Whole Community Prayer & Reflection
In an effort to bring our whole community together in prayer and reflection, the Adult Religious Education Committee is encouraging all members of our parish community to pray over the scripture readings for next Sunday, throughout the week. In giving special attention to the Gospel reading, we will be providing a weekly reflection question. We are asking all committees to start their meetings with an opening prayer that includes this Gospel reading and reflection question.
We encourage families and those who may not be attending a parish meeting during the week to visit this webpage each week for the reading and reflection question. Our hopes are that we, as a parish community, will deepen our faith and better prepare ourselves for Sunday Eucharist through this whole community prayer and reflection.
Aug 9-15, 2007
Assumption - Cycle C
THEME: Faith
Scripture Reading: Luke 1:39-56
(Mary’s Visit to Elizabeth)
KEY PASSAGE:
“God has done great things for me.” (Lk 1:49)
Reflection Question:
Mary prays that God’s presence will transform our world and reverse the impact of evil and injustice.
*What injustice does God most want me to help to change?
Aug 16-22, 2010
21st Sun in OT - Cycle C
THEME: Challenges of Christianity
Scripture Reading: Luke 13:22-30
(The Narrow Door)
KEY PASSAGE:
Jesus answered them, “Strive to enter through the narrow door; for many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able.” (Lk 13:24)
Reflection Question:
Those who act rightly learn to know Jesus and will recline with him in the kingdom of God.
*What am I doing to increase my knowledge of Jesus and share it with others?
Aug 23-29, 2010
22nd Sun in OT - Cycle C
THEME: Seeking Humility
Scripture Reading: Luke 14:1, 7-14
(A Lesson in Humility)
KEY PASSAGE:
Jesus said, “But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind. And you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you, for you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.”
(Lk 14:13-14)
Reflection Question:
Jesus urges us to break out of our small circle of friends to help those who might be neglected.
*How can I reach out to help the poor, the sick, or the lonely who cannot repay me?
Aug 30-Sept 5, 2010
23rd Sun in OT - Cycle C
THEME: Discerning God’s Will
Scripture Reading:
Wis 9:13-18 (Solomon’s Prayer)
Phlm 9-10, 12-17 (Plea for Onesimus)
Lk 14:25-33 (Sayings on Discipleship)
KEY PASSAGE:
For who can learn the counsel of God? Or who can discern what the Lord wills? For the reasoning of mortals is worthless, and our designs are likely to fail. (Wis 9:13-14)
Reflection Question:
Without God’s help, our minds, no matter how sharp, always fall short of understanding God’s ways and plans.
*What help do I most need from God today?
Sept 6-12, 2010
24th Sun in OT - Cycle C
THEME: The Courage to Forgive
Scripture Reading: Luke 15:1-32
(The Prodigal Son)
KEY PASSAGE:
The servant replied, “Your brother has come, and your father has killed the fatted calf, because he has got him back safe and sound.” Then he became angry and refused to go in. His father came out and began to plead with him. (Lk 15:27-28)
Reflection Question:
Jesus searches out those who are lost and need help.
*What can I do to be part of finding and helping those who are lost and in need of help today?
Sept 13-19, 2010
25th Sun in OT - Cycle C
THEME: The Value of Honesty
Scripture Reading: Luke 16:1-13
(The Dishonest Steward)
KEY PASSAGE:
Whoever is faithful in a very little is faithful also in much; and whoever is dishonest in a very little is dishonest also in much. (Lk 16:10)
Reflection Question:
Jesus knows that honesty and trustworthiness are shown first in little things.
*What tempts me to be dishonest or untrustworthy at home or at work
Sept 20-26, 2010
26th Sun in OT - Cycle C
THEME: The Rich & the Poor
Scripture Reading: Luke 16:19-31
(The Rich Man & Lazarus)
KEY PASSAGE:
There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and who feasted sumptuously every day. And at his gate lay a poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores, who longed to satisfy his hunger with what fell from the rich man’s table.
(Lk 16:19-21)
Reflection Question:
The rich man never noticed the poor and starving Lazarus right at his gate.
*What can I do to not just notice but to actually help the poor and homeless who come into my life?
Sept 27-Oct 3, 2010
27th Sun in OT - Cycle C
THEME: Faithful Christians
Scripture Reading: Luke 17:5-10
(The Requirements of Faith)
KEY PASSAGE:
Jesus said, “So you also, when you have done all that you were ordered to do, say, ‘We are worthless slaves; we have done only what we ought to have done!’” (Lk 17:10)
Reflection Question:
Jesus wants us to do more than the minimum that is commanded.
*What more can I do today to go beyond what is required to help others?
For more information, contact Sydney Farnum at 276-669-8200 ext 32 or
sydneyfarnum@stannes-bristol.org
