Scripture

Sunday, May 30th Readings

Holy Trinity Sunday

Opening Prayer

Creator God,

You give the heavens and the earth

There is beauty all around

May I always recognize the goodness you give.

Savior God,

You came into this world as a child

You worked and healed and bled

May I always give thanks for the sacrifice you made.

Spirit God,

You bear witness to the truth

You give confidence and security

May I always call on you, a constant companion.

Amen.

Journal/Reflection Questions

Deuteronomy 4:32-34, 39-40

  • God speaks to Moses through a burning bush, where do you hear God’s voice? 
  • Can you identify in this reading God, Jesus and Spirit? Is the trinity present? Why or why not? 

Romans 8: 14-17

  • When have you seen the Spirit bear witness to something? Does it happen in society today or only in the Bible? 
  • God asks you to suffer with him to be glorified. What does the word suffer mean to you in this instance?
  • What does this scripture teach you about the Holy Spirit?

Matthew 28:16-20

  • Jesus said, I am with you until the end of the age. What assurance do you have that this is true?
  • Does this command apply to you today? How do you live out this commandment from Jesus? 
  • Does this scripture inspire you? Explain.

General Questions for Journaling

  • What makes you know God wants you to prosper? Share an example of how God shows you signs of His love.
  • How do you show those you love that you love them? What does God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit have to do with how you show love to others?
  • How confident are you that God has a plan for your life? What makes it so?
  • When do you feel the most secure in your walk with God? What draws you away from this feeling of security?
  • How would you compare love of God vs love of self vs love for spouse vs love of children, etc….
  • How is God’s love expressed? Share examples. 
  • Are you able to recognize God’s love in the present or only in past tense?
  • Do you cry out to God? Jesus? Spirit? What causes you to do so?
  • How do you explain the mystery of the Holy Spirit?
  • How do you teach others what Jesus has taught you? What more can you do?

Closing Prayer – inspired by Psalm 33

Leader:  Spirit of the living God…

ALL:  find me trustworthy!

Leader:  Spirit of the living God…

ALL:  find me working for justice!

Leader:  Spirit of the living God…

ALL:  find me being kind and generous!

Leader:  Spirit of the living God…

ALL:  find me giving hope!

Leader:  Spirit of the living God…

ALL:  call me your own, Blessed child of God!

Challenge for the Week:  Explaining the Trinity to someone can be a challenge, you may not even really understand it yourself.  However, if you are called to go out to all the world and make disciples of every nation, you need, no you MUST be able to describe your relationship with the Trinity.  Spend time this week identifying who the Trinity is to you.  This might require you to do some studying to learn more about Church teaching and/or to discuss with a friend or two how they view the Trinity. 

Sunday, May 23rd Readings

Pentecost Sunday

Opening Prayer

Come Holy Spirit!

Shine your divine light upon me!

Wash away the stains of guilt

        and wrap me with your mercy!

Start a fire within me for you!

Ignite the flames in me

        so I can bring light to all I meet!

Spirit, dwell in me forever!

Amen

Journal/Reflection Questions

Acts 2:1-11

  • Identify how the disciples are before and after the Holy Spirit descends upon them. What is significant about this change?
  • Describe what it might have been like to experience the strong winds and house shaking? How did those gathered know it was okay?
  • Why was it so important for everyone to understand? What is the significance of this?

1 Corinthians 12:3b-7, 12-13

  • Are gifts of the Holy Spirit limited to one per person or can you have all of them? Are they always there or can you summon them like a super-power of a superhero?
  • Consider how each part of your body, each organ, etc. has a specific purpose. Draw a picture identifying different gifts people have in the shape of a body/person. How does this relate to the world today?

John 20:19-23

  • What do sins have to do with Pentecost? Can you experience Pentecost if you are unable to forgive? Why or why not?
  • Where else in the scriptures do we read, God breathed on them? What is the significance of this? How do these readings correlate?
  • What were the first words Jesus said to his disciples when he returned to them? Why do you think He chose those words? And why do you think He said them twice?

General Questions for Journaling

  • Have you ever gone to an event, dinner or party and was surprised you had a good time? Share the experience.
  • Have you ever met someone, who at first glance you thought would be boring or uninteresting and you were wrong?
  • On a scale of 1-10, how often do you call on the Holy Spirit in a day?
  • When you call on the Holy Spirit, what do you ask for or need?
  • How is your life changed by the presence of the Holy Spirit?
  • How does the power of the Holy Spirit work? Have you been a witness to what it can do? Explain.
  • What happens when you cannot understand another person? How does this keep you from communicating?
  • What is the common language of today? Is it verbal?
  • What exactly is celebrated on Pentecost? How is it relevant today?
  • Name 10 gifts you have and how they benefit others.
  • No gift is insignificant because it was given by God for a purpose.  What is something you feel is insignificant about you? How can you change your negative thinking thing into something positive?
  • When you act out of faith, what characteristics do you show? How do you know a person of faith by their actions? Share examples.

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Holy Spirit, come…

ALL:  make faith like a blazing fire!

Leader:  Holy Spirit, come…

ALL:  make joy overflow like a raging waterfall!

Leader:  Holy Spirit, come…

ALL:  make love spread like fierce wind!

Leader:  Holy Spirit, come…

ALL:  make peace cover us like a dense fog!

Leader:  Come, Holy Spirit, come…

ALL:  ignite the fire of your love throughout the world!

Challenge for the Week:  How do you hear God’s voice?  How do you Jesus is calling out to you?  What role does the Holy Spirit have in following faith?  This week, determine if you are really hearing God’s voice and following God’s call.  Perhaps, you need to reach out to the Holy Spirit for affirmation you are on the right path.  Listen for the Holy Spirit in the wind, in a whisper or in a stranger’s smile.  Consider writing down each day where you heard, saw or felt the Holy Spirit communicate with you.  Come Holy Spirit!

Sunday, May 2nd Readings

Fifth Sunday of Easter

Opening Prayer

Savior

The sacrifice YOU made on the cross

        is one sacrifice for all.

May the life I live reflect my gratitude

        for all YOU have done for me.

Fill me with YOUR Spirit so when I speak,

        all will understand that I am YOUR disciple!

Give me the words to boldly proclaim YOU are God alone,

        for I know with my whole heart I need nothing else!

Journal/Reflection Questions

Acts 9:26-31

  • What made the disciples hesitant to accept Saul as Paul? Have you ever had a hard time accepting someone into your life?
  • What does it mean to walk in the fear of the Lord? How would you explain this to a non-believer?
  • Have you ever experienced a change like Saul/Paul?

1 John 3:18-24

  • How does God communicate to you so you know you are following his commandments and you are beloved?
  • Explain why a person’s actions speak louder than their words. How can you teach this lesson to another person?
  • Does it bring comfort or fear to know God knows your heart?

John 15:1-8

  • Give an example of what it means to “bear fruit” and explain how pruning can produce more fruit as it pertains to human relationships.
  • Draw a branch with leaves or a vine with grapes, imagine you are the branch or vine and the people whom you influence are the leaves or grapes.
  • In what condition are the leaves or the grapes? Are those relationships thriving or simply surviving?

General Questions for Journaling

  • Name three things in your life which you feel strongly enough about that you will stand up and defend?
  • Have you ever made a change in your life which was not accepted by those in your life?  Share.
  • On a scale from 1-10, how much do you trust the 5 most important people in your life?
  • On a scale from 1-10, how much do you trust the 5 most unimportant people in your life?
  • What are random acts of kindness?  Have you ever been a witness of one?
  • Have you ever told someone not to do something and then you do it?  Is there harm in doing this?  Why or why not?
  • Are there relationships you have which you should get separation from for good?  What makes these relationships harmful?
  • Are there relationships you should nurture more?  What makes these relationships you want to keep?
  • Share an example of how you know God/Jesus/Holy Spirit lives within you.
  • Share an example of a time when you saw God/Jesus/Holy Spirit within another person.

Closing Prayer

Leader:  It is YOU who gives us breath to breathe…

ALL:  YOU are the Vine; WE are the Branches!

Leader:  It is YOU who gives us sight to see…

ALL:  YOU are the Vine; WE are the Branches!

Leader:  It is YOU who unties us when we are bound…

ALL:  YOU are the Vine; WE are the Branches!

Leader:  It is YOU who takes our burdens when we are too weak…

ALL:  YOU are the Vine; WE are the Branches!

Leader:  It is YOU who give us life to live out the Gospel message…

ALL:  YOU are the Vine; WE are the Branches!

Challenge for the Week:  The story in the first reading is a situation many of us have encountered.  We have either been like Paul, someone who has made some change and are not accepted by those around us, either because they don’t believe we have changed or they are not comfortable with the change we have made.  Or we are the ones not welcoming someone or believing someone who has made a change.  This week reflect on the situation and determine how it might have had a different outcome, what are some of the things that could have happened differently?  We cannot go back and change the past but we can learn from it; learn from our mistakes and our successes so we know how to handle a similar situation in the future.  Take time to open your eyes to seeing in new ways!

Sunday, April 25th Readings

Fourth Sunday of Easter

Opening Prayer

Abba Father

I hear your voice

        and I follow.

I am comforted by

        the sound.

It is clear.

Lord, YOU are with me!

AMEN!

Journal/Reflection Questions

Acts 4:8-12

  • Peter explains the significance of Jesus in this scripture.  In your own words, explain the significance of Jesus in your life or in the world.
  • Is Jesus the cornerstone of your life?  Give examples.

1 John 3:1-2

  • Compare and contrast your relationship with God as a father and a child.  Is this easy or difficult to do?  Explain.
  • Has Jesus revealed anything to you?  How will you/do you know when Jesus reveals a message to you?

John 10:11-18

  • What makes Jesus the “good” shepherd?  Can you list 5 things?  10?
  • For what are you willing to lay down your life?  A person?  A cause? 
  • In what way do you relate to the good shepherd?  Be specific.
  • Why is there only one shepherd?  What consequences or difficulties could arise if there were more than one?

General Questions for Journaling

  • When did you go out of your way to do a good thing for another person?  What was the occasion?
  • Does doing good for others come naturally for you or do you find yourself needing to work at it? 
  • What do you think causes kindness to others to come naturally or not?
  • Name some of the obstacles in your life right now.  What are you doing to overcome them or are you waiting for God or someone else to remove the obstacles or make it easier for you to overcome?
  • Do you know someone who doesn’t believe in Jesus?  What is their reason for not believing?  It is because they don’t know Him or is it something else?
  • What might be some reasons someone would not believe if Jesus?  If the elders of his time tried to discredit him, what are some things people today could say to try to discredit Jesus?
  • Have you ever been given responsibility for someone else’s possessions?  Did you care for them as though they were your own?  Why or why not?
  • How do you define love?  Is there one type of love or several?  If there is more than one, what are they types of love?
  • Describe the feeling of knowing you are loved.  What adjectives do you use to describe love?  Is your description the same as others?
  • Share a story of a time when you felt safe.  Describe the surroundings, the smells, what you saw and what you heard.

Closing Prayer

Leader:  The Lord calls my name…

ALL:  and I listen.

Leader:  The Lord calls my name…

ALL:  and I wait.

Leader: The Lord calls my name…

ALL:  and I surrender.

Leader:  The Lord calls my name…

ALL:  and I respond.

Leader:  The Lord calls my name…

ALL:  and I rejoice.

Leader:  The Lord calls my name…

ALL:  and I am complete!

Challenge for the Week:  Have you ever considered what kind of parent God is?  While there are only four specific parenting styles, there are several articles which highlight a variety of different types of parenting.  To name a few, there is a “drill sergeant parent” who commands and directs the lives of children.  There is the “oblivious parent” whom is not aware of or concerned about what is happening with their children.  Another nickname for a type of parent is the “MIA parent” which is as you’d assume correctly is a parent whom is not present at all.  One of the more popular types is the “helicopter parent” whom is overprotective and discourages a child’s independence by being too involved in the child’s life and swoops in at any sign of challenge or discomfort.  Does one of these types fit God?  Do you believe God parents each one of us in the same way?  What type of parent would you say God is?  What type of parent do you want God to be?  Spend time this week in reflection on the Father, God and give thanks and praise for all God’s grace!

Sunday, April 18th Readings

Third Sunday of Easter

Opening Prayer

Jesus

You don’t just ignore my sin.

        You help me to correct it.

You don’t just tell me to do better,

        You teach me the right way.

Let me learn from you

        so I can be a better person.

Praise You Lord

        for believing in me!

AMEN!

Journal/Reflection Questions

Acts 3:13-15, 17-19

  • Peter is letting the people know that they can be forgiven for turning away from Jesus and sentencing him to death. Are your sins worse than this? If they can be forgiven what keeps you from being forgiven?
  • How does ignorance force a wedge in a person’s relationship with God? 
  • How does ignorance in the world affect a person’s relationship with God?

1 John 2:1-5a

  • This scripture is saying our sin goes through Jesus, his death is what makes amends for our sin…even the sin we haven’t committed yet. Write a prayer to express how you feel about his fact.
  • What makes Jesus the best advocate for us to God?

Luke 24:35-48

  • Go back to Isaiah to read the scriptures which Jesus fulfilled. How do you feel when you read the scriptures?
  • How have you witnessed God’s work, Jesus’ miracles today? What evidence do you have that Holy Spirit is alive today?
  • Jesus’ disciples had a hard time recognizing Jesus, what can you do to recognize Jesus when he comes to you?

General Questions for Journaling

  • What makes forgiveness difficult? What makes forgiveness easier?
  • In what ways are the faithful today the same as the first disciples?
  • In what ways are we different from those left behind after Jesus died?
  • What do you believe happened when Jesus died? Do you believe it is the same or different for other people? Explain.
  • What does it mean to leave your sins at the foot of the cross? How would you explain this to another person of faith? How would you explain this to someone who doesn’t know Jesus?
  • The things of this world can tug and pull on us, sometimes away from God. What are these things in your life? What makes you fall victim to them? 
  • Where is peace prevalent today?
  • Is peace something everyone can find in the same place? Explain.
  • What does it mean to have an open mind or a closed mind? Do different people have different definitions? Why or why not?
  • Would you describe yourself as open minded or closed minded? Why?
  • What is it about Jesus that you most relate to? Be specific.
  • Have you had moments of remembrances of loved ones who have passed? Explain.
  • How does Jesus’ death help you cope with death? Your own and others?

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Jesus is alive, let me rejoice…

ALL:  All of my sins are washed away!

Leader:  Jesus is alive, let me rejoice…

ALL:  My path has been restored!

Leader: Jesus is alive, let me rejoice…

ALL:  He loves me like no other!

Leader:  Jesus is alive, let me rejoice…

ALL:  the Holy Spirit lives in me!

Leader:  Jesus is alive, let me rejoice…

ALL:  death has no power!

Leader:  Jesus is alive, let me rejoice…

ALL:  AMAZING GRACE!

Challenge for the Week:  In the Catholic Church Easter is not celebrated only on Easter Sunday, but for 50 days!  That is a lot of chocolate and marshmallows! Actually, it is not about the commercialized Easter as you may know, rather it’s about continuing to be in the presence of Jesus through the scriptures and special celebrations.  It is a time set aside by the Church, like Lent, for us to reflect on the life of Jesus, more specifically, life on earth after his death.  Spend time this next week reflecting on Jesus’ presence in your life and in the world.  How does Jesus impact your daily life?  Is the presence of Jesus a blessing or a curse?  How do you relate to the early Christians trying to decipher this new way of life without Jesus?  How are their struggles similar to different from those faced in the world today?  There is much to ponder…so Happy Easter!!!  Jesus has risen!!!

Sunday, April 11th Readings

Divine Mercy Sunday Readings

Opening Prayer

Heavenly Father,

You breathed into us at creation,

You sent YOUR Son to breathe with us,

You left YOUR Spirit to fill us with the breath of life.

May we show gratitude for this gift you have given

        so when we breathe in we are aware of you filling us!

Journal/Reflection Questions

Acts 4:32-35

  • What specifically motivated the early Christians to act in this way?
  • Are there people you know who need something which you are unwilling to give? How can this scripture help you move towards giving?

1 John 5:1-6

  • Do you believe you love God in the same way God loves you? Why or why not?
  • The scripture says the commandments are not burdensome.  Do you agree or disagree?  How might one NOT find them burdensome?
  • Draw a picture of this scripture. How does this look to you? Is there a straight timeline of love or does it start with God in the middle and split off from there or is it a complete circle or something else entirely?

John 20:19-31

  • Are there sins (your own or others) which you are withholding forgiveness? What image or phrase from the scripture can you use to begin to let go of these sins you harbor?
  • What is the significance of Jesus breathing on the disciples and those gathered? How does this personally affect you and your life?
  • When have you, like Thomas doubted Jesus?  Perhaps it was doubt of His existence or doubt of His presence?

General Questions for Journaling

  • We can sometimes have a hard time sharing our possessions.  What lesson can we learn from those early Christians about our possessions?
  • Who are the needy around you?  Is there someone in need within your reach?  What can you do to help satisfy their need?
  • How does your life bear witness to Christ?
  • How does your church or place or worship bear witness to Christ?
  • How does/can your workplace/school bear witness to Christ?
  • How does your home/family bear witness to Christ?
  • How does love change?  Do you love a baby differently than a toddler or a teenager or an adult person?  Explain.
  • Does God’s love for us change based on our circumstances or actions?  Why or why not?  Does God ask for us to do anything to earn love from him?
  • Is there something about faith which you struggle with believing or agreeing? What action should you take to learn more about it? How can you come to a better understanding instead of accepting unbelief?
  • What does through the “water and spirit” mean to you? What is your personal story involving the “water and spirit”?
  • How does the “water and spirit” come alive in your life and help you witness Christ’s love?
  • Jesus died and conquered death, how does this truth affect your faith right now?
  • How can you carry the promises of Easter on throughout the Easter Season and the rest of the year?

Closing Prayer

Leader:  At birth God breathed life

ALL:  giving me a life line.

Leader:  Comfort found in a hug

ALL:  giving me a life line.

Leader: A friend who understands

ALL:  giving me a life line.

Leader:  Forgiveness of my sins

ALL:  giving me a life line.

Leader:  Peace within the chaos

ALL:  giving me a life line.

Leader:  Death births salvation

ALL:  giving me a life line.

Challenge for the Week:  Why is it that in the worst of times, the best of people is revealed?  Why do people feel drawn to help others more willingly when there is pain or suffering?  If you hear of a family who has experienced a tragic event, you send a card, make a phone call or organize people to provide meals; whatever you can to help ease the pain.  It can be a death in the family, a cancer diagnosis or even the loss of a job.  I remember the way it felt after the 9-11 attack; there was a common spirit throughout the country.  We had all experienced a traumatic loss and every person you walked past in the store or rode the elevator with shared that same desire to rise from the ashes of the devastating experience.  A nation united.  This is how I imagine the first Christians; everyone reaching out to help, to give what they can to provide comfort for those grieving and doing it without greed or thoughts of what they would receive in return.  They acted out of pure compassion and generosity.  So again I ask why is it that the worst of times, the best of people is revealed.  This Easter season, what can you do to create this atmosphere in your own life?  Imagine what could happen if you begin to sow the seeds of compassion and generosity within yourself, how it could grow to your family and others in your life!

Sunday, April 4th Readings

Easter Sunday Readings

Opening Prayer

Jesus

Where would I be without you?

What would happen if I couldn’t find you?

How different would my life be?

The disciples know.

They saw you broken and bleeding,

        dead and lain in the tomb.

But you conquered death

        so I wouldn’t have to know.

Thank you Lord Jesus for your sacrifice!

AMEN!

Journal/Reflection Questions

Acts 10:34, 37-43

  • How are you a witness to Christ? When and/or where have you been a witness to God’s love, mercy, forgiveness, teachings? How did the experience impact you?
  • What can you learn from Peter’s example in this scripture?
  • To whom is Peter speaking? How is the Peter in this scripture different than the one who denied Jesus in last week’s scripture? What has changed?

Colossians 3:1-4

  • Where do you see compassion? Is it alive in the world today?
  • When one seeks what “is above” what do they seek? Can you see it?
  • What death mean to you? Is it possible to die a little at a time? Why or why not?

Mark 16:1-7

  • Define, “see and believe”.
  • Who will you share the “Good News” of Jesus’ resurrection? Who in your life needs to hear it?

General Questions for Journaling

  • What words do you use to define love? How is it measured in your life?
  • Share a time when God amazed you!
  • Have you ever been asked to testify to something? How is it the same or different than testifying to your faith? Explain.
  • What is the definition of witness? Is a witness called to action? Explain.
  • How does belief in God/Jesus/Holy Spirit give you strength? Share ways you are able to sustain this strength.
  • Where can you find consolation when you are feeling confused or depressed? Where have you been able to find consolation?
  • Where do you see a need for compassion in your community right now? Is there something you can do?
  • What emotion does the Easter season fill you with? How can this emotion work for the good of others?
  • What happens when you are being sincere, but others don’t believe you? How do you deal with this? What does God call you to do?
  • When you see someone who is suffering, do you do something? In what cases do you help and which do you back away?
  • When has fear paralyzed you from reaching a goal?

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Praise to YOU Lord Jesus Christ…

ALL:  for you are all things good!

Leader:  Praise to YOU Lord Jesus Christ…

ALL:  for your mercy endures forever!

Leader: Praise to YOU Lord Jesus Christ…

ALL:  for you have been exalted!

Leader:  Praise to YOU Lord Jesus Christ…

ALL:  for your love never ends!

Leader:  Praise to YOU Lord Jesus Christ…

ALL:  for you are a promise fulfilled!

Leader:  Praise to YOU Lord Jesus Christ…

ALL:  for you have died for me!

Leader:  Praise to YOU Lord Jesus Christ…

ALL:  for you bring me NEW LIFE!

Challenge for the Week:  For years I have overlooked the sacrifice and courage it took for the women who anointed Jesus’ body to actually do so.  It has been one of those small details which I’ve really not paid any attention to and have taken for granted.  Perhaps you are like me in coming to this understanding for the first time.  The challenge this week is to dive into what it meant for these women to prepare Jesus for burial.  This tradition was sacred and required much time and attention to detail out of respect.  Did they simply act out of obligation to the law?  Where they showing compassion for Jesus?  How come the authorities allowed the women to do this?  What if the women would have been too afraid to ask?  When have you ever acted out of compassion or fought to do the right thing despite the cost or potential punishment?  During this HOLY WEEK, spend some time reflecting on what the action of these women means to you, means to the church and what can we learn from their actions.

Sunday, March 28th Readings

Palm Sunday Readings

Opening Prayer

Open my eyes so I can SEE YOU

        in the faces of those around me.

Open my ears so I can HEAR YOU

        in the cries of the poor and neglected.

Open my heart so I can FEEL YOU

        in my sin and weakness.

May my senses be open to YOU

        as you pour out all you have upon me!

Journal/Reflection Questions

Isaiah 50:4-7

  • Do you pray for those who have hurt you? How does this scripture speak to how you should view others who have caused you hurt?
  • How does this reading speak of Jesus? Isaiah shed light on the coming of Jesus and the suffering He would endure. What do you suffer for Jesus’ sake?

Philippians 2:6-11

  • How do you most relate to Jesus? How would you imagine Jesus most relates to you?
  • How did Jesus empty himself for you? How can you mimic this in your life?
  • Make a list of the ways Jesus was a slave in the stories of the Gospel. What is the definition of a slave?

Mark 14:1—15:47

  • Jesus stands up for a woman showing him kindness. Share a time when you have done the same. If there is not a time, think of a time when you could have done the same.
  • Is there a precious gift you can give to Jesus? What does this reading say God wants from you?

General Questions for Journaling

  • What are your first thoughts in the morning when you wake up?  Are they of God or something else?  How do your first thoughts drive your day? Are your first thought the same each morning or different?
  • Do you need to train your tongue? 
  • When have you recently spoken up for an unfair or unjust situation? What was the situation and what was the outcome?
  • Is there something going on in the world which you feel strongly about?  What can you do you do to impact this?
  • What makes it hard to turn your back on those who hurt you or cause you harm?
  • Why do you think people are drawn to bad news? Slow down at an accident scene or gather outside where there an emergency vehicle shows up? What is it that people want to know?
  • How have you seen God help someone in your community? Share the story.
  • How do you show God/Jesus/Holy Spirit honor? How do you bow before them?
  • Describe what it means to be emptied of oneself. Is it hard or easy to do?
  • For what purpose would one choose to be emptied?
  • How does your posture during prayer speak to God?
  • Do you think God prefers formal or informal prayer? Explain.
  • How have your actions caused pain for Jesus? Have you turned your back on him?
  • Are there things in your life which you mock? Where could you find the good in that thing?
  • Have others ever been upset with you because you did something nice for another person? Do you have regrets?
  • How does it make you feel that Jesus already knows all you have done and all you will do, both good and bad? Be specific.

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Lord, you humble yourself so you can be emptied

ALL:  I love you, I honor you, I thank you

Leader:  Lord, you hold your tongue when others accuse you

ALL:  I love you, I honor you, I thank you

Leader:  Lord, you turn your back on those who beat you

ALL:  I love you, I honor you, I thank you

Leader:  Lord, you show obedience to God’s plan

ALL:  I love you, I honor you, I thank you

Challenge for the Week:  Pope Francis poses a very interesting challenge for you.  He suggests you take some time to reflect on your life of faith.  Have you fallen asleep in your faith?  Are you living your faith out with fervor or simply going through the motions?  Do you slumber through attending your weekly obligation or are you alive and growing?  Take time to think about this question.  Are you asleep?  Are you on the path of falling asleep?  OR Are you walking, skipping, jumping, dancing or even flying?  Do you know others who have fallen asleep in their faith; what can you do to help them “stay awake for Jesus”? 

Sunday, March 21st Readings

Fifth Sunday of Lent

Opening Prayer

O Lord,

I cry out to you from the depths,

        I don’t know if you can hear me.

I beg forgiveness

        but I fear my sin to too great.

Yet, God, you promised to bring your people

        back from the graves.

Jesus, raised Lazarus from the dead.

Scripture gives me hope

you will hear my cries and forgive me.

Lord, bring me out of the darkness

and into your glorious light!

Journal/Reflection Questions

Ezekiel 37 :12-14

  • Describe what it means to have God’s Spirit within you? How does it give you life?
  • What does it mean to the people for God to say he will bring them back to the land of Israel?

Romans 8:8-11

  • How does the Spirit dwell in you? Be honest, what are the characteristics that show the Spirit dwells in you. Which characteristics do you want to improve on?
  • At this point in your Lenten journey, do you feel worthy of God’s Spirit within you? Have you kept up with your Lenten disciplines as you’d hoped? Does this scripture give you hope or cause you to feel despair?

John 11:1-45

  • Jesus knows Lazarus will not die, rather will be used to help Jesus show the Glory of God. Have you ever experienced a time when you knew an experience would exemplify God’s glory?
  • Share how this Gospel gives insight about God’s timing.
  • Complete the story of what happens next, after Lazarus is raised. What does Mary, Martha and Lazarus say? What do they do? How long does Jesus stay with them? What about the Disciples?

General Questions for Journaling

  • What is your experience with God’s promises?
  • If you could choose one event in your past that you could ‘do over’ would you go back and do it over? How would you want the outcome to change?
  • How do you know God hears your prayers? Does silence mean he didn’t hear you?
  • Does God’s voice sound the same to you every time you speak to Him? Does it sound the same to everyone? Explain.
  • Define the word redemption.
  • Describe how it feels to have God’s Spirit within you? 
  • When you know you have God’s Spirit within you, does it affect how you think, feel and act? Explain.
  • What is your favorite thing about your life right now? Where is God in it?
  • When you hear of the death of someone, especially of someone close to you, what is the natural human response? How is that similar or different to how Jesus responded to the news of Lazarus?
  • What do you think happens when you die?
  • Do you have a bucket list?  A list of things you want to do or places you want to go before you die?  Is this list something you actively pursue or something you made once and put in a drawer?

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Lord, hear my voice…

ALL:  I will do it!

Leader:  Lord, forgive my sin…

ALL:  I will do it!

Leader:  Lord, open the grave…

ALL:  I will do it!

Leader:  Lord, dwell in me…

ALL:  I will do it!

Challenge for the Week:  Draw an outline of a gingerbread man on a blank piece of paper.  On the inside of the paper write down all the sins you can think of that you have committed.  Reflect on how much sin consumes your body.  How many of the sins you’ve committed are because of your physical body?  How many were committed due to emotions?  Which sins were committed even though you knew they were sins and you did them anyways?  What percentage of your body is sin? This is not one of those activities where you want to have a high score, nor do you want to have balance.  Seek reconciliation of your sin and then spend time this week determining what you can do to keep your numbers down.

Sunday, March 14th Readings

Fourth Sunday of Lent

Opening Prayer

Father

When I look for you,

        I don’t always see you.

Teach me to look,

        through a child’s eyes.

I step out today,

        You are watching out for me.

I stumble and fall,

        You are there holding me.

Let me not be blind

        to the joy you have in front of me!

Journal/Reflection Questions

2Chronicles 36:14-16, 19-23

  • In the Old Testament you hear God sent messengers “early and often” to His people. In the Gospels you learn about Jesus, God himself who came to share God’s plan for His people. Then in the New Testament the Holy Spirit is left to dwell in and among His people. How are the messengers of the Old Testament the same and how do they differ from the Holy Spirit?
  • How do God’s angels bring you comfort, reinforcement in the battle, and/or safety in the hard times?
  • Are there messengers from God today who give support or warning? Share an example.

Ephesians 2:4-10

  • Reflect on the phrase, “dead to our transgressions”. This word is also in the Our Father prayer. How hard or easy is it for you to live this out?
  • How does God’s love for you filter out in your life? Does it come out through compassion? Mercy? Grace? Forgiveness? Make a list of other ways God’s love can filter through a person’s life.

John 3:14-21

  • Do you recall the story of Moses and the serpent? Reflect on how these scriptures relate.
  • How is God lifted up in your life? Within your family? 
  • God gave his son to the world…how does that make you feel?

General Questions for Journaling

  • Has God given you a message but you are unsure how to pursue it? Afraid you don’t have the strength to accomplish it? Do you fear ridicule or abandonment of family or friends? 
  • Could God be talking to you and you simply are not listening?
  • God’s followers/believers have always fought opposition. What do you fight because you are a believer? What struggles or battles seem to find you no matter where you turn?
  • What is God’s response when you fail and mess up over and over? What is God’s response when you succeed and do the right thing repeatedly? Does God’s response change because of your actions? Why or why not? Explain.
  • How do you define grace? Is it a noun? A verb? An adjective?
  • How is grace received? Where does it come from? What is its purpose?
  • What lesson can you learn from God’s example to stay consistent in love, mercy and forgiveness? 
  • How does faith save a person? Give an example.
  • Do you fully embrace your faith 100%? What percentage would you put on your faith? Does it depend on your situation? Be specific.
  • Why do you think of all the scripture passages, John 3:16 is the most known and memorized verses?
  • Do you love God with or without expectation? Explain.
  • Create a list of “good” things that happen in the dark, what needs darkness to live or survive?
  • Are you or have you ever been completely in the dark? Describe the experience.

Closing Prayer

Leader:  When there is darkness, YOU send the light.

ALL:  The God of heaven and earth; create us anew!

Leader:  When we are hurt, YOU bring healing.

ALL:  The God of heaven and earth; create us anew!

Leader:  When we feel alone, YOU offer comfort.

ALL:  The God of heaven and earth; create us anew!

Leader:  When we sin against you, there is grace and mercy.

ALL:  The God of heaven and earth; create us anew!

Challenge for the Week:  At this point, you might start seeing the mirage of the promises of Easter.  However, don’t be fooled.  The season of Lent is only at its halfway mark and there is still Good Friday and Holy Saturday to get through.  Perhaps you are feeling courageous because you have fought off temptations, keep up your courage!  Or maybe you have let slide some of your Lenten observances to fast, give alms and pray, it’s not too late to begin again!  The scriptures this week encourage you to either stay the course or get back on track.  They signify that victory is on its way.  Again, don’t be fooled.  This is the time when you are called to go deeper, to step up your game, recharge and continue on…this is a false summit…find the supplies you need to carry on because this is when it gets real!