"Receive the Holy Spirit."

Sunday Readings' Discussion Questions
Pentecost Sunday, May 27, 2012 (PentecostB)
From the Center for Liturgy at Saint Louis University

Sunday Readings: Vigil Mass
Sunday Readings: Sunday Mass
Podcast of the Readings 
Video of Reflections on Readings
Lecturas y Comentarios 
New American Bible
Prayer of the Hours
BQ: What does the Holy Spirit do in your life?

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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 10:25-26, 34-35, 44-48

1. In the First Reading the Holy Spirit is given as tongues of fire accompanied by a strong driving wind. In the Gospel Jesus was in the disciples’ midst and gave them the Spirit too by breathing on them. Do you have an idea how there could be two different descriptions of this superatural event?

2. Did the Holy Spirit come only once in history, to the apostles and Mary in the upper room? Or do you see the Holy Spirit as dynamic and constant in every life? How were the disciples different after the Spirit’s arrival? 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. Our Psalm reminds us that we are dependent on the Lord for our very breath. Tell about what makes you aware of the 'divine Breath' in your life.

2. Our Sunday Psalm Response is, 'Lord, send out your Spirit and renew the face of the earth.' Is the Holy Spirit doing a work in you? Are you a 'new creation?' Speak about your baptism in the Holy Spirit.

Second Reading
Corinthians 12:3b-7, 12-13


1. “To each individual the manifestation of the Spirit is given for some benefit.” Were Vivaldi and Michelangelo 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?

2. St. Alphonsus Rodriguez was a Jesuit Brother (1533-1617), whose job for forty years was to answer the door of the Jesuit College in Majorca. Would his spiritual gift of service compare to that of St. Francis Xavier, who converted whole countries? How?

Gospel
John 20:19-23

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?” How is this significant for you? How important is the Holy Spirit to you?

2. Jesus said, “Peace be with you…,” and the disciples’ first task after receiving the Holy Spirit was to forgive sins. What impact does forgiveness of sin have on peace? Is it always easy to forgive? How peaceful do you feel when you experience problems with forgiveness?

Sunday Bible Study Group
Please share your comments on the Sunday Readings. May we be blessed by God's words as reflected in your thoughts and experience-sharing. 
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