Discussion Questions

First Reading

Acts 2:1-11

F1. The nations were confused and amazed because everyone heard what the apostles were saying, but each perceived it in his own language. If you were completely open to the Holy Spirit, would you have a deeper understanding of everything that you hear? Was the miracle in the speaking or in the hearing? How does the Holy Spirit use the miracle of hearing with you?

F2. How were the disciples different after the Spirit’s arrival? In your own life do you tend to see the Holy Spirit as dynamic and constant or only occasional? Rate your belief in the Holy Spirit as your constant companion on a scale of 1 to 10. Are you different when you are confident that the Spirit is with you?

Second Reading

1 Corinthians 12:3b-7, 12-13 or Romans 8:8-17

S1. The gifts of the Spirit are knowledge, wisdom, understanding, reverence, courage, right judgment and awe and wonder in the presence of God. How do they create unity in the Church? Think about one of the worst problems in the world today (War in Ukraine, Climate crisis, Immigration, Racial bias) ... what small or large gifts has the Spirit given you to help with a problem that should be eradicated?

S2. Were Puccini and Shakespeare given gifts for their own pleasure? Then for what were these given? What gifts from the Holy Spirit are you aware of in yourself? Do you foresee yourself using them? Will synodality call you to use them?

Gospel

John 20:19-23 or John 14:15-16, 23b-26

G1. Compare God breathing life into Adam with Jesus breathing the Holy Spirit into his disciples. What is the significance for you? Is there a new creation? Do you have the courage to strike out on or join new paths the Holy Spirit shows you?

G2. Just as the disciples were to embody the Holy Spirit, now it’s our turn. Why do you think Pope Francis says in his Pentecost homily that the Church needs to testify now to mercy?

Let us go another step. We too are called to testify in the Holy Spirit, to become paracletes, comforters. The Spirit is asking us to embody the comfort he brings. How can we do this? Not by making great speeches, but by drawing near to others. Not with trite words, but with prayer and closeness. Let us remember that closeness, compassion and tenderness are God’s “trademark,” always. The Paraclete is telling the Church that today is the time for comforting.

It is more a time for joyfully proclaiming the Gospel than for combatting paganism. It is the time for bringing the joy of the Risen Lord, not for lamenting the drama of secularization. It is the time for pouring out love upon the world, not for embracing worldliness. It is more the time for testifying to mercy than for inculcating rules and regulations. It is the time of the Paraclete! It is the time of freedom of heart, in the Paraclete.

Pope Francis’ Pentecost Homily
May 23, 2021

Anne Osdieck

**From Saint Louis University