Category: Christianity

Knowledge

“As God’s chosen one, whole and beloved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience … Forgive each other.” – Colossians 3:12-13

  1. What are your hopes and dreams for yourself?
  2. What are some activities that refresh you?
  3. What difference has the Pascal (Easter) Mystery made in my life and in the life of our school community?
  4. “Place your talents and enthusiasm at the service of life.” – John Paul II

“Knowing in not enough; we must apply. Willing is not enough: we must do.” – Goethe

Patience

“Beloved, let us love one another.” 1John 4:7

  1. In what ways do I see my job or position as a call or invitation from God?
  2. Am I confusing my God given talents and gifts?
  3. Is my faith an inspiring gift to the students and my peers? My parish?
  4. Do you think we own our gifts?

“When we do the best we can, we never know what miracle is wrought in our life or in the life of another.” – Helen Keller

Receive the Power of the Holy Spirit

“You are precious in my sight, and honoured, and I love you.” – Isaiah 43:4

  1. Who or what has been my greatest inspiration?
  2. How does God, the Holy Spirit, inspire you in your teaching ministry?
  3. When do I most need the Power in my life; in what areas of my life right now?
  4. What step can I take to widen my horizon; to see anew?

“Find the thing that stirs your heart and make room for it.” – Joan Chittister

Wisdom

“If you have faith the size of a mustard seed … nothing will be impossible for you.” Matthew 17:20

  1. Who or what is a source of Wisdom in my life and why?
  2. What could I, with the help of God, transform in my life?
  3. How do I turn to God for help?
  4. What area in my life do I see great potential?

“We need the discipline of the scales, in order to improvise.” – Timothy Radcliffe

Peace and Joy

“Be strong and courageous: do not be frightened or dismayed for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” – Joshua 1:9

  1. At the heart of Mary’s yes to bring Jesus to the world, was great faith and belief in the Power of God. What is the center of my faith? What do I put my trust in?
  2. In the midst of the Advent season in what way can  most experience peace and joy?

“The rivers of our soul sprang from the same well.” – Chinese poet Po Chu

Understanding

“God is light and in him there is no darkness at all.” 1John 1:5

  1. When do I feel most at peace and most understood?
  2. What role do the Church’s Sacrament of Peace and reconciliation play in one’s inner peace?
  3. What could help me become more understanding?
  4. A.J. Muste says, “There is no way to peace, peace is the way.” What does this mean to me?

Prayer for World Peace
Lord we pray for the power to be gentle,
The strength to be forgiving,
The patience to be understanding
And the endurance to accept the consequences
Of holding to what we believe to be right.
May we put our trust in the power of good to overcome evil
And the power of love to overcome hatred.
We pray for the vision to see and the faith to believe in a world
Emancipated from violence, a new work where fear shall no longer lead people to commit injustice, nor selfishness make them bring suffering to others.
Help us to devote our whole life and thought and energy to the task of making peace.
Praying always for the inspiration and the power to fulfill the destiny for which we and all people were created.

Good Judgement

“The Spirit of God dwells in you.” – Romans 8:9

  1. In this time of Thanksgiving, what beauty do I see within and around me?
  2. How does this invite me to give thanks to God in worship, service, and life?
  3. What challenge do I face in my daily life that can dim my spirit?
  4. “Whatever does not bring you more joy or make you more alive is too small for you.” What does this statement mean to me?

“Every part of the earth is sacred. Whatever befalls the earth, befalls the sons and daughters of the earth. All things are connected.” – Chief Seattle

Studying God’s Finished Picture

Imagine spending 5 minutes trying to complete a 200+ piece jigsaw puzzle WITHOUT looking at the picture.

Now imagine looking at the picture and seeing how many pieces you can add in the next 5 minutes.

In what ways is putting the puzzle together like or unlike putting your life together?

In what ways is the puzzle like or unlike answering the question, “Who Am I?”

Choose one of the following passages to study:

  • read the passage
  • write about what you think the passage says
  • explain what you think the passage means in each of your lives today
  • describe what the passage says we are in God’s eyes

Passages:

  • Genesis 1:26-31
  • Isaiah 43:1-3
  • Colossians 3:5-17
  • Luke 4:18-19
  • Ephesians 5:15-16
  • John 6:21-40
  • 1 Thessalonians 4:3-5
  • Ephesians 4:1-32
  • Galatians 5:13-26
  • Psalm 139:1-24
  • John 14:12

What Does God Think About Us?

Read 2Corinthians 5:17-18 and Jeremiah 1:4-8.

As we try to answer the question “Who Am I?” we need to know what God wants for us. What does he think about us?

We also need to look at ourselves – our interests, abilities, weaknesses.

As we go about answering this question we also need to talk with other people. Hearing about our strengths and weaknesses from others often tells us things about ourselves that we overlook.

Try to keep everything you write positive – no jokes or putdowns.

The Last Supper

At the Last Supper, Jesus met with his disciples for the last time before his death. He knew that he would be betrayed by Judas Iscariot and denied by Peter, two good friends. Nevertheless, he promised them his eternal love. Jesus said that a Holy Spirit would guide his followers.

All people need guidance. Where do you get your guidance from? How do you decide when to take guidance from a particular person?