tired or not?
  • What could happen if you put as much effort into Mass (going to church) as you do when you attend your child’s extra-curricular activity (basketball game or dance recital) or as you do attending a concert or professional sporting event?
  • Define weakness. Do you believe it is a positive or negative trait? Explain.
  • What motivates you each day to get out of bed? Be specific.
  • Do you have desires in life? Do you have a plan for those desires to be met? How do your desires match up with what God desires for you?
  • Is there something you need Jesus to heal? Write down what you are in need of healing and place it in your bible. Let Jesus begin to heal you!

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Lord, may I speak your name

ALL:  and feel your presence!

Leader:  May I speak your name

ALL:  and hear your voice!

Leader: May I speak your name

ALL:  and be healed of my hurt!

Leader:  May I speak your name

ALL:  and be empowered to do your will!

Leader:  May I speak your name

ALL:  and be filled with grace and mercy!

Leader:  May I speak your name

ALL:  and KNOW that I am loved!

Challenge for the Week:  Put yourself in the Gospel as Jesus.  Write down what you think Jesus prayed when he went away.  What do you imagine was the conversation between Jesus and God?  Spend time this week having this same conversation with God.  Remember to take time to listen to God’s response and consider how you may move forward with the mission which God has entrusted you with in your life.

Sunday, January 31st Readings

4th Sunday of Ordinary Time

Opening Prayer

My Lord

How do I let go of anxiety

        so I might speak with authority?

Let me shed my insecurity

        so I might walk with confidence!

Teach me ways to stand strong

        so I show conviction in my beliefs!

Allow me to hold fast to YOU,

        as I find your words in my voice! 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Deuteronomy 18:15-20

  • Read the scripture as though you are Moses.  Does it change the meaning or message? What thoughts or feelings well up in you when you do this?
  • Does this scripture encourage you to speak God’s Word or cause you to be afraid to speak God’s Word? 

1Corinthians 7:32-35

  • Name the distractions in your life which cause you to not be as close to God/Jesus/Holy Spirit as you desire. Consider what you can do to lessen the distractions that keep you from this relationship.
  • How does being married or single distract you from God? 
  • How does being married or single bring you closer to God?

Mark 1:21-28

  • The people in the temple where amazed by Jesus’ action. What causes you to be amazed by God? 
  • Jesus was teaching with authority. What are you comfortable speaking about with authority?
  • How can you, like Jesus, speak truth to draw out the demons in a situation or in a relationship?

General Questions for Journaling

  • Do believe God anxiously waits for you to wake up each day to watch you unfold what is laid out on your path?
  • Identify the characteristics of a prophet of God. Do you have some of them?
  • Do you believe there are prophets who exist today? Who are they and are they guides for you?
  • Are there people in your life which you know to speak only truth?
  • Can you identify people whom you believe are or where prophets of their time? Who are people who have created a great uproar in their community or in the world? For what purpose?
  • As a baptized person, you are a prophet…how can you live more like the prophet you are?
  • What worries you about the world today? Write down at least 5 things and pray each day for the things that worry you.
  • Have you ever experienced so much worry that it became a dark cloud over you? How were you able to overcome?
  • Have you ever rebuked something? Why? Was it for selfish reasons or for God?
  • Do you have something “unclean” within you which you need to ask Jesus to call out?
  • Where do you see “unclean” situations? Consider globally, nationally, locally and individually and listen to God respond to your concern.
  • Who in your life do you trust explicitly? Is anyone who is in authority whom you trust? How do you know when someone is being authentic?
  • Has a new thought, process, or idea ever challenged you to change your ways? 

Closing Prayer

Leader:  YOU bring us out of darkness;

ALL:  WE ARE FREE!

Leader:  YOU lead us out of the desert;

ALL:  WE ARE FREE!

Leader:  YOU call us out of our selfishness;

ALL:  WE ARE FREE!

Leader:  YOU free us from our sins;

ALL:  WE ARE FREE!

Leader:  Lord, with YOU

ALL:  WE ARE FREE!

Challenge for the Week:  What do you call God?  Make a list of all of the names that can be used to describe all three persons of the Trinity, write them down.  Then take the list you made and cut the names out individually and place in a bowl, dish or cup.  Draw from this list a different name each day and use that name in your prayers that entire day.  Spend time throughout the day reflecting on the name and what it means to you, how it describes God and what it reveals about God’s nature.  Start now, or make plans for this to be included in your Lenten prayer practice. 

Sunday, January 24th Readings

3rd Sunday of Ordinary Time

Opening Prayer

God of all,

There is no where I can go

        that will take me away from You.

No mountain is too high,

        No ocean is too deep;

                You are always there!

Let my heart and mind know

        I cannot run away from You.

Your will, Lord, is always done!

Journal/Reflection Questions

Jonah 3:1-5, 10

  • Share a time when you were like Jonah and didn’t want to do what God was asking you to do. What was the situation? What was the outcome?
  • What message did Jonah bring to Nineveh? How does this same message ring true in your life right now?
  • What truths about God are revealed through this scripture?
  • What significance does the three days have to this story? Where else in scripture does God promise change in three days?

1Corinthians 7:29-31

  • Are there times when you act as though you are not a child of God? 
  • What does God want from you right now?  Is it the same or different from what he wanted from you a year ago? 5? 10?
  • What does the scripture tell you about what God values?

Mark 1:14-20

  • What is your idea or definition of the “time of fulfillment”? Describe.
  • How can you live like a disciple called to be a “fisher of men”? What can you do to “catch people” for God?
  • Jesus found them “mending their nets.” What requires mending in your life right now? Does God find you doing the mending or are you waiting for someone else to fix it?

General Questions for Journaling

  • How has your view of the world changed over the past 5, 10, 15, 20 years? Do you still value the same things? Do the same things still bring you joy and make you happy?
  • Reflect on the past week; are any of your actions in need of repentance? How would God answer the same question about you?
  • Is there anything you must repent to have a stronger relationship with God? Are there things you should repent to heal or strengthen a relationship with a friend or family member? 
  • Do you believe there is a recipe for happiness which could be true for all people? What would it look like?
  • Do you act as if you believe God loves you despite your shortfalls? If God can love you, what can you do to show love to yourself?
  • What were the credentials needed to be one of Jesus’ disciples? Are they still the same today?
  • How do you act when given a deadline? Does it increase productivity?  Does it cause stress? What about your attention/focus changes?
  • How have you been called to change? Where does the call come from?
  • What benefit comes from a threat? Are there times when they are effective? Why or why not?
  • Are there things you hold onto? What value do they have to you? What value does the world give them? What value does God give them?

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Lord, when you call…

ALL:  your words engulf me!

Leader:  Lord, when you call…

ALL:  my heart is awakened!

Leader:  Lord, when you call…

ALL:  I turn to listen!

Leader:  Lord, when you call…

ALL:  my soul rejoices!

Leader:  Lord, when you call…

ALL:  I hear nothing else!

Leader:  Lord, when you call…

ALL:  your servant is ready!

Challenge for the Week:  The word present has a couple of very different meanings.  One present means “right now” and another is “a gift” but what if to God they really mean the same thing???  Consider the present moment in time as a gift from God.  How do you use it?  What value do you give it?  Unfortunately, many people spend much of their time thinking about the past and planning for the future.  They don’t always give the present, the value of time which it deserves.  This doesn’t only apply to the time you spend alone, with your own thoughts but it also affects the time you spend with friends, family and others whom deserve your uninterrupted attention.  Are you present with them?  What can you do to become more present, in the moment?  What changes can you make to allow you to be more present minded…what a true present that would be! 

Sunday, January 24th Readings

3rd Sunday of Ordinary Time

Opening Prayer

God of all,

There is no where I can go

        that will take me away from You.

No mountain is too high,

        No ocean is too deep;

                You are always there!

Let my heart and mind know

        I cannot run away from You.

Your will, Lord, is always done!

Journal/Reflection Questions

Jonah 3:1-5, 10

  • Share a time when you were like Jonah and didn’t want to do what God was asking you to do. What was the situation? What was the outcome?
  • What message did Jonah bring to Nineveh? How does this same message ring true in your life right now?
  • What truths about God are revealed through this scripture?
  • What significance does the three days have to this story? Where else in scripture does God promise change in three days?

1Corinthians 7:29-31

  • Are there times when you act as though you are not a child of God? 
  • What does God want from you right now?  Is it the same or different from what he wanted from you a year ago? 5? 10?
  • What does the scripture tell you about what God values?

Mark 1:14-20

  • What is your idea or definition of the “time of fulfillment”? Describe.
  • How can you live like a disciple called to be a “fisher of men”? What can you do to “catch people” for God?
  • Jesus found them “mending their nets.” What requires mending in your life right now? Does God find you doing the mending or are you waiting for someone else to fix it?

General Questions for Journaling

  • How has your view of the world changed over the past 5, 10, 15, 20 years? Do you still value the same things? Do the same things still bring you joy and make you happy?
  • Reflect on the past week; are any of your actions in need of repentance? How would God answer the same question about you?
  • Is there anything you must repent to have a stronger relationship with God? Are there things you should repent to heal or strengthen a relationship with a friend or family member? 
  • Do you believe there is a recipe for happiness which could be true for all people? What would it look like?
  • Do you act as if you believe God loves you despite your shortfalls? If God can love you, what can you do to show love to yourself?
  • What were the credentials needed to be one of Jesus’ disciples? Are they still the same today?
  • How do you act when given a deadline? Does it increase productivity?  Does it cause stress? What about your attention/focus changes?
  • How have you been called to change? Where does the call come from?
  • What benefit comes from a threat? Are there times when they are effective? Why or why not?
  • Are there things you hold onto? What value do they have to you? What value does the world give them? What value does God give them?

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Lord, when you call…

ALL:  your words engulf me!

Leader:  Lord, when you call…

ALL:  my heart is awakened!

Leader:  Lord, when you call…

ALL:  I turn to listen!

Leader:  Lord, when you call…

ALL:  my soul rejoices!

Leader:  Lord, when you call…

ALL:  I hear nothing else!

Leader:  Lord, when you call…

ALL:  your servant is ready!

Challenge for the Week:  The word present has a couple of very different meanings.  One present means “right now” and another is “a gift” but what if to God they really mean the same thing???  Consider the present moment in time as a gift from God.  How do you use it?  What value do you give it?  Unfortunately, many people spend much of their time thinking about the past and planning for the future.  They don’t always give the present, the value of time which it deserves.  This doesn’t only apply to the time you spend alone, with your own thoughts but it also affects the time you spend with friends, family and others whom deserve your uninterrupted attention.  Are you present with them?  What can you do to become more present, in the moment?  What changes can you make to allow you to be more present minded…what a true present that would be! 

Sunday, January 17th Readings

2nd Sunday of Ordinary Time

Opening Prayer

Oh, Lord

Day after day I awake,

        but what do I see?

Let me see your presence

        so I can follow you.

Each day I set forth,

        but what do I do?

May I bring your presence

        to others in the ordinary.

Keep me near; I want to stay!

Journal/Reflection Questions

1Samuel 3 :3b-10,19

  • How many times does God call Samuel?  What does this tell you about God? How does that support or change how you see God?
  • What does it mean for Samuel to answer God by saying, “Your servant is listening?” Do you think Samuel knows the meaning of his words? What do you think these words mean to God?
  • God called Samuel several times, do you think he ever stops calling?

1Corinthians 6:13c-15a,17-20

  • Identify ways your body is like a temple. How can you treat yourself better and show yourself reverence?
  • What do you understand about your body from this scripture? How does it affect your beliefs and/or actions?
  • If you looked at others with the same reverence you look at God with, would your attitude about them change?

John 1:35-42

  • How would you answer the questions, “what are you looking for?” if Jesus asked you?
  • If you knew Jesus’ answer would be “come and see,” what question(s) would you ask him?

General Questions for Journaling

  • Do you hear God calling you? What does it sound like?
  • Is there something you thought you were called to which turned out badly?
  • Is there a young person in your life which you can talk to about God’s call in their life? How would you start the conversation?
  • Consider what your life would be like if you didn’t know God. How would it be different? How would it be the same?
  • Are there people in your life who still help you recognize God’s voice? Who are they and how do they help?
  • Have you experienced a time when you asked God for something and you received it? What was your reaction to this?
  • Where does obedience come from? Fear? Guilt? Love? Desire? Find your own word.
  • Who are the people you follow? Why do you follow them? Are there people in the news, politics, Hollywood or other celebrities whom you are connected to on social media? What does it mean to follow them?
  • Where do you go to seek guidance?  Is it from a person? Is it always the same person? What causes you to go to that person or those people? Is there a better advocate?
  • What is worth you changing your plans to go and do? What is worth dropping everything for you to go and see?
  • Is there something you are still waiting for God to reveal to you? What do you want him to tell you to come and see?
  • Where does God dwell? Do you allow Him to dwell in your home? In your relationship with your significant other? With your children? Grandchildren? Does God dwell in your friendships? In your relationship with your co-workers? In your workplace? Is God in your free time?

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Come and see

ALL:  the teacher, teach.

Leader:  Come and see

ALL:  the healer, heal.

Leader:  Come and see

ALL:  the Word, made flesh.

Leader:  Come and see

ALL:  the promise, fulfilled.

Challenge for the Week:  Some of us like, Samuel, will come to hear God’s call at a young age; others will be like Abram, and will hear God’s call when they are older.  Some might hear the call and not answer it because of fear they are not ready or that others will make fun of them or not accept them.  Others will drop everything and follow immediately.  Hearing God’s call and then following it, is what life is essentially about.  However, we aren’t asked to figure it out on our own.  We have been gifted with one another to guide and direct each other along the way, to help us open our ears to hear God’s call.  Who are the people who help you find the path God has called you to follow?  How often do you talk with those people, asking them to keep you on track?  Perhaps you don’t know how God is calling you or where God is calling you?  Or maybe you don’t have friends who can help you discern God’s call from the other garbage you hear.  It might be time for you to intentionally make time to intently listen for God’s voice. God is calling you…do you hear Him?

Sunday, January 10th Readings

Baptism of the Lord

Opening Prayer

On the bank of the river I stand;

Ready to encounter YOU! 

Ready to accept YOU!

Ready to be filled with YOU! 

Ready to be engulfed by YOU!

May my own baptism be renewed;

Each time I embrace grace! 

Each time I share mercy! 

Each time I speak YOUR name! 

Each time I study YOUR WORD!

Journal/Reflection Questions

Isaiah 42:1-4,6-7 OR Isaiah 55 :1-11

  • (Isaiah 42:1-4,6-7)
  • What can learn from David’s steadfast loyalty? Why does God use David as the witness of God’s everlasting covenant? (Isaiah 55 :1-11)

Acts 10:34-38 OR 1John 5:1-9

  • What emotions do you think Peter had when speaking these words to the crowd of people gathered? Imagine you are Peter, how might you feel after denying knowing Jesus and now promoting him as being anointed by God? (Acts 10:34-38)
  • This scripture says following the commandments are not burdensome if you follow Jesus. Do you agree or disagree? Explain. (1John 5:1-9)

Mark 1:7-11

  • Imagine yourself as John the Baptist in this scripture. What would you think and feel? What would do next?
  • What is the purpose of John baptizing Jesus?  Shouldn’t Jesus baptize John?  Reflect on why God chose for this to happen.

General Questions for Journaling

  • Explain, “God’s ways are not our ways.”
  • Reflect on your life and chose one habit, attitude or obstacle which you can focus on seeing it how God sees it.
  • What is your image of heaven? Write a poem or draw a picture of what you hope to see, hear, feel, taste and touch in heaven.
  • Have you ever been asked to testify for something or someone? How did you feel? What were the circumstances? How did your testimony affect the outcome? What was your specific purpose? Where was God in the situation?
  • Imagine a child you know. What words would you use to describe the love you have for that child?
  • How do you feel when you hear the word, commandment?
  • On a scale from 1-10, how strong is your faith?
  • Is your faith strong enough to conquer the world?
  • What would you say your faith is strong enough to conquer?
  • John the Baptist was a Herald for Jesus. Identify one thing you can do this week to also be a Herald for Jesus. Then do it!
  • How do feel God has used you in the past year, month, week? Be specific
  • How can you be more open to allowing God to use you? Are you afraid of what God will ask of you?

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Lord, YOU ARE LOVE and

ALL:  I am YOUR BELOVED!

Leader:  YOU know MY HEART and MY SOUL and

ALL:  with ME YOU are well pleased!

Leader:  I am created by God in YOUR image and

ALL:  I am filled with the HOLY SPIRIT!

ALL:  I am BAPTIZED!

Challenge for the Week:  Children can’t wait to play in the sprinkler or dive into the deep-end of the pool.  However, adults tend to only go in when necessary, either to help little children or for exercise.  It’s a though adults have turned into the Wicked Witch of the West and a little water will make them melt!  Can you relate?  Why do you think adults are seen sitting on the side-line simply watching instead of participating?  What reason(s) can you come up with that adults resist the joy they had as children when they were submersed, surrounded by water, splashing and giggling?  What are your reasons for not jumping in?  Do you think the same things that keep you out of the pool are maybe the same things that keep you from going deeper in your relationship with God?  Spend time this week contemplating the answer and making the commitment to renew your Baptismal Promises not just in word, but in action too!  There is plenty of fun to be had, dive in, splash in the water, let it wash over you…I promise you won’t melt!

January 1st Readings

Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God

Opening Prayer

God of heaven and earth

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

What did she think about journeying away from home?

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

Did she struggle with believing what the Angel said?

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

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

AMEN

Journal/Reflection Questions

Numbers 6:22-27

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

Galatians 4:4-7

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

Luke 2:16-21

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

General Questions for Journaling

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

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Lord, when we feel unworthy…

ALL:  bless us with the Spirit of Grace!

Leader:  Lord, when we are in despair…

ALL:  bless us with the Spirit of Hope!

Leader:  Lord, when we feel neglected…

ALL:  bless us with the Spirit of Love!

Leader:  Lord, when we feel incomplete…

ALL:  bless us with the Spirit of Wholeness!

Leader:  Lord, when we are full of worry…

ALL:  Bless us with the Spirit of Peace!

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

Sunday, January 3rd Readings

Epiphany of the Lord

Opening Prayer

Jesus,

Like the sun, let me rise to bring light!

Like a baby, let me be born to a new life!

Awaken me from my slumber,

so I can shine like a star and lead others to YOU!

Journal/Reflection Questions

Isaiah 60 :1-6

  • Are you able to see God’s Glory even through the dark times of your life? Share an example.
  • Can you see God working in your life right now or only when you look back do see God at work?
  • What do you see when you look out into the future?

Ephesians 3:2-3a, 5-6

  • What is the “commission” God has called you to? How are you living it out? What can you do to better complete the mission you are called to?
  • How can you treat others as “co-heirs” of the promises of Christ?
  • What is Saint Paul trying to remind you of in this reading?

Matthew 2:1-12

  • What caused the magi to drop everything and travel from foreign lands? What is important enough for you to stop everything and travel a great distance? 
  • What lesson(s) can you learn from the magi? What do they receive in return for the gifts they bring?
  • What can you learn about Jesus and the entire Holy Family from their choices and actions in this scripture?
  • Spend time role playing. Imagine yourself as each of the characters in the Gospel reading. What are you thinking, feeling? What motivates you? 

General Questions for Journaling

  • What gifts do you see in the world today? 
  • Are there places on earth which you are drawn to go? What is there which you want to experience?
  • What do you give back to God? Do you feel obligated to give? Explain.
  • What has God revealed to you in the past year?  Month?  24 hours?
  • Define the word, diligent. How can you search diligently for God this year?
  • Would you describe yourself as a “star” which shines light onto others? How does the light of Christ shine through you to draw people to Christ? Share an example.
  • Name some of the people you are drawn to. What draws you to them? What characteristics or qualities make them appealing?
  • Who are people in this world who are worth following? What makes them worth following? Are there people whom you follow who are not worth following? How can you tell the difference?
  • Reflect on the shape of the star. Describe how it is important to you and your beliefs; how is it a symbol of your faith?
  • Would you say you are the “star” of your own life or do you let others take the lead? How does God appear in your life story? Do you allow God to shine through you or are you eclipsed by God?
  • What are you willing to give up for a deeper relationship with God?
  • Are there people or situations which you hide from? What message do you think Jesus would like to reveal to you about what you should do?

Closing Prayer – (music lyrics to song “Rise Up” by Andra Day)

Leader:  When the silence isn’t quiet

ALL:  And it feels like it’s getting hard to breathe

Leader:  And I know you feel like dying

ALL:  But I promise we’ll take the world to its feet

Leader:  And move mountains

ALL:  I’ll rise like the day

Leader:  I’ll rise unafraid

ALL:  I’ll rise up

Leader:  And I’ll do it a thousand times again

ALL:  And I’ll rise up

Leader:  High like the waves

ALL:  I’ll rise up…for YOU!

Challenge for the Week:  Reflect on the past couple of months since the beginning of the new liturgical year (or since around Thanksgiving) and make a list of the gifts which you have received…NOT the tangible ones.  The holiday season can open up new insights, new relationships and shine light on situations in relationships.  Spend time thinking about the gifts opened to you, these can range from very personal to global depending on how much time you want to spend and how deep you want to go.  However, giving time to these special moments can bring new insight and reflect the true value of the gifts which you might have been too busy to accept!