Week 3 – “The Rock on Which it is Built”
This season is starting to ramp up as today we see the moment Jesus calls “The Rock” of the Church to follow Him. See the video above for Fr. Raph and Abby’s reaction and thoughts.
Now you’re once again invited to reflect on the episode yourself, either in a group or on your own. Maybe grab a coffee or tea and contemplate what you saw and heard. Below you’ll find discussion questions that can be used to get you started.
- What stood out to you the most about this episode?
- In his really raw conversation with God, Simon says: “If I didn’t know any better, I’d say you enjoy yanking us around like goats… and can’t decide whether we’re chosen or not… WHICH ONE IS IT!? HUH?”
- Have you ever felt like that?
- Do you feel right now that you are chosen by God? Why or why not?
- Would you ever say what Simon said to Jesus after the miraculous catch of fish: “What do you want from me? Anything you ask, I will do.”
- Have you ever said those or similar words to Jesus? Why or why not?
- What do you think Jesus wants from you?
Prayer with Scripture – Week 3 Challenge
Try to spend some time praying with each of these at least once this week. Find a comfortable, quiet place, and give yourself at least 10 minutes (you can set a timer if it helps) to let God speak to you, and then to speak to God from your heart. Some people find it helpful to draw, or write, or to pray while out for a walk. Do whatever is helpful for you.
Psalm 28: 6-9
“Blessed be the Lord, for he has heard the sound of my pleadings.
The Lord is my strength and my shield; in him my heart trusts; so I am helped, and my heart exults, and with my song I give thanks to him.
The Lord is the strength of his people; he is the saving refuge of his anointed. O save your people and bless your heritage; be their shepherd and carry them forever.” |
Trust comes from the experience of being loved. We see in this episode the great hope that some of the characters had in God, even though their people had been through, and were presently going through, difficult times. But they remembered how God had been there for them and their people in the past, and it was remaining connected to that love which allowed them to hope.
- Did you feel inspired by the hope of any of the characters in this episode?
Imagine yourself praying this psalm to God with them, and then pray it again on your own. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you remember the times and ways God has heard the sound of your pleadings, and ask Him to help your heart trust Him to carry you through.
John 15:15-17
“I do not call you servants any longer, because the servant does not know what the master is doing, but I have called you friends,
because I have made known to you everything that I have heard from my Father.
You did not choose me, but I chose you. And I appointed you to go and bear fruit, fruit that will last, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask him in my name.
I am giving you these commands so that you may love one another.”
Jesus said these words to His disciples at the Last Supper. They had been following him for about three years by that time. Many of us have been disciples of Jesus for much longer. Imagine yourself at the Last Supper with the other disciples, knowing a little bit of their stories now, from what you have seen in The Chosen. Jesus has also called you friend, chosen you, appointed you. What do you say to Him?
St. Francis of Assisi Parish 