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The Southern Cross Faith Journal Mirrabooka Press © October 2012 Copyright. No part of this book may be reproduced electronically, verbally or in print without written permission from the publisher. New Revised Standard Version Bible: Anglicized Edition, copyright 1989, 1995, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved. The content on pages 4 – 11 has been used by permission, Lumino Press, Religion Timesavers, 2011 ISBN 978 0 9872173 5 6 Mirrabooka Press (a division of Openbook Howden Design and Print) 2 - 12 Paul Street St Marys SA 5042 Telephone: 08 8124 0000 www.mirrabookapress.com.au
Printed by Openbook Howden using Forest Stewardship Council® certified paper and vegetable based inks.
Introduction The Southern Cross Faith Journal encourages you to spend a little time each week reflecting on your life and your faith. To meditate or reflect means to withdraw from the hubbub of life and connect with the issues that transcend the everyday world. You don’t need to enter a monastery to find solitude. Turning inward to reflect on life, the world and your place in it helps you to understand the person you are. It can take just a few minutes each day but it can be very liberating. And using some of this time to reflect on your faith can help you find your spiritual equilibrium. It can rejuvenate, clarify and inspire. Your Faith Journal can help you do this. It suggests a theme and selects a related verse from the scriptures or an inspiring quote to guide your reflections throughout the school term. Spend a little time thinking how it relates to you at the moment. Record your thoughts. Suggest some action. Compose a prayer. Return to the Journal regularly. Over the course of a week, for example, you will be surprised how your thinking develops. The themes and the quotations are just signposts. Where your reflections ultimately lead is up to you. But then it is your journey and it is unique – like you are.
, Jesus Miracles in the Gospels Nature Miracles Water into wine at Cana First catch of fish Stilling the storm Feeding of 5,000 Walking on water Feeding of 4,000 Cursing of the fig tree
John 2:1-11 Luke 5:1-11 Matthew 8:23-27, Mark 4:35-41, Luke 8:22-25 Matthew 14:13-21, Mark 6:30-44, Luke 9:10-17, John 6:1-14 Matthew 14:22-33, Mark 6:45-52, John 6:16-21 Matthew 15:32-38, Mark 8:1-9 Matthew 21:18-22, Mark 11:12-14
Healings Healing of the royal official’s son Cleansing a leper Cure of Peter’s mother-in-law
John 4:46-54 Matthew 8:2-4, Mark 1:40-45, Luke 5:12-14 Matthew 8:14-15, Mark 1:29-31, Luke 4:38-41 Healing a paralytic Matthew 9:1-8, Mark 2:3-12, Luke 5:18-26 Healing a sick man at Bethesda John 5:1-9 Restoring a withered hand Matthew 12:9-13, Mark 3:1-6, Luke 6:6-11 Healing a centurion’s servant Matthew 8:5-13, Luke 7:1-10 Healing a blind and mute person Matthew 12:22 Healing a woman with haemorrhage Matthew 9:20-22, Mark 5:25-34, Luke 8:43-48 Opening the eyes of two blind men Matthew 9:27-31 Cure of a mute man Matthew 9:32-34 Healing a deaf and mute man Mark 7:31-37 Cure of blind man at Bethsaida Mark 8:22-26 Opening the eyes of a man born blind John 9:1-41 Healing of a man with dropsy Luke 14:1-6 Cleansing the lepers Luke 17:12-19 Opening blind man’s eyes Matthew 20:29-34, Mark 10:46-52, Luke 18:35-43
Resuscitations The daughter of Jairus The son of the widow of Nain Lazarus
Matthew 9:18-26, Mark 5:21-43, Luke 8:41-56 Luke 7:11-17 John 11:1-44
, Jesus Parables in the Gospels Parable Reference The house built on rock New cloth on an old coat New wine in old wineskins The sower The growing seed Weeds The mustard seed The leaven Hidden treasure Pearl of great price The net The unmerciful servant Workers in the vineyard Two sons The wicked tenants The marriage feast The wedding garment Ten bridesmaids The talents Sheep and goats Two debtors The good Samaritan The persistent friend The rich fool The servants who waited The barren fig tree The last seat The great supper The lost sheep The lost coin The prodigal son The prudent steward Rich man and Lazarus The persistent widow Pharisee and tax collector
Matthew 7:24-27, Luke 6:47-49 Matthew 9:16, Luke 5:36 Matthew 9:17, Luke 5w:37-8 Matthew 13:1-23, Luke 8:47-49, Mark 4:1-9 Mark 4:26-29 Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43 Matthew 13:31-32, Luke 13:18-19, Mark 4:30-32 Matthew 13:33, Luke 13:20-21 Matthew 13:44 Matthew 13:45-46 Matthew 13:47-50 Matthew 18:23-35 Matthew 20:1-16 Matthew 21:28-32 Matthew 21:33-46, Luke 20:9-19, Mark 12:1-12 Matthew 22:1-14, Luke 14:15-24 Matthew 22:11-14 Matthew 25:14-30 Matthew 25:14-30, Luke 19:12-27 Matthew 25:31-46 Matthew 25:31-46 Luke 10:29-37 Luke 11:5-8 Luke 12:16-21 Luke 12:35-48 Luke 13:6-9 Luke 14:7-11 Luke 14:15-24 Luke 15:3-7 Luke 15:8-10 Luke 15:11-32 Luke 16:1-13 Luke 16:19-31 Luke 18:1-8 Luke 18:9-14
Stations of the Cross (Traditional) 1.
Jesus is condemned to death.
2.
Jesus is made to bear the cross.
3.
Jesus falls for the first time.
4.
Jesus meets his mother.
5.
Simon of Cyrene helps Jesus carry his cross.
6.
Veronica wipes the face of Jesus.
7.
Jesus falls the second time.
8.
Jesus speaks to the women of Jerusalem.
9.
Jesus falls for the third time.
10.
Jesus is stripped of his garments.
11.
Jesus is nailed to the cross.
12.
Jesus dies on the cross.
13.
Jesus is taken is taken down from the cross.
14.
Jesus is placed in the tomb.
Notes Pilgrims travelled to the Holy Land to walk in the footsteps of Jesus from the earliest years of the Christian Church. When it became difficult for large numbers of pilgrims to visit the Holy Land, the tradition grew that reconstituted the last steps of Jesus. The first Stations of the Cross was at the Church of St Stefano, Bologna, in the fifth century. The practice was popularised by the Franciscans in the Middle Ages. The number of stations and the focus of each one was not settled until the 18th century. These traditional lists of stations combine biblical material with Christian legends about Jesus’ Passion. In recent times, alternative lists of the stations have been proposed that select only biblical material.
Mary in the New Testament Luke 1:26-38
The Annunciation to Mary
Luke 1:39-56
Mary visits Elizabeth
Luke 2:1-7
The birth of Jesus
Luke 2:21-38
Mary takes Jesus to the Temple
Luke 2:41-52
Mary and Joseph lose Jesus in Jerusalem
Luke 4:16-30
Jesus is rejected in Nazareth
Luke 8:19-21
Jesus’ family visits him
Acts 1:13-14
Mary in the early Church community
Luke provides a highly positive portrait of Mary. Mary is shown as a model of all things an ideal disciple of Jesus should be. She is portrayed as a woman of strong faith in God who cooperates with God’s will for her. She experiences joys and sorrows, griefs and anxieties about her son and what happens to him. Mark 3:31-35
Mary and her family visit Jesus during his public ministry
Mary is cast in a negative light in Mark and mentioned only briefly in this gospel. Mary is shown as a leader of Jesus’ family. Jesus is shown as being rejected by his home village of Nazareth (Mark 6:1-6). While Mary is not specifically mentioned in this incident, Mark relates the story of Jesus reaching out beyond his home and immediate family. John 2:1-11 Mary and Jesus attend a wedding in the neighbouring village of Cana John 19:25-27
Mary witnesses Jesus’ crucifixion
John refers to Mary as the “Mother of Jesus” and never uses her name. Mary encourages Jesus to begin his public ministry at the wedding feast at Cana. Close family ties between Jesus and Mary are emphasised. Mary is shown at the foot of Jesus’ cross. Matthew 1:18-25
The birth of Jesus
Matthew 2:13-21
Mary, Joseph and Jesus flee to Egypt
Matthew 12:46-50
Jesus’ family visit him
Matthew 13:53-58
Jesus is rejected at Nazareth
Matthew provides a positive portrait of Mary who is shown as initially vulnerable because her pregnancy outside marriage could bring shame on her family. She is shown as the one who fulfils the ancient Jewish promise that a virgin would conceive a son who would be called Emmanuel (God with Us).
Where to find it in the Bible Where to find help when you are: Afraid Psalm 34:4, Matthew 10:28, 2 Timothy 1:7, Hebrews 13:5,6 Anxious Matthew 10:16-39, Philippians 4:6, 1 Peter 5:6,7 Bereaved Matthew 5:4, 2 Corinthians 1:3,4 Bitter or Critical 1 Corinthians 13 Defeated Romans 8:31-39 Depressed Psalm 91, Psalm 118:5-6, Luke 8:22-25 Discouraged Psalm 23, Psalm 42:6-11, Psalm 55:22, Matthew 5:11,12, 2 Corinthians 4:8-18, Philippians 4:4-7 Doubting Matthew 8:26, Hebrews 11 Facing a Crisis Psalm 121, Matthew 6:25-34, Hebrews 4:16 Faith Fails Psalm 41:9-13, Luke 17:3,4, Romans 12:14,17,19,21, 2 Timothy 4:16-18 Lonely Psalm 23, Hebrews 13:5,6
Needing Protection Psalm 32:8, Psalm 91, Philippians 4:19 Needing Guidance Psalm 32:8, Proverbs 3:5,6 Needing Peace John 14:1-4, John 16:33, Romans 5:1-5, Philippians 4:6,7 Prayerful Psalm 4, Psalm 42, Luke 11:1-13, John 17, 1 John 5:14,15 Sick or in Pain Psalm 38, Matthew 26:39, Romans 5:3-5, 2 Corinthians 12:9,10, 1 Peter 4:12, 13,19 Sorrowful Psalm 51, Matthew 5:4, John 14, 2 Cor. 1:3,4, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 Tempted Psalm 1, Psalm 139:23,24, Matthew 26:41, 1 Corinthians 10:12-14, Philippians 4:8, James 4:7, 2, Peter 2:9, 2 Peter 3:17 Thankful Psalm 100, 1 Thessalonians 5:18, Hebrews 13:15 In Trouble Psalm 16, Psalm 31, John 14:1-4, Hebrews 7:25 Worried Matthew 6:19-34, 1 Peter 5:6,7
Teachings About Some Of Life’s Problems: Adversity Matthew 10:16-39
Extravagance 1 Timothy 6:7-12
Anger Matthew 5:22-24
Faultfinding Matthew 7:1-5
Anxiety Matthew 6:19-34
Fear Luke 12:5
Conceit Luke 18:9-14
Greed Luke 12:15-31
Death John 11:25,26
Hatred Matt, 5:43-48
Doubt Matthew 14:28-31
Judging Matthew 7:1
Enemies Matthew 5:43-48
Pride 1 John 2:15-17
Excuses Luke 14:15-24
Revenge Matt. 5:43 -48 Worldliness 1 John 2:15-17
Christian Virtues And Character : Abundant Life John 10:10
Faith Matthew 8:5-13, Mark 11:22-24
Cleanliness 2 Cor.7:1
Faithfulness Matthew 25:23
Contentment 1 Timothy 6:6
Forgiveness Mark 11:25,26, Ephesians 4:31,32
Courage Psalm 27:14
Freedom John 8:31-36
Diligence Romans 12:11
Fruitfulness John 15:1-8
Endurance Luke 21:9-19, 2 Timothy 2:3
Godliness Titus 2:11-14
Prayers Lord’s Prayer
Come Holy Spirit
Our Father, Who art in heaven, Hallowed be Thy Name. Thy Kingdom come, Thy Will be done, On earth as it is in Heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those Who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.
Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and kindle in them the fire of your love. Send forth your spirit and they shall be created. And You shall renew the face of the earth.
Serenity Prayer O God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change the courage to change the things I can and the wisdom to know the difference. Living one day at a time, enjoying one moment at a time. Accepting hardships as the pathway to peace. Taking, as he did, the sinful world as it is, not as I would have it. Trusting that he will make all things right if I surrender to His will; that I may be reasonably happy in this life, and supremely happy with Him forever.
Hail Mary Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now, and at the hour of our death. Amen.
Prayer of Saint Francis Lord, make me an instrument of your peace. Where there is hatred, let me sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light; and where there is sadness, joy. O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console; to be understood as to understand; to be loved as to love. For it is in giving that we receive; it is in pardoning that we are pardoned; and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.
Prayers in the New Testament The Magnificat (Mary’s prayer of praise) Luke 1:46-55
Triumphal entry into Jerusalem Matthew 21:9
Prayer of Simeon (Nunc Dimittis) Luke 2:29-32
Jesus’ agony in the garden of Gethsemane Mark 14:36
Song of Zechariah Luke 1:68-79
Christ, first born of the dead Colossians 1:11-20
Elizabeth’s blessing for Mary Luke 1:42
Paul’s blessings in Christ Ephesians 1:3-10
Song of the angels Luke 2:14
Paul’s blessing of glory Romans 15:5-6
Prayer of the blind man at Jericho Luke 18:38
Paul’s blessing of peace Philippians 4:7-9
Prayer of the repentant thief Luke 23:42
Paul’s prayer of thanksgiving 1 Corinthians 1:4-5, 8
The Beatitudes Matthew 5:3-11
Song of the suffering Christ 1 Peter 2:21-24
Prayer of the centurion at Capernaum Matthew 8:8
Song of Moses and the Lamb Revelation 15:3-4
Courage Reflect on the theme and the quote
Date: ____________________________
Have no fear of moving into the unknown. Simply step out fearlessly knowing that the Lord is with you, therefore no harm can befall you; all is very, very well. Do this in complete faith and confidence. Pope John Paul II
Personal thoughts and reflections
Hospitality Reflect on the theme and the verse
Date: ____________________________
As they came near the village to which they were going, he walked ahead as if he were going on. But they urged him strongly, saying, “Stay with us, because it is almost evening and the day is now nearly over.� Luke 24: 13-35
Personal thoughts and reflections
Peace
Reflect on the theme and the verse
Date: ____________________________
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid. John 14:27
Personal thoughts and reflections
Humility Reflect on the theme and the verse
Date: ____________________________
What does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God? Micah 6
Personal thoughts and reflections
Protection Reflect on the theme and the verse
Date: ____________________________
Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I fear no evil; for you are with me; your rod and your staff — they comfort me. Psalm 23
Personal thoughts and reflections
Respect Reflect on the theme and the quote
Date: ____________________________
If we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other. Mother Teresa
Personal thoughts and reflections
Hope Reflect on the theme and the quote
Date: ____________________________
Do not abandon yourselves to despair. We are the Easter people and hallelujah is our song. Pope John Paul II
Personal thoughts and reflections
Justice
Reflect on the theme and the verse
Date: ____________________________
Speak out, judge righteously, defend the rights of the poor and needy. Proverbs 31:9
Personal thoughts and reflections
Kindness Reflect on the theme and the verse
Date: ____________________________
Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ has forgiven you. Ephesians 4:32
Personal thoughts and reflections
Thanksgiving Reflect on the theme and the quote
Date: ____________________________
Be praised, my Lord, through all your creatures, especially through my lord Brother Sun, who brings the day; and you give light through him. And he is beautiful and radiant in all his splendour! Francis of Assisi
Personal thoughts and reflections
Faith Reflect on the theme and the quote
Date: ____________________________
Faith is taking the first step even when you don’t see the whole staircase. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Personal thoughts and reflections
Love Reflect on the theme and the verse
Date: ____________________________
God is love, and those who abide in love abide in God, and God abides in them. 1 John 4: 16
Personal thoughts and reflections
Wisdom Reflect on the theme and the verse
Date: ____________________________
Where is the one who is wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? 1 Corinthians 1:20
Personal thoughts and reflections
Hospitality Reflect on the theme and the verse
Date: ____________________________
Whoever welcomes this child in my name welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me; for the least among all of you is the greatest. Luke 9: 48
Personal thoughts and reflections
Family Reflect on the theme and the verse
Date: ____________________________
I will not forget you. See, I have inscribed you on the palms of my hands. Isaiah 49: 14-16
Personal thoughts and reflections
Gods Love ’
Reflect on the theme and the verse
Date: ____________________________
Where can I go from your spirit? Or where can I flee from your presence? Psalm 139
Personal thoughts and reflections
Mercy Reflect on the theme and the verse
Date: ____________________________
God is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness. Exodus 34:5-7
Personal thoughts and reflections
Commitment Reflect on the theme and the verse
Date: ____________________________
I will put my law within them, and I will write it on their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Jeremiah 31:31,33
Personal thoughts and reflections
Creation Reflect on the theme and the verse
Date: ____________________________
So God created humankind in his image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. God saw everything that he had made, and indeed, it was very good. Genesis 1: 27,31
Personal thoughts and reflections
Life Reflect on the theme and the quote
Date: ____________________________
Remember we are but travellers here. Mary MacKillop
Personal thoughts and reflections
Charity Reflect on the theme and the verse
Date: ____________________________
Jesus said to them, ‘They need not go away; you give them something to eat.’ Matthew 14:16
Personal thoughts and reflections
Love Reflect on the theme and the verse
Date: ____________________________
“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength.” The second is this “You shall love your neighbour as yourself.” There is no other commandment greater than these.’ Mark 12: 30-31
Personal thoughts and reflections
Integrity Reflect on the theme and the verse
Date: ____________________________
Whoever walks in integrity walks securely. Proverbs 10:9
Personal thoughts and reflections
Wonder Reflect on the theme and the quote
Date: ____________________________
“There are more things in heaven and earth, Horatio, than are dreamt of in your philosophy.� William Shakespeare
Personal thoughts and reflections
Spirit Reflect on the theme and the verse
Date: ____________________________
The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Galatians 5:22-25
Personal thoughts and reflections
Prayer Reflect on the theme and the verse
Date: ____________________________
Your Father knows what you need before you ask him. ‘Pray then in this way: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name.’ Matthew 6:7-9
Personal thoughts and reflections
Humility Reflect on the theme and the verse
Date: ____________________________
All who exalt themselves will be humbled, but all who humble themselves will be exalted. Luke 14:11
Personal thoughts and reflections
Life Reflect on the theme and the verse
Date: ____________________________
Whatever is true, whatever is honourable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Philippians 4:8-9
Personal thoughts and reflections
Honesty Reflect on the theme and the quote
Date: ____________________________
Honesty is the best policy. If I lose mine honour, I lose myself. William Shakespeare
Personal thoughts and reflections
Light Reflect on the theme and the verse
Date: ____________________________
For once you were darkness, but now in the Lord you are light. Live as children of light. Ephesians 5:8
Personal thoughts and reflections
Creation Reflect on the theme and the verse
Date: ____________________________
O Lord, how manifold are your works! In wisdom you have made them all; the earth is full of your creatures. Psalm 104
Personal thoughts and reflections
Self-reliance Reflect on the theme and the quote
Date: ____________________________
Pray as though everything depended on God. Work as though everything depended on you. Augustine
Personal thoughts and reflections
Protection Reflect on the theme and the verse
Date: ____________________________
You will not fear the terror of the night, or the arrow that flies by day. Psalm 91
Personal thoughts and reflections
Justice Reflect on the theme and the verse
Date: ____________________________
Learn to do good; seek justice, rescue the oppressed, defend the orphan, plead for the widow. Isaiah 1: 17
Personal thoughts and reflections
Charity Reflect on the theme and the quote
Date: ____________________________
Never reach out your hand unless you’re willing to extend an arm. Pope Paul VI
Personal thoughts and reflections
Time Reflect on the theme and the verse
Date: ____________________________
For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven. Ecclesiastes 3
Personal thoughts and reflections
The Poor Reflect on the theme and the verse
Date: ____________________________
Has not God chosen the poor in the world to be rich in faith and to be heirs of the kingdom that he has promised to those who love him? James 2:5
Personal thoughts and reflections
Peace Reflect on the theme and the verse
Date: ____________________________
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. Matthew 5: 3-12
Personal thoughts and reflections
Love Reflect on the theme and the quote
Date: ____________________________
Since love grows within you, so beauty grows. For love is the beauty of the soul. Augustine
Personal thoughts and reflections
Life Reflect on the theme and the verse
Date: ____________________________
I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly. John 10:10
Personal thoughts and reflections
Self-respect Reflect on the theme and the verse
Date: ____________________________
Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you? 1 Corinthians 3: 16
Personal thoughts and reflections
Gods Love ’
Reflect on the theme and the verse
Date: ____________________________
The Lord upholds all who are falling, and raises up all who are bowed down. Psalm 145
Personal thoughts and reflections
Notes
OBH 20252