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.
Feb 17, 2010
Ash Wed - Cycle C
THEME: The Day of Salvation
Scripture Reading:
Joel 2:12-18 (The Merciful God)
2 Cor 5:20-6:2 (The Day of Salvation)
Matt 6:1-6; 16-18 (Purity of Intention)
KEY PASSAGE:
For he says, “In an acceptable time I have heard you; on a day of salvation I have helped you.” Now is the acceptable time! Now is the day of salvation! (2 Cor 6:2)
Reflection Question:
Paul encourages us to be reconciled to God.
*What obstacle keeps me alienated from God’s ways?
Feb 15-21, 2010
1st Sun of Lent - Cycle C
THEME: Salvation through Faith
Scripture Reading:
Deut 26:4-10 (Thanksgiving for the Lord’s Goodness)
Rom 10:8-13 (The Faith of the Christian)
Lk 4:1-13 (Temptation in the Desert)
KEY PASSAGE:
For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.” (Rom 10:13)
Reflection Question:
God is near us through God’s own word in Scripture and in our hearts.
*What do I need to do to be more attentive to what God might want to communicate to me today?
Feb 22-28, 2010
2nd Sun of Lent - Cycle C
THEME: Transformed by Christ
Scripture Readings:
Gen 15:5-12, 17-18 (The Covenant with Abram)
Phil 3:17-4:1 (Christ is our Goal)
Lk 9:28b-36 (Jesus Transfigured)
KEY PASSAGE:
But our citizenship is in heaven, and it is from there that we are expecting a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. (Phil 3:20)
Reflection Question:
Paul knows we are being transformed as Christ was.
*What new life from Christ is transforming me this Lent?
March 1-7, 2010
3rd Sun of Lent - Cycle C
THEME: Tempered with Humility
Scripture Reading: Luke 13:1-19 (Parables of the Reign of God)
KEY PASSAGE:
The reign of God is like a mustard seed that someone took and sowed in the garden; it grew and became a tree, and the birds of the air made nests in its branches. (Lk 13:19b)
Reflection Question:
Jesus tells us that God is always at work, like a patient gardener, caring for us.
*What work of pruning is God doing to me so I might bear more fruit?
March 8-14, 2010
4th Sun of Lent - Cycle C
THEME: A Generous Spirit
Scripture Reading: Luke 15:1-3; 11-32 (The Prodigal Son)
KEY PASSAGE:
Then the father said to him, “Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours. But we had to celebrate and rejoice, because this brother of yours was dead and has come to life; he was lost and has been found.” (Lk 15:31-32)
Reflection Question:
In Jesus’ parable, both sons have problems with their father.
*Which son am I most like?
*Why?
March 15-21, 2010
5th Sun of Lent - Cycle C
THEME: False Pride
Scripture Reading: John 8:1-11 (The Adulteress)
KEY PASSAGE:
Jesus straightened up and said, “Let anyone among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.” (Jn 8:7)
Reflection Question:
Jesus is reluctant to condemn the woman though her sin seems obvious.
*When have I been quick to condemn others instead of letting God be the one to judge them?
March 22-28, 2010
Passion (Palm) Sun - Cycle C
THEME: Love and Betrayal
Scripture Reading: Luke 22:14-23:56 (The Passion of Jesus)
KEY PASSAGE:
The Lord turned and looked at Peter. Then Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how he had said to him, “Before the cock crows today, you will deny me three times.” (Lk 22:61)
Reflection Question:
In Luke’s gospel, even with his own suffering, Jesus encourages others.
*How can I forget my troubles and help someone in need today?
April 1, 2010
Holy Thursday - Cycle C
THEME: Called to Serve
Scripture Reading: John 13:1-15 (The Washing of the Feet)
KEY PASSAGE:
Jesus said, “If I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have set you an example, that you also should do as I have done to you.” (Jn 13:14-15)
Reflection Question:
The disciples are told to imitate Jesus’ service in relation to one another.
*Who most needs my help today?
April 2, 2010
Good Friday - Cycle C
THEME: Perfection through Suffering
Scripture Reading:
Isa 52:13-53:12 (Suffering & Triumph of the Servant of the Lord)
Heb 4:14-16; 5:7-9 (Jesus, Compassionate High Priest)
Jn 18:1-19:42 (The Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ)
KEY PASSAGE:
When you make his life an offering for sin, he shall see his offspring, and shall prolong his days; through him the will of the Lord shall prosper. (Is 53:10)
Reflection Question:
Through his suffering, God’s servant brings blessings to others.
*When have I been blessed by someone who suffered?
April 4, 2010
Easter - Cycle C
THEME: New Life in Christ
Scripture Readings:
Acts 10:34, 37-43 (Peter’s Discourse)
1 Cor 5:6-8 (The Yeast of Sincerity & Truth)
Jn 20:1-9 (Peter & the Disciple at the Tomb)
KEY PASSAGE:
Clean out the old yeast so that you may be a new batch, as you really are unleavened. For our paschal lamb, Christ, has been sacrificed. (1 Cor 5:7)
Reflection Question:
Paul encourages us to live in a new way because of our relationship with Christ.
*What new behaviors will I adopt to be more like Jesus?
For more information, contact Sydney Farnum at 276-669-8200 ext 32 or
sydneyfarnum@stannes-bristol.org
