Discussion Questions

First Reading

Acts 15:1-2, 22-29

F1. Is there any growth without tension?  Would the Church be better off today if there was never dissension and debate? Which is a sign of life: Paul and Barnabas going to Jerusalem to work out the Judean people’s objections, on the one hand, or the two “sides” staying as far away from each other as possible on the other?

F2. Was there speaking and listening going on in the First Reading? Discuss the value both of listening and of representing your own viewpoint when coming together to work out a problem. How are your listening skills? Do you try to see the other person’s point of view?

Second Reading

Revelation 21:10-14, 22-23

S1. What kind of vision are we reading about in the Second Reading? Is it literal? Do the “names of the twelve tribes” and the “names of the twelve apostles” on the gates and stones of the city (Revelations 21:13) close the chasm between the Jewish people of the Old Testament and the New Testament Christians?

S2. In this reading John talks about the “Lamb,” present with the twelve apostles. Why is Christ called the Lamb (which we repeat in every Mass: “Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world … )? Was he a sacrificial victim?

Gospel

John 14:23-29

G1. “Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid.” What gift did Jesus leave us to prevent the Church from being closed in on itself and acting in fear all the time?

G2. According to Pope Francis, what is the most important reality of life that the Spirit teaches us?

The Holy Spirit, Jesus says, “dwells with you and will be in you” (cf. v. 17). He never abandons us. The Holy Spirit wants to stay with us; he is not a passing guest who comes to pay us a courtesy visit. He is a companion for life, a stable presence. He is Spirit and desires to dwell in our spirits. He is patient and stays with us even when we fall. He remains because he truly loves us; he does not pretend to love us, and then leaves us alone when things get difficult. No. He is loyal, he is transparent, he is authentic. …

If we call on the Spirit, we will learn to embrace and recall the most important reality of life … And what is the most important reality in life? That we are beloved children of God.

Pope Francis Angelus 6 Sun of Easter
May 14, 2023

Anne Osdieck

**From Saint Louis University