First Reading
Acts 4:32-35
1. In this reading, the community’s treatment of possessions is the early Church’s response to Christ’s life, death and resurrection. How does your treatment of possessions compare with theirs?
2. Who are the needy people in your immediate life? Can you take care of at least some of their privations? What, if anything, can you do about the lacks of people in your extended world? If you joined forces with another person or group could you do something to alleviate some needs of these people?
Second Reading
1 John 5:1-6
1. Does what you have done make you a Christian, or what Christ has done? Which is more important, belief in Jesus or performance of good deeds? If you believe deeply and personally in Jesus will good deeds spring from that belief and love?
2. “ … We know that we love the children of God when we love God. … ” Love of God presumes love for others. If the two loves (love of God and love for others) are so connected, and if one form of love always results in the other, does it matter which comes first?
Gospel:
John 20:19-31
1. What is the significance of Jesus’ breath when he gave the disciples the Holy Spirit? Is it the same Holy Spirit you receive in Baptism and Confirmation? Jesus empowered his disciples with his Spirit so they could pass the gift of peace on to others. He said to them, “Whose sins you forgive are forgiven.” How is peace related to forgiveness of sins?
2. Making peace between God and the world was Jesus’ Easter gift to us. Do we have a part in helping spread that peace? Discuss Pope Francis’ statement regarding peace.
… Peace to the whole world, torn apart by violence linked to drug trafficking and by the iniquitous exploitation of natural resources! Peace to this our Earth! May the risen Jesus bring comfort to the victims of natural disasters and make us responsible guardians of creation.
