Week 3 - August 23-29
OPENING PRAYER
Heavenly Father, Thank You for calling us not only to believe in Jesus, but to follow Him as His disciples and friends. Teach us to know Your Son more deeply each day. Shape our hearts to become more like His, so that our thoughts, words, and actions reflect His love to the world. Help us to place our friendship with Christ above every other identity. May our lives bring glory to You. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
CLICK HERE FOR THIS WEEKEND'S READINGS
First Reading: Isaiah 22:19–23
God entrusts authority to Eliakim as a faithful steward
Second Reading: Romans 11:33–36"
For from him and through him and for him are all things."
Gospel: Matthew 16:13–20
Peter boldly proclaims, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." Jesus blesses Peter and entrusts him with the keys of the Kingdom.
ADDITIONAL SCRIPTURE PASSAGES
"It is my eager expectation and hope... that Christ will be magnified in my body, whether by life or by death." Philippians 1:20
QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION AND DIALOG
- When Jesus asks, "Who do you say that I am?" how would you answer today?
- If someone observed your daily life, would they recognize that being a disciple of Jesus is your primary identity? Why or why not?
- St. Paul wanted Christ to be "magnified" through his life. What do you think that looks like in everyday situations?
- How is friendship with Jesus different from simply believing in Him?
- What situations in your life right now are difficult to see as opportunities to glorify Christ?
- How does receiving Jesus in the Eucharist strengthen your friendship with Him and prepare you to witness to others?
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Each morning pray: "Jesus, help me know You more deeply and make You known through my life today."
Spend five minutes reflecting on this question: "Lord, how can my life magnify You today?"
Choose one way to live from your identity as God's beloved this week.
- Begin each day by offering your work, joys, and struggles to Christ.
- Read one chapter of a Gospel and ask, "What is Jesus teaching me today?"
- Perform one hidden act of love or service simply because you are a follower of Jesus.
- Wear or carry a visible reminder of your faith—a cross, medal, or bracelet—and let it remind you whose disciple you are.
- Share with someone why following Jesus has brought meaning to your life.
- Invite someone to join you for Mass, Adoration, or your small group.
- Encourage another person by reminding them of God's presence in their current circumstances.
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, Thank You for calling us Your friends and inviting us to follow You. Help us to know You more deeply each day and to place You at the center of our lives. May every word we speak, every choice we make, and every relationship we have point others toward You. Teach us, like St. Paul, to magnify You in every circumstance, trusting that You are working all things for Your glory and our good.
We ask this in Your holy name.
Amen.
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