“The beauty of our reflection group is that in it, we reconnect, we recharge. We are ready to take on the challenges that face us in our everyday life.” –Joe
The Road to Emmaus teaches us that, with each step we take on our path in life, Jesus is with us on our journey. As we gather together in a group, He is present in our conversations and in our sharing with other men or women. We want to begin a journey with Christ and the Gospel Reflection Groups are one way we can take our first step. These groups offer a way for us to gather together to share our spiritual struggles and joys with other men without the fear of being judged by others around us. We realize that our experience of everyday life, once openly shared together in a group of spiritual brothers, can be a way that Jesus walks with us and further reveals Himself to us. As brothers and sisters in Gospel Reflection Groups, we appreciate when members of the group share new insights with us that deepen our sense of being in the midst Jesus’ presence.
Gospel Reflection Groups vary in size from 10 to 40 members. Meeting at a consistent location and time, members commit to an hour-long session once a week. Meetings are comprised of formal prayer, scripture, reflection and open sharing and are a way for men and women to both find support and learn from each others’ life experiences in an open, welcoming, supportive environment. Gospel Reflection Groups are for anyone who is searching for Christ and who wants to grow in their relationship with Christ by the breaking open of the Bread of Life, the Word of God.
Meetings, though taking place across the country, and around the world, have root in a universal source: The Gospel. Each week, the same Gospel passage will be shared and reflected upon by all Gospel Reflection Groups, no matter their geographical location. In addition to following a common Gospel reflection each week, meetings also follow the same format in all locations:
Gospel Reflection Group Format:
1. Opening prayers from the Gospel Reflections Facilitator’s Guide
2. Reading of the Gospel passage for the upcoming Sunday Mass
3. Spontaneous Contribution from group members of inspiration, personal stories, and examples of how the Gospel relates to their everyday lives.
4. Request for Personal Intentions
5. Prayer for Intentions
6. Closing Prayer
