Weekly Readings Reflections: 5th Sunday of Easter

Monday, April 23, 2018

Our readings for the 5th Sunday of Easter are:

The beauty of being a confirmed cynic is that you're never disappointed.
Has there ever been someone in your life who really surprised you by some act of kindness, bravery, generosity?
Why is it that you were so surprised?
Do you think that God ever tires of expecting the best from, and in us?
What would it take for you to have higher expectations of those in your life?

At some point, our children and grandchildren become adults, have to make their own decisions, live their own lives. But that can be so hard.
God gives us free will, do you think He ever regrets that?
When God looks at us, the pain that we go through, the self-inflicted injuries that we give ourselves, our fears and doubts, how do you think that makes Him feel?
All of us are parents in some way or another. How can we join our parent hearts to God's parent heart in caring for our children, whoever, wherever they may be?

When was the last time that you prayed for something and got exactly what you were looking for?
Why do you think that is?
How has your prayer life changed over the years?
Why do you think that is?

An old Jesuit priest once remarked to a group of us that his life lately has been characterized by "making it simpler". All of the things that he so eagerly sought after earlier in life were fine at the time, but he just didn't need them anymore.
What is God trying to accomplish by such "pruning"?
How do you know that you are done?
How can we become more open to such pruning?

Preparation for Reconciliation:

Is my heart open to God breaking through in the lives of others?
What am I doing to today to build the community that my children will raise children in?
How are my desires coming closer to God's?
Where is God calling me to leave something behind to pick up something better?

Shalom!

Weekly Readings Reflections