Our readings for Exaltation of the Holy Cross Sunday:
- Numbers 21: 4b-9
- Psalms 78: 1-2, 34-35, 36-37
- Philippians 2: 6-11
- John 3: 13-17
- Where are the serpents?
- I find it interesting that when the children of Israel repented of their rebellion, that there was no mention of God removing the serpents. That's what the people prayed for, but it's not what they got. Instead, God instructed Moses to craft a bronze serpent and mount it for all to see.
- Have you ever had a "thorn in your side" that was a real challenge for you, and yet, it never really went away?
- Has your attitude/relationship to that thorn (whatever/whoever it might be) changed over time?
- Would you say that, in any way, that thorn has become something of a blessing?
- How did that transformation come about?
- Did you see that coming?
- Second chances
- All of us need a second change at one point or another in life. But it can be hard to give someone else a second chance, particularly if this is their third or fourth "second chance".
- How would you define "mercy"?
- When is a particularly meaningful point in your life when God showed mercy to you?
- How do you think God decides whether or not to show mercy to His children?
- Given that, how often, under what circumstances, should you show mercy to others?
- How can we balance mercy with protecting ourselves?
- Finding freedom
- It's easy to become attached to things in life. That could be a job, a role, a place, a ministry. All of that may well be gift from God. But sometimes, the best way to show appreciation for what we have been given is to give it away.
- What are some things that you've given away in your life? Maybe it's time, talent(s) that you have (no matter how modest those talents might be), or other resources.
- How did you come to being so generous?
- How did that giving away affect the recipient(s)?
- How did it affect you?
- Finding my sins
- When Moses elevated the bronze serpent for the children of Israel, he reminded them of their sins, and the punishment for them. It can be hard to really come to terms with our own sin, and the consequences of that sin.
- How do you tell when you have sinned?
- Does that realization usually come to you right after you commit the sin?
- Do you have a practice that you follow to help you see your sins for what they are?
- How successful is that practice?
- How might you make your self-reflection practice better?
- Preparation for Reconciliation
- Where is God blessing me in unexpected ways lately?
- Where do I need to show more mercy?
- What do I need to give away/give away more?
- How can I better form my conscience before God?
Shalom!
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