Discussion Questions

First Reading

Amos 7:12-15

F1. They chased Amos out of Bethel. How do you feel about rejection? Can you think of any prophet who didn’t experience rejection? What do you do when something needs to be done that makes everyone uncomfortable? What are some situations today that need prophets? Are you willing to take on the job?

F2. Amos points out to Amaziah that he was a shepherd and it wasn’t his idea to be a prophet. Are education, occupation, eloquence, talent or intelligence prerequisites for a prophet? Then what is it that is necessary? If you were called to be a prophet, would you be as reluctant as Amos was? Would you probably have to leave your comfort zone?

Second Reading

Ephesians 1:3-14 or 1:3-10

S1. Can you accept St. Paul’s statement that we have been in the mind of God from all eternity, before the creation of the world? What is your response?
 
S2. “In him we also … were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit. … ” Has the Holy Spirit been active in your life, guiding, fixing, enlightening, giving courage, helping you trust. Has God lavished his grace on you through the Holy Spirit this year? This week? Today?

Gospel

Mark 6:7-13

1. “Evangelizing” means to bring the Good News to all humanity, and through its influence to make humanity new, transform it from within. How can you transform humanity around you in your daily life? ... your care for the poor, the environment, for those suffering from discrimination?

2. Jesus sends his disciples to carry on his mission throughout the world with nothing but a walking stick. But he also asks his Father that they be consecrated in the truth. (John 17:19) Will they need anything besides truth (Truth = God’s love) for the journey? Can truth be perceived differently at different times?

Jesus asks the Father to consecrate his disciples in truth as they will be sent throughout the world to carry on his mission. Keeping the truth does not mean defending ideas, becoming guardians of a system of doctrines and dogmas, but remaining bound to Christ and being devoted to his Gospel. Truth, for the apostle John, is Christ himself, the revelation of the Father’s love. 

Pope Francis,
Mass with the Myanmar Community in Rome,
May 16, 2021

Anne Osdieck

**From Saint Louis University