First Reading
Acts 2:14a, 36-41
1. Those listening to Peter’s sermon were “cut to the heart.” Does anything affect you this way? They asked, “Brothers, what should we do?” How do you think you would have responded to Peter’s sermon?
2. Do you know what the word conversion means? Is it a once-in-a-lifetime experience or is it on-going? Explain. Who needs conversion? Name the things that it involves besides a change of behavior.
Second Reading
1 Peter 2:20b-45
1. Christ’s innocence and lack of vengeance show us what God’s love is like. Where do you find strength to endure your suffering? How can suffering be an occasion of grace? Is the pandemic an occasion of grace for you?
2. In this reading Peter says about Jesus, “When he was insulted, he returned no insult.” Can he be referring to suffering inflicted on a person who does good? Give examples in which this might have been the case. Have you had such an experience? Where do you think Gandhi and Martin Luther King got their ideas of nonviolence?
Gospel
John 10:1-10
1. When flocks were mingled together, each flock would recognize the sound of their own shepherd’s voice and come to him, ignoring other shepherds’ voices. Can you discern which “voice” in your life belongs to the Good Shepherd? Which of the following is your favorite comparison of Christ to the Good Shepherd: explain.
• calling by name,
• recognition of voice,
• following Christ,
• not following strangers,
• shepherd as gate.
2. According to Pope Francis why would a good shepherd take risks today? Sixty priests died in Italy taking care of corona virus patients. How did they take risks?
In the Heart of the Good Shepherd, the Father’s love shines forth.
There I know I am welcomed and understood as I am; there, with all my sins and limitations, I know the certainty that I am chosen and loved.
The Heart of the Good Shepherd tells us that his love is limitless. It is never exhausted and it never gives up. There we see his infinite and boundless self-giving. There we find the source of that faithful and meek love which sets free and makes others free.
Pope Francis’ Guide for Priests, June 3, 2016
