Homily Series
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Previous Series
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week 6: The Risen Jesus Gives Us A Mission
Weekend Bible Readings to spend some time with the Word.
This Week's Homiles: https://sjlibertyville.podbean.com/
Reflection Questions
1. We are a community of believers and by virtue of the resurrection, “Jesus is With Us” - always. How does your understanding of this Easter joy exude from you in your daily encounters?
2. At the end of every Mass we celebrate together there is a sending forth of the congregation: “Go and announce the Gospel of the Lord; or, Go in Peace, glorifying the Lord by your life.” How do you receive and live out these words throughout your daily life?
3. Together we make up the body of Christ. We have not been left alone; we have each other! Jesus is with Us! How can you, or do you, embrace this theme, sustain it, and share it with those most in need of hearing the good news of Jesus resurrected and alive?
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week 5: Honoring Our Mothers and Mary, the Mother of Our Church
Weekend Bible Readings to spend some time with the Word.
This Week's Homiles: https://sjlibertyville.podbean.com/
Reflection Questions
1. Jesus reminds us in the Gospel today - “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.” The 4th Commandment tells us to honor our fathers and mothers. Can you think of some ways that you lived out this commandment - when you honored your mother or felt the honor of being a mother?
2. “Jesus Is With Us” remains our theme, but that would not be possible without Mary, Jesus’ mother. Do you have a special devotion to Mary? Do you pray to her to intercede for you and your family? Can you describe your relationship with Mary the Mother of our Church?
3. Our Gospel this week says: “I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you.” Who are some of the key women in the Bible who give you hope and inspiration? Call by name the moms or women who have mentored or influenced you throughout your life. Describe them.
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Week 4: The Risen Jesus Works Through You
Weekend Bible Readings to spend some time with the Word.
This Week's Homiles: https://sjlibertyville.podbean.com/
Reflection Questions
1. The “North Star" has symbolic meaning because it depicts a beacon of inspiration and hope to many. What or who are the other “North Stars” in your life?
2. Jesus reminds us that He is the way and the truth and the life. What are some examples of how you imitate Jesus by showing the way, the truth, and the life to those you encounter who are spiritually lost and don’t know the way?
3. Jesus reminds us in the Gospel today: “Do not let your hearts be troubled.” We all know that is easier said than done, particularly in times of stress and difficulty. How do you embrace this message? How do you remind yourself and others that “Jesus is with Us” - always?
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week 3: The Risen Jesus Is Accessible
Weekend Bible Readings to spend some time with the Word.
This Week's Homiles: https://sjlibertyville.podbean.com/
Reflection Questions
1. What are some of the noisy voices you hear in your daily life which distract or drown out Jesus’ message of love and mercy?
2. What are some ways that you renew, refresh, or recharge your relationship with Jesus? What is the best way for you personally to spend time and connect with God?
3. Do you have a memorable Eucharistic encounter or a favorite Bible verse to share?
4. Jesus came, and remains with us, so that you might have life and have it abundantly. What are some examples you might share which illustrate how God’s generous and abundant blessings have graced your life?
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week 2: jesus doesn't make you "do faith" alone
Weekend Bible Readings to spend some time with the Word.
This Week's Homiles: https://sjlibertyville.podbean.com/
Reflection Questions1. If you were asked to name a few key people who have walked the faith journey with you, who would they be? Name those key companions and tell a brief story about how they have encouraged you along the way.
2. Luke’s Gospel tells us that while the disciples were conversing and debating, Jesus drew near and walked with them. Can you think of a key conversation when you brought the message of Jesus into the discussion? What issues or obstacles prevented you or others from recognizing his presence amongst you?
3. So often with the Eucharist; we see it, we pray it, we receive it, we consume it, and yet in a way it can seem to “vanish” from us, like the disciples experienced on the road to Emmaus. What are some helpful ways which can help us sustain Jesus with Us on a daily basis? How can our hearts remain burning inside us for Jesus’ presence and love?
4. Life is a journey of dark valleys and places of replenishment and renewal. We are never alone on this journey - Christ is always with us. What are a couple of surprises along the way when upon reflection you realized Jesus was walking with you; even though you didn't immediately recognize His presence?
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week 1: The Risen Jesus Offers You Peace and Mercy
Weekend Bible Readings to spend some time with the Word.
This Week's Homiles: https://sjlibertyville.podbean.com/
Reflection Questions1. When you are feeling restless, anxious, or unsettled, what are some of the ways or techniques that you employ to find a more peaceful disposition?
2. Do you have a specific prayer space, or a particular prayer ritual, which frequently brings you to a more peaceful state of mind?
3. Can you recall an event or encounter which helped you realize that Jesus truly wanted you to be at peace? When you felt powerfully aware that Jesus was with you? Is there another experience when you felt helpful in bringing the peace of Christ to someone else?
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A shared meal is a time when real relationships get stronger. Think about it, when you meet in a conference room, or sporting event, or text or video call with friends, you might get a lot done, watch a great game with a few high fives, and even have a good talk. But when we share a meal with someone, we connect on a whole other level. When we prepare a meal, set the table, open our front doors, and sit face to face…we really connect. We share stories, we laugh, we cry, we bond. It was at a shared meal that two of Jesus’ disciples recognized the Resurrected Jesus in the breaking of the bread in Luke’s Gospel.
In this season of Easter, we celebrate that God is with us always. In a uniquely intimate way, God is with us in the Eucharist, which is a sacred meal. Join us in this homily series as we explore how the Risen Christ is with us today, and how that can change your life forever in the best way possible…and give you inner peace like nothing else.
New to the Homily Series? Here's some basic info to help you get started!
- We’ll have a brand new 6 week homily series starting April 16th at the Saturday 5pm Mass. The series will be at the 5pm Saturday, 9am Sunday, and 10:45 Sunday in-person Masses.
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