Discussion Questions

First Reading

Acts 2:1-11

1. Every nation was confused and amazed because everyone understood in his or her language what the apostles were saying. If you were completely open to the Holy Spirit, would you have a deeper understanding of all that you hear? Was the miracle in the speaking or the hearing? How does the Holy Spirit use the miracle of hearing with you?

2. “When the time for Pentecost was fulfilled they were all in one place together. ... ” Was fear present? What took the place of “fear” after the Holy Spirit rested on each one of them? According to Pope Francis, what are the implications of this for the Church today?

When they were locked in there, in the Upper Room, they were not strategizing, no, they were not drafting any pastoral plan. …

The Spirit himself opens doors and pushes us to press beyond what has already been said and done, beyond the precincts of a timid and wary faith. In the world, unless there is tight organization and a clear strategy, things fall apart. In the Church, however, the Spirit guarantees unity to those who proclaim the message. The Apostles set off: unprepared, yet putting their lives on the line. One thing kept them going: the desire to give what they received. The opening part of the First Letter of Saint John is beautiful: “that which we have seen and heard we proclaim also to you” (cf Jn 1:3).

Pope Francis Pentecost Homily
May 31, 2020

Second Reading

1 Corinthians 12:3b-7,12-13 or Romans 8:8-17

1. “To each individual the manifestation of the Spirit is given for some benefit. ... ” Were Vivaldi and Michelangelo, for instance, given gifts solely for their own pleasure? For whose benefit were they given? What are your gifts and for what benefit were they given to you and those around you? What gifts are you given to help with racism, gun violence, ending war or climate crisis? Are you a finder of solutions? A peace maker? A giver of food or money? One who prays?

2. Could the gifts of the Spirit help eradicate many of our problems: gifts of knowledge, wisdom, understanding, reverence, courage, right judgment and awe and wonder in the presence of God?

Gospel

John 20:19-23 or John 14:15-16, 23b-26

1. Jesus “breathed” on them. How does this relate to Genesis 2:7, “God formed man of dust from the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life”? What is the significance for you? How important is the Holy Spirit to you?

2. “ … When the doors were locked where the disciples were, for fear of the Jews … ” How were the disciples different after the Spirit’s arrival? In your own life do you tend to see the Holy Spirit as dynamic and constant or as only occasional? Rate your belief in the Holy Spirit being your constant companion on a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being the highest. Are you different when you are confident that the Spirit is with you? Explain.

Anne Osdieck
 

**From Saint Louis University