First Reading
Acts 10: 34, 37-43

1. What is the significance of the word “witness,” in this reading, which Peter uses three times both as a noun (meaning “observer”) and a verb (meaning “corroborate,” “testify”)?

2. What are some of the ways you can bear witness in your life? Should you witness with more than words?

Second Reading
Colossians 3: 1-4

1. “Brothers and sisters: If then you were raised with Christ, seek what is above.” Paul tells us what is “above” later in chapter 3 of Colossians. He says that we should put on heartfelt compassion. What does compassion look like in your immediate world and in the larger one?

2. Paul asks us to “Think of what is above, not of what is on earth.” Name all the qualities that you think should be on that list. Which of those do you “seek” most?

Gospel
Mark 16: 1-7
Luke: 24: 13-35

1. “Who was the first one to come to the tomb early in the morning? Were the women who were with Jesus at the end ever governed by fear? Explain. Compare and contrast their behavior with some of Jesus’ other disciples’ actions. Looking at all the disciples during Jesus’ last hours, whose behavior would you like to emulate?

2. Why do you think the disciples recognized Jesus in the breaking of the bread? They said that their hearts were burning when he opened the Scriptures to them. Has your heart ever “burned” when you have understood something in the Scriptures? Discuss.

Anne Osdieck