First Reading
Acts 6:1-7

1. As the early church grew, problems arose and were addressed. For instance, the Hellenists neglected widows. Do you see areas of negligence today that the Church might help find solutions for? Environmental protection? Homelessness? Immigration? Looking into reasons behind why some groups are more affected by the pandemic?

2. “The Hellenists complained. … So the Twelve called together the community of disciples. … ” Today, does the Church makes changes to meet the needs of our times? Is there a benefit in involving the “community” in making changes? How important is the ability to make changes? Is anyone you know making changes like the leaders in this Reading did, to meet the Church’s needs of our times? Who? How do you feel about it?

Second Reading
1 Peter 2:4-9

1. St. Peter says that we are “a chosen race a royal priesthood and holy nation, a people of his own.” Do you “announce the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light”? Regularly? Sometimes? With words? With works?

2. With what works might a “royal priesthood or a holy nation” treat the projected 265 million people facing acute hunger by the end of the year due to the coronavirus?

Gospel
John 14:1-12

1. The disciples didn’t know where Jesus was going. And they certainly did not want him to leave. Can you relate to this desire to be with someone you love? How is human love a reflection of divine love? Or a participation in it?

2. Pope Francis says that God’s love for us is madness. The Father loved us so much he sent us his son to guide us on the way! Does Pope Francis’ message below, about Jesus pitching his tent in our midst, help us know The Way? The Truth? Does it help us know the Father?

In him was revealed the grace, the mercy, and the tender love of the Father: Jesus is love incarnate. He is not simply a teacher of wisdom, he is not an ideal for which we strive while knowing that we are hopelessly distant from it. He is the meaning of life and history, who has pitched his tent in our midst.

Our Father is patient, he loves us, he gives us Jesus to guide us on the way which leads to the promised land. Jesus is the light who brightens the darkness.

Midnight Mass Homily of Pope Francis, #2, #3
December 24. 2013