First Reading
Ezekiel 18:25-28

1. When we turn away from wickedness we are turning toward God. Spiritual writers call this “conversion.” Are we converted just once or do we experience conversion many times in our lifetime? If so, in what sense?

2. What do you think the Pope means when he refers to the “difficulty of daily conversion”?

We face so many challenges in life: poverty, distress, humiliation, the struggle for justice, persecutions, the difficulty of daily conversion, the effort to remain faithful to our call to holiness, and many others. But if we open the door to Jesus and allow him to be part of our lives, if we share our joys and sorrows with him, then we will experience the peace and joy that only God, who is infinite love, can give

Pope Francis, World Youth Day, 2014

Second Reading
Philippians 2:1-11 or 2:1-5

1. The reading says “ … humbly regard others as more important than yourselves, each looking out not for his own interests, but also for those of others.” Who is doing this now where you live? Are there people marching for racial justice? Or health care workers? Or those trying to change the climate crisis?

2. Paul begins this reading with, “ … if there is any participation in the Spirit … ” Do you ask the Spirit, who lives in you, for help in situations where you find yourself in a quandary? Do you always get help when you ask for it?

Gospel
Matthew 21:28-32

1. Using the idea of “conversion” from above, discuss the two sons from this Gospel reading. Which one needed to change and turn toward his father? Are you presently in need of conversion in any area of your life? What counts more in building community, saying some good words, or actually doing some good deeds? At which one are you better, words or deeds?

2. Jesus told the chief priests and elders, “when John came to you in the way of righteousness, you did not believe him.” Why didn’t they believe John the Baptist? Was it hard for them to change their minds and think in new ways? Is it hard for you?