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Throughout this series, we have explored the question: Who do you think you are?
The world often tells us our identity is found in what we achieve, what we possess, or the titles we carry.
But Jesus reveals a different truth.
We are:
- Called by God.
- Beloved sons and daughters.
- Friends and disciples of Jesus.
- Servants who are sent to love others.
The final step in discovering our identity in Christ is recognizing that greatness in God's Kingdom looks different from greatness in the world. Jesus, the Son of God, did not cling to His status but emptied Himself in love.
If we belong to Christ, we are called to serve as He served.
Week 4 - August 30 - September 5
OPENING PRAYER
Heavenly Father, The world tells us to seek recognition, success, and importance. But Your Son Jesus showed us that true greatness is found in humble love and service. Open our hearts today to see ourselves as You see us—not by our titles or accomplishments, but as Your beloved children called to serve. Teach us to follow the example of Jesus, who emptied Himself for us and gave His life completely out of love. Help us discover where You are calling us to serve others. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
CLICK HERE FOR THIS WEEKEND'S READINGS
First Reading: Jeremiah 20:7–9
Jeremiah struggles with his prophetic mission but cannot stop proclaiming God's word.
Second Reading: Romans 12:1–2
Paul encourages believers to offer their lives as a living sacrifice and be transformed by God.
Gospel: Matthew 16:21–27
Jesus reveals that He must suffer, die, and rise again. He calls His disciples to deny themselves, take up their cross, and follow Him.
ADDITIONAL SCRIPTURE PASSAGES
"Do nothing out of selfishness or out of vainglory; rather, humbly regard others as more important than yourselves. Look out not only for your own interests, but also for those of others. Have among yourselves the same attitude that is also yours in Christ Jesus." Philippians 2:3–5
QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION AND DIALOG
- What titles or roles do you most often use to describe yourself? What do they reveal about your identity?
- Why do you think Jesus chose the identity of a servant?
- Where might you be seeking recognition, control, or importance instead of serving with humility?
- Who are the people God has placed in your life that you are called to serve?
- What does "taking up your cross" look like in your daily life?
- How can we move from simply attending Mass to becoming servants who are sent into the world? What ministry can I serve in?
- Each morning pray: "Jesus, teach me to serve as You served."
- Spend five minutes asking: "Lord, where are You inviting me to put love into action today?"
- Pray for the humility to notice the needs of others.
Choose one way to embrace your identity as a servant:
- Serve someone who cannot repay you.
- Do an unnoticed act of kindness without seeking recognition.
- Ask a family member, coworker, or friend: "What can I do for you this week?"
- Identify one place where God may be calling you to serve in your parish or community.
- Join us as a small group on Sept 9th for a night on our Lady at St. Mary.
- Share with someone how serving others has brought you closer to Christ.
- Thank someone who quietly serves and often goes unnoticed.
- Invite someone to join you in serving at your parish or in the community.
INTERCESSIONS FOR THE GROUP AND CLOSING PRAYER
Take some time to pray together for the persons or people on the Hearts of your small group members.
Closing Prayer:
Lord Jesus,
You showed us that true greatness is found not in being served, but in serving. Free us from the desire for recognition and help us find our identity in You alone. Teach us to have the heart of a servant—to notice those in need, to love generously, and to follow You wherever You lead. May our lives reflect Your humility and become a gift to others. We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
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