Discussion Questions
First Reading
7th Sunday: Acts 1:12-14
Ascension: Acts 1:1-11
1. (Ascension:) Jesus told his apostles that they would receive power when the Holy Spirit came upon them. They would be his witnesses unto the ends of the earth. On whom did the disciples depend for understanding what that meant for them? Did they understand right away or did it take some time? Do we depend on the same source for spiritual understanding?
2. (7th Sunday:) While they waited for the Holy Spirit they prayed together.* Did you receive the Holy Spirit at Confirmation? Once for all time? Or is the Spirit dynamic and new always? Do you pray alone and together with others that the Holy Spirit will illuminate the minds of scientists and people searching for solutions to problems like war, gun violence, hunger, racial justice and climate change?
Second Reading
7th Sunday: 1 Peter 4:13-16
Ascension: Ephesians 1:17-23
1. (Ascension:) If the “eyes of your hearts be enlightened,” what might they see? People suffering? The good that people are doing to relieve suffering? Would some of the goodness we see be related to “the fullness of the one who fills all things in every way”? What might be some “everyday kinds of fullness”? What kind of fullness would you like to have in your life?
2. (7th Sunday:) If you had your choice would you avoid all suffering? The Holy Spirit is sometimes called the Comforter. How does the Spirit comfort you if you suffer? Would you let such comfort come in? Is there some way you can add consolation to someone’s life?
Gospel
7th Sunday: John 17:1-11a
Ascension: Matthew 28:16-20
1. (Ascension:) “I am with you always, to the close of the age” (v. 20). How does Pope Francis say we realize Jesus’ presence today? Are we ever alone?
Through His Spirit, who leads the Church to walk through history as the companion of every person. … With the promise to remain with us until the end of time, … Jesus is present in the world but with … the style of the Risen One, that is a presence that is revealed in the Word, in the Sacraments and in the constant and interior action of the Holy Spirit. The Feast of the Ascension tells us that although Jesus ascended to Heaven, … he is still and always among us: this is the source of our strength, our perseverance, and our joy, from the very presence of Jesus among us with the strength of the Holy Spirit.
Ascension Angelus 2020
2. (7th Sunday:) The Father entrusted the good news of salvation to Jesus and he in turn entrusted it to his disciples. “Go, therefore, make disciples of all nations.” What are the implications for you?
Anne Osdieck