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Week 11 - August 24-30

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“Strive to enter through the narrow gate”

Jesus challenges us to consider our own lives and the choices we make,
for it will be difficult to make it through the narrow gate.

In our Gospel this week, Jesus urges us to consider the choices we make in this life, advising us to strive to follow the path of His Way, the path of righteousness and truth: a life of love, integrity, humility and compassion.

And He warns us that this path is not easy, that not everyone will be strong enough to make it through that narrow gate. So, we must condition ourselves to be “strong enough” through prayer and the daily conversion that comes from effort and commitment.

*** *** ***

Below are the steps for your Lectio Divina prayer during your Group gathering. You may choose to experience the first five steps on your own, in advance of your group gathering … or if you are not able to join your group this week.

When you are in group, be sure to allow times of silence throughout these steps so that God may enter into your hearts.

1. Pray.
Take a moment to calm yourself and open your heart to hearing what God wants you to recognize in this Gospel. (Then pray throughout…)

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for the small group that You have brought into my life. Bless each person,
that their week will be filled with Your Holy Spirit and their days will be filled with the joy that our faith in You brings us.

As we each prepare for our next Group gathering, bless each of us with eyes to truly see Your Word, with ears to truly hear Your voice and with the grace to be open to the changes You want each of us to make in our lives this week.

Thank You for loving me, dear Jesus. I love You.
Amen.

2. Read. Read or/or listen to this week’s Gospel. As you read, pray: God, give me eyes to see what you want me to see in this Gospel.

Sunday, August 24: The 21st Sunday in Ordinary Time; Luke 13:22-30

Jesus passed through towns and villages, teaching as He went and making His way to Jerusalem.

Someone asked Him, “Lord, will only a few people be saved?”

He answered them, “Strive to enter through the narrow gate, for many, I tell you, will attempt to enter but will not be strong enough. After the master of the house has arisen and locked the door, then will you stand outside knocking and saying, ‘Lord, open the door for us.’ He will say to you in reply, ‘I do not know where you are from. And you will say, ‘We ate and drank in your company and you taught in our streets.’ Then he will say to you, ‘I do not know where you are from. Depart from me, all you evildoers!’

“And there will be wailing and grinding of teeth when you see Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob and all the prophets in the kingdom of God and you yourselves cast out. And people will come from the east and the west and from the north and the south and will recline at table in the kingdom of God. For behold, some are last who will be first, and some are first who will be last.”

The Gospel of the Lord. Praise to You, Lord Jesus Christ.

3. Meditate. Note any word or phrase that stands out to you. Now, re-read the passage, focusing on the word or phrase that first got your attention. Pray: God, give me ears to hear what You are telling me in this Gospel.

4. Pray. Engage in conversation with God, expressing your thoughts and feelings related to the passage, especially the particular word or phrases that stood out to you.

5. Contemplate. Rest in God’s presence, allowing yourself to be still and receive God’s insights from the Scripture passage. Consider what God may be saying to you in the word or phrase that stood out to you. Consider what action or change He may be inspiring you to take. Pray: God, give me the grace to make the changes in my life that You want me to make, inspired by this Gospel.

6. Share. When it is your turn in Group, share what word or phrase stood out to you, why it stood out and what action you believe God is asking of you.

7. Listen. Learn. Help. When others share their experiences of what stood out to them, why and the action it inspired, try to understand and learn from what you hear. If there is something you can do for someone, as an individual or as a group, to help them with their action, offer that.

8. Reflect on additional questions.
If there is time after your Lectio Divina sharing, consider these Reflection Questions:

Have you ever felt torn between doing what is right and what is convenient? How difficult was it to choose the “narrow path”? (Or did you?!?)
What kind of legacy do you want to leave behind? How do you want to be remembered? How might you be described if you were faithful in taking the “narrow path”?
How prepared are you to commit to a deeper relationship with Christ and to enter through the narrow door of spiritual growth?

9. Pray.
After this moving prayer experience, you will likely want to close by thanking God.

Intersessions for the Group: Take some time before the gathering concludes to pray together for the group members.

God in Heaven,

Thank You for caring so much for me that You speak to me in Your Gospel. Please continue to give me eyes that see what You want me to see, ears that hear what You want me to Hear and the grace that enables me to change in the ways that You want me to change. Help me to always trust in You.

And thank you for the people You have placed in my life who help me on my journey to grow closer to You, to love You and to serve You and your children. I am especially grateful for the people in my small Group.

Bless all of us with a peaceful and joy-filled week ahead. And please keep us safe and healthy, especially those who are traveling.

I pray in the Name of Your Son, Jesus.
Amen.

Week 10 - August 17-23

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“I have come to set the earth on fire,
and how I wish it were already blazing!”

Jesus is very passionate about His mission on earth
… and the mission He gave to us.

This week’s Gospel gives us a peak into the sense of urgency Jesus felt during His time on earth: to save us by showing His Way of love and obedience. His gave His all to that mission, even to His crucifixion and death!

To fulfill the mission He gave us, to make disciples by sharing His good news, we must make our fire burn with urgency. His Way is countercultural, so we may face division, as this Gospel shows us. But, such division is only temporary, here on earth.

Let’s keep our fire burning with the desire to serve God for His glory!

*** *** ***

When you are in group, be sure to allow times of silence throughout these steps so that God may enter into your hearts.

2. Read. Read or/or listen to this week’s Gospel. As you read, pray: God, give me eyes to see what you want me to see in this Gospel.

Sunday, August 17: The 20^th Sunday in Ordinary Time; Luke 12:49-53

Jesus said to His disciples: "I have come to set the earth on fire, and how I wish it were already blazing! There is a baptism with which I must be baptized, and how great is My anguish until it is accomplished!

“Do you think that I have come to establish peace on the earth?

“No, I tell you, but rather division. From now on, a household of five will be divided, three against two and two against three; a father will be divided against his son and a son against his father, a mother against her daughter and a daughter against her mother, a mother-in-law against her daughter-in-law and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law."

The Gospel of the Lord. Praise to You, Lord Jesus Christ.

4. Pray. Engage in conversation with God, expressing your thoughts and feelings related to the passage, especially the particular word or phrases that stood out to you.

6. Share. When it is your turn in Group, share what word or phrase stood out to you, why it stood out and what action you believe God is asking of you.

How does it make you feel to know that Jesus is passionate about YOU, that He loves YOU so much that not only was He willing to die for you, He had a strong sense of urgency to get His message, His Good News to YOU?
Is your desire to serve God burning like fire within you?
If it is, how do you keep it burning? If it is not, how can you light such a fire?

9. Pray.
After this moving prayer experience, you will likely want to close by thanking God.

Intersessions for the Group: Take some time before the gathering concludes to pray together for the group members.

God in Heaven,

Bless all of us with a peaceful and joy-filled week ahead. And please keep us safe and healthy, especially those who are traveling.

I pray in the Name of Your Son, Jesus.
Amen.

Week 9 - August 10-16

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“Do not be afraid any longer, little flock,
for your Father is pleased to give you the kingdom.”

The message Jesus gave us more than any other:

“Do not be afraid.”
“Fear not.”

Jesus continually encourages all of us, His whole Christian community, to put our trust in Him and not to be afraid! And in this week’s Gospel, He goes further to advise us to prepare ourselves NOW for the coming of God; right now because we do not know the time that judgment will come. How do we prepare? He tells us, “Where your treasure is, there also will your heart be.” So, we must be sure that our heart is focused on the treasures of heaven, not on the material goods of earth.

*** *** ***

When you are in group, be sure to allow times of silence throughout these steps so that God may enter into your hearts.

2. Read. Read or/or listen to this week’s Gospel. As you read, pray: God, give me eyes to see what you want me to see in this Gospel.

Sunday, August 10: The 19^th Sunday in Ordinary Time; Luke 12:32-48

Jesus said to His disciples: “Do not be afraid any longer, little flock, for your Father is pleased to give you the kingdom. Sell your belongings and give alms. Provide money bags for yourselves that do not wear out, an inexhaustible treasure in heaven that no thief can reach nor moth destroy. For where your treasure is, there also will your heart be."

“Gird your loins and light your lamps and be like servants who await their master’s return from a wedding, ready to open immediately when he comes and knocks. Blessed are those servants whom the master finds vigilant on his arrival."

“Amen, I say to you, he will gird himself, have them recline at table, and proceed to wait on them. And should he come in the second or third watch and find them prepared in this way, blessed are those servants."

“Be sure of this: if the master of the house had known the hour when the thief was coming, he would not have let his house be broken into. You, also, must be prepared, for at an hour you do not expect, the Son of Man will come.”  Then Peter said, “Lord, is this parable meant for us or for everyone?”
And the Lord replied, “Who, then, is the faithful and prudent steward whom the master will put in charge of his servants to distribute the food allowance at the proper time? Blessed is that servant whom his master on arrival finds doing so. Truly, I say to you, the master will put the servant in charge of all his property."

“But if that servant says to himself, ‘My master is delayed in coming,’ and begins to beat the menservants and the maidservants, to eat and drink and get drunk, then that servant’s master will come on an unexpected day and at an unknown hour and will punish the servant severely and assign him a place with the unfaithful. That servant who knew his master’s will but did not make preparations nor act in accord with his will shall be beaten severely; and the servant who was ignorant of his master’s will but acted in a way deserving of a severe beating shall be beaten only lightly."

“Much will be required of the person entrusted with much, and still more will be demanded of the person entrusted with more.”

The Gospel of the Lord. Praise to You, Lord Jesus Christ.

4. Pray. Engage in conversation with God, expressing your thoughts and feelings related to the passage, especially the particular word or phrases that stood out to you.

6. Share. When it is your turn in Group, share what word or phrase stood out to you, why it stood out and what action you believe God is asking of you.

How well do you put your trust in God and avoid being afraid?
What circumstances make it most difficult for you to fear not and trust in God?
How can you respond differently in those circumstances in order to bring you the peace of not being afraid and truly trusting in God?
Where are your treasures and, therefore, your heart? Are they more the treasures of heaven or of earth? If you need to change where your treasures are, what is the first step?

9. Pray.
After this moving prayer experience, you will likely want to close by thanking God.

Intersessions for the Group: Take some time before the gathering concludes to pray together for the group members.

God in Heaven,

Bless all of us with a peaceful and joy-filled week ahead. And please keep us safe and healthy, especially those who are traveling.

I pray in the Name of Your Son, Jesus.
Amen.

Week 8 - August 3-9

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Be “rich in what matters to God.”

Material possessions can provide a false sense of security.
But true life fulfillment is not found in earthly possessions.

In this week’s Gospel, Jesus gives us a powerful warning against the dangers of greed and the importance of being “rich toward God,” rather than storing up treasures for ourselves here on earth. We are far better off embracing a mindset of gratitude and generosity, seeking richness in experiences, relationships, and spiritual growth rather than being consumed by the pursuit of earthly treasures. True fulfillment comes from a life well-lived, following Jesus’ Way: the Way of faith, love and good deeds.

*** *** ***

When you are in group, be sure to allow times of silence throughout these steps so that God may enter into your hearts.

2. Read. Read or/or listen to this week’s Gospel. As you read, pray: God, give me eyes to see what you want me to see in this Gospel.

Sunday, August 3: The 18^th Sunday in Ordinary Time; Luke 12:13-21

Someone in the crowd said to Jesus, “Teacher, tell my brother to share the inheritance with me.”

He replied to him, “Friend, who appointed Me as your judge and arbitrator?”

Then He said to the crowd, “Take care to guard against all greed, for though one may be rich, one’s life does not consist of possessions.”

Then He told them a parable. “There was a rich man whose land produced a bountiful harvest. He asked himself, ‘What shall I do, for I do not have space to store my harvest?’
And he said, ‘This is what I shall do: I shall tear down my barns and build larger ones.
There I shall store all my grain and other goods and I shall say to myself, Now as for you,
you have so many good things stored up for many years, rest, eat, drink, be merry!’

“But God said to him, ‘You fool, this night your life will be demanded of you; and the things you have prepared, to whom will they belong?’

“Thus will it be for all who store up treasure for themselves but are not rich in what matters to God.”

The Gospel of the Lord. Praise to You, Lord Jesus Christ.

4. Pray. Engage in conversation with God, expressing your thoughts and feelings related to the passage, especially the particular word or phrases that stood out to you.

6. Share. When it is your turn in Group, share what word or phrase stood out to you, why it stood out and what action you believe God is asking of you.

Have you ever stopped to think about what truly gives your life meaning and value? Is it the things you own or the connections you have with people around you?
How difficult do you find prioritizing spiritual well over material wealth?
Are you building your life around eternal values … or temporary, earthly gains? If the latter, what can you do to change your priorities?

9. Pray.
After this moving prayer experience, you will likely want to close by thanking God.

Intersessions for the Group: Take some time before the gathering concludes to pray together for the group members.

God in Heaven,

Bless all of us with a peaceful and joy-filled week ahead. And please keep us safe and healthy, especially those who are traveling.

I pray in the Name of Your Son, Jesus.
Amen.

Week 7 - July 27-August 2

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“Ask and you shall receive.”

For everyone who asks, receives; the one who seeks, finds;
and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.

Most of us have said the Lord’s Prayer hundreds, if not thousands, of times. But how often do we reflect on what we’re truly asking God?

This week’s Gospel introduces us to a section of the Lord’s Prayer given to us by Jesus, Himself. The passage gives us the context in which Jesus told us to how to pray: we are to persistently ask God for what we need and ask for His forgiveness because we forgive others. Jesus goes on to explain how we must trust that God will give us what we need because He is even more reliable than a good earthly father.

*** *** ***

When you are in group, be sure to allow times of silence throughout these steps so that God may enter into your hearts.

2. Read. Read or/or listen to this week’s Gospel. As you read, pray: God, give me eyes to see what you want me to see in this Gospel.

Sunday, July 27: The 17th Sunday in Ordinary Time; Luke 11:1-13

Jesus was praying in a certain place, and when He had finished, one of His disciples said to Him,
"Lord, teach us to pray just as John taught his disciples."

He said to them, "When you pray, say: ‘Father, hallowed be Your name, your kingdom come.Give us each day our daily bread and forgive us our sins for we ourselves forgive everyone in debt to us, and do not subject us to the final test."

And He said to them, "Suppose one of you has a friend to whom he goes at midnight and says, 'Friend, lend me three loaves of bread, for a friend of mine has arrived at my house from a journey and I have nothing to offer him,' and he says in reply from within, ‘Do not bother me; the door has already been locked and my children and I are already in bed. I cannot get up to give you anything.'

“I tell you, if he does not get up to give the visitor the loaves because of their friendship, he will get up to give him whatever he needs because of his persistence.

"And I tell you, ask and you will receive; seek and you will find;
knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives; the one who seeks, finds;
and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.

“What father among you would hand his son a snake when he asks for a fish? Or hand him a scorpion when he asks for an egg? If you then, who are wicked, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him?"

The Gospel of the Lord. Praise to You, Lord Jesus Christ.

4. Pray. Engage in conversation with God, expressing your thoughts and feelings related to the passage, especially the particular word or phrases that stood out to you.

6. Share. When it is your turn in Group, share what word or phrase stood out to you, why it stood out and what action you believe God is asking of you.

When you ask God to give you your “daily bread,” how well do you trust God to give you what you need?
Have you ever found yourself seeking and began to trust In God, then found what you were seeking?
If God truly forgave you the way you forgive others, just how forgiven might you feel?

9. Pray.
After this moving prayer experience, you will likely want to close by thanking God.

Intersessions for the Group: Take some time before the gathering concludes to pray together for the group members.

God in Heaven,

Bless all of us with a peaceful and joy-filled week ahead. And please keep us safe and healthy, especially those who are traveling.

I pray in the Name of Your Son, Jesus.
Amen.

Week 6 - July 20-26

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“There is need of only one thing.”
This is what we hear Jesus tell us in this week’s Gospel. We can be anxious and worried about many things; but we actually need only one thing.

On this, the 16th Sunday in Ordinary Time, we continue our journey through chapter 10 of Luke’s Gospel. Last week, Jesus told the parable of The Good Samaritan; this week, we learn of Mary’s desire to learn at His feet while Martha complains about the effort of serving Jesus and His followers. And Jesus reminds us that all we need is to sit as His feet … and our healing, our hope, our joy will begin right there.

*** *** ***

When you are in group, be sure to allow times of silence throughout these steps so that God may enter into your hearts.

2. Read. Read or/or listen to this week’s Gospel. As you read, pray: God, give me eyes to see what you want me to see in this Gospel.

Sunday, July 20: The 16th Sunday in Ordinary Time; Luke 10:38-42

Jesus entered a village where a woman whose name was Martha welcomed Him.
She had a sister named Mary who sat beside the Lord at his feet listening to him speak.

Martha, burdened with much serving, came to Him and said, "Lord, do You not care
that my sister has left me by myself to do the serving? Tell her to help me."

The Lord said to her in reply, "Martha, Martha, you are anxious and worried about many things.
There is need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part and it will not be taken from her."

The Gospel of the Lord. Praise to You, Lord Jesus Christ.

4. Pray. Engage in conversation with God, expressing your thoughts and feelings related to the passage, especially the particular word or phrases that stood out to you.

6. Share. When it is your turn in Group, share what word or phrase stood out to you, why it stood out and what action you believe God is asking of you.

Do you ever find yourself “anxious and worried by many things”? What can you learn from this Gospel about how to handle those moments?
What does “choosing the good part” mean to you?
What is the one activity that you know, if you did superbly well and consistently, would have significant positive results in your walk with God? If you know this would make such a significant difference, why did you not do it this past week? Consider what distractions have you prioritized over this one activity.

9. Pray.
After this moving prayer experience, you will likely want to close by thanking God.

Intersessions for the Group: Take some time before the gathering concludes to pray together for the group members.

God in Heaven,

Bless all of us with a peaceful and joy-filled week ahead. And please keep us safe and healthy, especially those who are traveling.

I pray in the Name of Your Son, Jesus.
Amen.

Week 5 - July 13-19

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In this week’s Gospel, we hear one of Jesus’ most well known parables, known as The Good Samaritan. Through this parable, Jesus teaches us the importance of compassion for the weak … and that each and every one of us is capable of, and called to, compassion for others, especially those less fortunate.

This weekend is the 15^th Sunday in Ordinary Time. Our Gospel features the parable of The Good Samaritan, in which we learn Jesus’ idea of what it means to be a neighbor. He demonstrates how we must be compassionate neighbors to anyone who needs us: even strangers and those who are very different from us.

As you pray this Gospel in Lectio Divina, alone or in your Group, consider how you have been a neighbor to a stranger in need, to someone who may have been very different from you. Consider asking God to make you aware of someone in need whom you might help in the coming days.

*** *** ***

When you are in group, be sure to allow times of silence throughout these steps so that God may enter into your hearts.

2. Read. Read or/or listen to this week’s Gospel. As you read, pray: God, give me eyes to see what you want me to see in this Gospel.

Sunday, July 13: The 15^th Sunday in Ordinary Time; Luke 10:25-37

There was a scholar of the law who stood up to test Jesus and said, "Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?"

Jesus said to him, "What is written in the law? How do you read it?"

He said in reply, "You shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, with all your being, with all your strength, and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself."

He replied to him, "You have answered correctly; do this and you will live."

But because he wished to justify himself, he said to Jesus, "And who is my neighbor?"

Jesus replied, "A man fell victim to robbers as he went down from Jerusalem to Jericho. They stripped and beat him and went off leaving him half-dead. A priest happened to be going down that road, but when he saw him, he passed by on the opposite side. Like-wise a Levite came to the place, and when he saw him, he passed by on the opposite side."

But a Samaritan traveler who came upon him was moved with compassion at the sight. He approached the victim, poured oil and wine over his wounds and bandaged them. Then he lifted him up on his own animal, took him to an inn, and cared for him. The next day he took out two silver coins and gave them to the innkeeper with the instruction, 'Take care of him. If you spend more than what I have given you,
I shall repay you on my way back.'"

“Which of these three, in your opinion, was neighbor to the robbers' victim?"
He answered, "The one who treated him with mercy."

Jesus said to him, "Go and do likewise."

The Gospel of the Lord. Praise to You, Lord Jesus Christ.

4. Pray. Engage in conversation with God, expressing your thoughts and feelings related to the passage, especially the particular word or phrases that stood out to you.

6. Share. When it is your turn in Group, share what word or phrase stood out to you, why it stood out and what action you believe God is asking of you.

When have you been a neighbor to a stranger, someone who may have been very different from you? Was it difficult? What fear did you have? How did you feel afterward?
Have there been times in your past when you might have helped someone, but decided not to? What held you back? How did you feel about the choice you made? What might you do differently the next time?
Has a stranger ever helped you when you were in need? What was your reaction? Did the experience teach you anything about how you might approach and serve someone in need in the future?

9. Pray.
After this moving prayer experience, you will likely want to close by thanking God.

Intersessions for the Group: Take some time before the gathering concludes to pray together for the group members.

God in Heaven,

Bless all of us with a peaceful and joy-filled week ahead. And please keep us safe and healthy, especially those who are traveling.

I pray in the Name of Your Son, Jesus.
Amen.

Week 4 - July 6-12

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In this week’s Gospel, Jesus commissions the Seventy to go out and share His Good News. In doing so, He gives us instructions for fulfilling the commission He gave us … and He tells us of the reward: that our names will be written in heaven!

This weekend is the 14^th Sunday in Ordinary Time. The Gospel now focuses on those beyond the Apostles, His many followers of the time … and us! He gives specific instructions for sharing His good news that the Kingdom of God is near. And He even tells us how we will be rewarded!

As you pray this Gospel in Lectio Divina, alone or in your Group, consider how you are fulfilling Jesus’ Great Commission to each of us: to share His good news with others. Recognize that the wisdom, courage and strength necessary to do this comes from God. And know that following Him will give us great joy, both here and in heaven.

*** *** ***

When you are in group, be sure to allow times of silence throughout these steps so that God may enter into your hearts.

2. Read. Read or/or listen to this week’s Gospel. As you read, pray: God, give me eyes to see what you want me to see in this Gospel.

Sunday, July 6: The 14^th Sunday in Ordinary Time; Luke 10:1-12, 17-20

At that time the Lord appointed seventy-two others whom He sent ahead of Him in pairs to every town and place He intended to visit.

He said to them, "The harvest is abundant but the laborers are few; so ask the master of the harvest to send out laborers for his harvest. Go on your way; behold, I am sending you like lambs among wolves. Carry no money bag, no sack, no sandals; and greet no one along the way.

“Into whatever house you enter, first say, 'Peace to this household.' If a peaceful person lives there, your peace will rest on him; but if not, it will return to you.

“Stay in the same house and eat and drink what is offered to you, for the laborer deserves his payment.

“Do not move about from one house to another. Whatever town you enter and they welcome you, eat what is set before you, cure the sick in it and say to them, 'The Kingdom of God is at hand for you.'

“Whatever town you enter and they do not receive you, go out into the streets and say, 'The dust of your town that clings to our feet, even that we shake off against you.'

“Yet know this: the Kingdom of God is at hand. I tell you, it will be more tolerable for Sodom on that day than for that town."

The seventy-two returned rejoicing, and said, "Lord, even the demons are subject to us because of Your Name."

Jesus said, "I have observed Satan fall like lightning from the sky. Behold, I have given you the power to 'tread upon serpents' and scorpions and upon the full force of the enemy and nothing will harm you. Nevertheless, do not rejoice because the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice because your names are written in heaven."

The Gospel of the Lord. Praise to You, Lord Jesus Christ.

4. Pray. Engage in conversation with God, expressing your thoughts and feelings related to the passage, especially the particular word or phrases that stood out to you.

6. Share. When it is your turn in Group, share what word or phrase stood out to you, why it stood out and what action you believe God is asking of you.

8. Reflect on additional questions.
If there is time after your Lectio Divina sharing, consider these Reflection Questions:

How are you sharing Jesus’ good news, about God’s love for each of us, with others?
When you do, how have you felt God’s love giving you the wisdom, strength and courage to do so?
What joy have you felt when sharing Jesus’ good news?

9. Pray.
After this moving prayer experience, you will likely want to close by thanking God.

Intersessions for the Group: Take some time before the gathering concludes to pray together for the group members.

God in Heaven,

Bless all of us with a peaceful and joy-filled week ahead. And please keep us safe and healthy, especially those who are travelling.

I pray in the Name of Your Son, Jesus.
Amen.

Week 3 - June 29-July 5

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In this week’s Gospel, Jesus commends Peter for his declaration that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the Living God, as an insight given to him by God the Father, preparing him for his role as the rock on whom Jesus’ Church is built.

This weekend is the Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul, Apostles. The Gospel focuses on Peter, who recognizes that Jesus is, indeed, Christ the Son of God. He has learned this, not from humans, but from God, Himself.

Together, we celebrate the reality of the Holy Trinity and the fact that Jesus is and was God, His Son. In this capacity, He gives Peter the truth, the clear understanding of Who He is, thus beginning His Church on earth, built on the rock of Peter, himself.

As you pray this Gospel in Lectio Divina, alone or in your Group, focus on gratitude for the faith and strength of Peter to build the foundation of the Church of which we are a part today.

*** *** ***

When you are in group, be sure to allow times of silence throughout these steps so that God may enter into your hearts.

2. Read. Read or/or listen to this week’s Gospel. As you read, pray: God, give me eyes to see what you want me to see in this Gospel.

Sunday, June 29: The Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul, Apostles — Matthew 16:13-19

When Jesus went into the region of Caesarea Philippi, He asked His disciples,
“Who do people say that the Son of Man is?”

They replied, “Some say John the Baptist, others Elijah, still others Jeremiah
or one ofthe prophets.”

He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?”

Simon Peter said in reply, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”

Jesus said to him in reply, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah. For flesh and blood has
not revealed this to you, but My heavenly Father. And so I say to you, you are Peter,
and upon this rock I will build my Church, and the gates of the netherworld shall not
prevail against it. I will give you the keys to the Kingdom of heaven. Whatever you bind
on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.”

The Gospel of the Lord. Praise to You, Lord Jesus Christ.

4. Pray. Engage in conversation with God, expressing your thoughts and feelings related to the passage, especially the particular word or phrases that stood out to you.

5. Contemplate. Rest in God’s presence, allowing yourself to be still and receive God’s insights from the Scripture passage. Consider what God may be saying to you in the word or phrase that stood out to you. Consider what action or change He may be inspiring you to take. Pray: God, give me the grace to make the changes in my life that You want me to make, inspired by this Gospel.

6. Share. When it is your turn in Group, share what word or phrase stood out to you, why it stood out and what action you believe God is asking of you.

8. Reflect on additional questions.
If there is time after your Lectio Divina sharing, consider these Reflection Questions:

Who do you say that Jesus is?
How does knowing Who Jesus truly is guide you in finding truth in your life?
What confidence does Jesus’ promise that evil (the “gates of the netherworld”) shall not prevail over His Church give you about your faith?

Intersessions for the Group: Take some time before the gathering concludes to pray together for the group members.

9. Pray.
After this moving prayer experience, you will likely want to close by thanking God.

God in Heaven,

Bless all of us with a peaceful and joy-filled week ahead. And please keep us safe and healthy, especially those who are travelling.

I pray in the Name of Your Son, Jesus.
Amen.

Week 2 - June 22-28

Download this week's Gathering Guide

In this week’s Gospel, Jesus prepares His disciples … and us … for the mystery and miracle of His real presence in the gift of the Eucharist as He feeds the 5000 with five loaves and two fish.

This weekend is the Feast of Corpus Christi, also known as the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ. In this feast, we celebrate the real presence of our God -- His Body, Soul, Blood and Divinity -- in the Eucharist. Together, we affirm one of the central truths of our faith: that Christ is truly present and continues to dwell among us in the Eucharist.

The Gospel on Corpus Christi is Luke’s account of the Feeding of the 5000 with the Loaves and Fishes. It is the only miracle story that appears in all four Gospels. This miracle story is especially significant because it foreshadows the Last Supper.

As you pray this Gospel in Lectio Divina, alone or in your Group, focus on Jesus’ real presence in the Eucharist as you consider the holy Words of this Gospel and what God is saying to you in those Words.

*** *** ***

When you are in group, be sure to allow times of silence throughout these steps so that God may enter into your hearts.

2. Read. Read or/or listen to this week’s Gospel. As you read, pray: God, give me eyes to see what you want me to see in this Gospel.

Sunday, June 22: The Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ — Luke 9:11-17

Jesus spoke to the crowds about the Kingdom of God and He healed those who needed to be cured.

As the day was drawing to a close, the Twelve approached Him and said, "Dismiss the crowd so that they can go to the surrounding villages and farms and find lodging and provisions; for we are in a deserted place here.

He said to them, "Give them some food yourselves."

They replied, "Five loaves and two fish are all we have, unless we ourselves go and buy food for all these people."
Now the men there numbered about five thousand.

Then He said to His disciples, "Have them sit down in groups of about fifty."
They did so and made them all sit down.

Then, taking the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up to heaven, He said the blessing over them, broke them, and gave them to the disciples to set before the crowd. They all ate and were satisfied.
And when the leftover fragments were picked up, they filled twelve wicker baskets.

The Gospel of the Lord. Praise to You, Lord Jesus Christ.

3. Meditate. Note any word or phrase that stands out to you. Now, re-read the passage, focusing on the word or phrase that first got your attention. Pray: God, give me ears to hear what You are telling me in this Gospel.

4. Pray. Engage in conversation with God, expressing your thoughts and feelings related to the passage, especially the particular word or phrases that stood out to you.

5. Contemplate. Rest in God’s presence, allowing yourself to be still and receive God’s insights from the Scripture passage. Consider what God may be saying to you in the word or phrase that stood out to you. Consider what action or change He may be inspiring you to take. Pray: God, give me the grace to make the changes in my life that You want me to make, inspired by this Gospel.

6. Share. When it is your turn in Group, share what word or phrase stood out to you, why it stood out and what action you believe God is asking of you.

8. Reflect on additional questions.
If there is time after your Lectio Divina sharing, consider these Reflection Questions:

Think of a time when you were in a group numbering 5000 people or more. What was it like? What would feeding all of you be like?
What Words did Jesus say at the Feeding of the 5000 that He also said at the Last Supper?
Have you pondered the similarities between the Feeding of the 5000 and the Last Supper before? What do these similarities mean to you?

Intersessions for the Group: Take some time before the gathering concludes to pray together for the group members.

9. Pray.
After this moving prayer experience, you will likely want to close by thanking God.

God in Heaven,

Bless all of us with a peaceful and joy-filled week ahead. And please keep us safe and healthy, especially those who are travelling.

I pray in the Name of Your Son, Jesus.
Amen.

Week 1 - June 15-21

Download this week's Gathering Guide

In this week’s Gospel, Jesus prepares His disciples … and us … to receive the
Holy Spirit and the many gifts that can come to us through Him.

When you are in group, be sure to allow times of silence throughout these steps so that God may enter into your hearts.

1. Pray.
Take a moment to calm yourself and open your heart to hearing what God wants you to recognize in this Gospel. (Then pray throughout…)

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for the small group that You have brought into my life. Bless each person,
that their week will be filled with Your Holy Spirit and their days will be filled with the joy that our faith in You brings us.

As we each prepare for our next Group gathering, bless each of us with eyes to truly see Your Word, with ears to truly hear Your voice and with the grace to be open to the
changes You want each of us to make in our lives this week.

Thank You for loving me, dear Jesus. I love You.
Amen.

2. Read. Read or/or listen to this week’s Gospel. As you read, pray: God, give me eyes to see what you want me to see in this Gospel.

Sunday, June 15 — The Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity: John 16:12-15

Jesus said to His disciples:
“I have much more to tell you, but you cannot bear it now.
But when He comes, the Spirit of Truth, He will guide to you all truth.”

“He will not speak on His own, but He will speak what He hears, and will declare to you the things that are coming.”

“He will glorify Me, because He will take from what is Mine and declare it to you.
“Everything that the Father has is Mine; for this reason, I told you that He will take from what is Mine and declare it to you.”

The Gospel of the Lord. Praise to You, Lord Jesus Christ.

3. Meditate. Note any word or phrase that stands out to you. Now, re-read the passage, focusing on the word or phrase that first got your attention. Pray: God, give me ears to hear what You are telling me in this Gospel.

4. Pray. Engage in conversation with God, expressing your thoughts and feelings related to the passage, especially the particular word or phrases that stood out to you.

5. Contemplate. Rest in God’s presence, allowing yourself to be still and receive God’s insights from the Scripture passage. Consider what God may be saying to you in the word or phrase that stood out to you. Consider what action or change He may be inspiring you to take. Pray: God, give me the grace to make the changes in my life that You want me to make, inspired by this Gospel.

6. Share. When it is your turn in Group, share what word or phrase stood out to you, why it stood out and what action you believe God is asking of you.

8. Reflect on additional questions.
If there is time after your Lectio Divina sharing, consider these Reflection Questions:

What was Jesus warning the disciples (and us) about?
What hope and assurances did He offer them (and us)?
How do you think knowing this helped the disciples (and us) stay focused on Jesus’ teachings?

9. Pray.
After this moving prayer experience, you will likely want to close by thanking God.

God in Heaven,

Bless all of us with a peaceful and joy-filled week ahead. And please keep us safe and healthy, especially those who are travelling.

I pray in the Name of Your Son, Jesus.
Amen.

Summer Tour

Thank you for participating in our Summer Tour!

Week 11 - August 24-30

Week 10 - August 17-23

Week 9 - August 10-16

Week 8 - August 3-9

Week 7 - July 27-August 2

Week 6 - July 20-26

Week 5 - July 13-19

Week 4 - July 6-12

Week 3 - June 29-July 5

Week 2 - June 22-28

Week 1 - June 15-21

St. John Vianney Catholic Church