Discussion Questions

First Reading

Joshua 24:1-2a, 15-17, 18b

F1. Both the First Reading and the Gospel are concerned with choice. The Israelites gave reasons for choosing to serve the Lord. “For it was the Lord, our God who brought us and our fathers up out of the land of Egypt, … performed miracles, … and protected us.” What is your reason for choosing God in your life?

F2. Do you have more invested in a choice you made, or a choice someone else made for you? What are the implications for your family, church, job and community? In your opinion do you think God gave you free will?

Second Reading

Ephesians 5:21-32 or 5:2a, 25-32

S1. Compare and contrast the bride with a difficult childbirth and the church with the birth of new ideas. An example of the latter would be some of the family problems addressed in the meetings of the Extraordinary Assembly of the Synod of Bishops.

S2. Paul compares husband and wife with Christ and the Church. What is his point?

Gospel

John 6:60-69

G1. Jesus asks, “Do you also want to leave?” If you were there at the time would you be one of the many disciples who returned to his/her former way of life or one that stayed with Jesus? Is there any middle ground here?

G2. Just as Jesus’ question, “Do you want to leave?” was a moment of crisis for some of the disciples, so has been the pandemic a moment of crisis or decision making for us. According to Pope Francis, how does Peter’s response to this question help us in our situation? 

At that time “many of his disciples returned to their former way of life and no longer accompanied him.” Jesus decides to question the apostles. Jesus then said to the Twelve, ‘Do you also want to leave?’ Make a decision.

A moment of crisis is a moment of choice, it is a moment that puts us in front of the decisions we have to make.

Peter’s response with a confession of faith is an example of faith and trust amid a crisis. Peter responded: “Master, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.”

This helps all of us to live through moments of crisis. This pandemic is also a time of social crisis.

This is not the time to make changes. It is a moment of fidelity, of fidelity to God, fidelity to the decisions we have made before. Also, it is a moment of conversion because this fidelity will inspire some of us to change for the better. In times of crisis, be very firm in the conviction of faith.

Pope Francis prays for government leaders 
facing the coronavirus crisis
May 2, 2020


Anne Osdieck
 

**From Saint Louis University

Kristin Clauson