"Let anyone who thirsts come to me and drink."

This Sunday, May 19, 2013, we will celebrate the Solemnity of Pentecost, marking the end of the Easter Season. Interestingly, the gospel reading is the same as what we had on Easter Sunday; John 20:19-23. The Spirit that descended upon the apostles at Pentecost is the same Spirit that Jesus breathed on them “on the evening of that first day”; the day of his Resurrection.


Sunday Readings' Discussion Questions
Pentecost Sunday, May 19, 2013 (PentecostC)
From the Center for Liturgy at Saint Louis University

Readings for Vigil Mass
Sunday Readings (Pentecost Sunday)
Lecturas y Comentarios 
Prayer of the Hours
Burning Question: Can non-Catholics go to heaven?

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Questions on Sunday's Readings for use by discussion groups,
prayer groups, or for individual prayer.
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First Reading
Acts of the Apostles, Chapter 2, Verses 1-11

1. People from every nation were confused and amazed because through the Holy Spirit everyone understood 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 and see? Was the miracle in the speaking or the hearing? How does the Holy Spirit use the miracle of hearing with you?

2. 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 only occasional? Rate you awareness on a scale of 1 to 10 of your belief in the Holy Spirit as your constant companion. Are you different when you are confident that the Spirit is with you? Explain.

Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 104: 1, 24, 29-30, 31, 34

1. As in our Psalm, do you also feel the presence of the 'divine breath' in your spiritual life? Speak of how the Holy Spirit is at work in your life.

2. Our psalmist says that the Spirit of the Lord 'renews the face of the earth.' Tell of how you are a new creation, after having been baptized in the Holy Spirit.

Second Reading
Romans, Chapter 8, Verses 8-17 or
First Corinthians, Chapter 12, Verses 3b-7, 12-13

1. How do the gifts of the Spirit (knowledge, wisdom, understanding, reverence, courage, right judgment, awe and wonder in the presence of God) create unity in the Church? Think about one of the worst problems in the world today. What has the Spirit given to help eradicate that problem?

2. Were Puccini and Shakespeare given gifts for their own pleasure? Then what for? What are your gifts from the Holy Spirit and how do you see yourself using them?

Gospel
According to John, Chapter 20, Verses 19-23 or
John, Chapter 14, Verses 15-16, 23b-26

1. Jesus said, “I have much more to tell you…. But when he comes, the Spirit of truth will guide you in all truth.” Now the Spirit has come. Do we know the whole truth about God’s salvific plan? Explain.

2. Compare God breathing life into Adam, and Jesus breathing on the disciples when he gave them the Holy Spirit. What is the significance for you? The disciples’ first task after receiving the Holy Spirit was to forgive sins. What impact does forgiveness of sin have on peace?

Online Sunday Bible Study Group
Please share your reflections on the above Sunday Readings with other ParishWorld readers. May we be blessed by God's words as reflected in your thoughts and experience-sharing.