Praying with Sunday's Scriptures

Editor's note: To help small faith-sharing groups, couples, individuals and others continue the Renew 2000 experience of praying with the Sunday Scriptures, a Diocesan Faith Sharing Writing Team has prepared a monthly series using the Renew model. The series is being distributed to parish leaders and will appear in The Compass the week before that Sunday.

	May 18, 2003, Fifth Sunday of Easter Reading I: Acts 9:26-31 Reading II: 1 John 3:18-24 Gospel: John 15:1-8

By Mary Tichnor

Focus: Interrelationship and mutual indwelling are a means to growth in the fruitfulness of Jesus.

Opening Prayer:
Pray together Psalm 62:1-2

Scripture Sharing: What thought, line or image from the Scripture readings caught your attention?

Reflection: In the readings from John, we are reminded of our dependency on God and each other in order to grow and develop in our faith. Do we recognize that our faith can only come to fruition through loving as Jesus did? Do we acknowledge the importance of our faith communities as a means to live out the commandment of love and interrelationship? Do others know by our actions that Jesus dwells in us and we in him?

Faith Sharing

1. John says, "God is greater than our hearts and knows everything." Does that make you anxious or does it give you peace?

2. God calls us to believe and to love. How do you express your beliefs or your love in your family life; in the workplace; in your relationships with others?

3. What might be the consequences or the rewards of mutual indwelling, that is, Jesus dwelling in us and we in him?

4. How does the metaphor of the vine and the branches contrast with the individualism and personal success advocated in today's society?

Action Response: How do you live stewardship as your way of life?

1. Give yourself the gift of peace. Register for a retreat or a day of reflection.

2. Surprise a family member, co-worker, friend or stranger with an act of love.

3. Read the life of a saint of your choice who experienced both the consequences and rewards of the indwelling of Jesus.

4. Make others feel special by being attentive and present to each person you encounter during the next week.

Closing Prayer
Individuals offer their intentions to bring to prayer.

Pray together Psalm 62: 5-11.

(Tichnor is a member of St. Joseph Parish, Rhinelander, the Diocesan Writing Team for Faith Sharing Sessions, 2003. She was a member of St. Paul Parish, Plainfield, for 10 years.)