The theme for this Sunday is about our election or call from God. The first reading speaks of the election of seven deacons in the early Church. The second reading speaks of our call to come to Jesus. In the gospel reading, Jesus is telling us about God's desire for us to live with him.

Questions:

Day 1: The first reading tells us that the apostles were so busy in distributing food that they were neglecting prayer and serving the word.

• When the apostles said that it is not right to neglect the word of God to serve tables, what did they mean by that?

• Did they mean that they should just preach the word and not help the widows and poor? If not, what did they mean by that?

• What is more important, developing a relationship with Jesus or doing good works without a relationship with Jesus? Why?

Day 2: The apostles then asked the people to choose seven men to help them distribute the food.

• What were the criteria for choosing these men?

• What would the apostles devote themselves to while these men distribute the good?

• Based on what the apostles did, where does good works fit in one's faith?

• The end of the episode says that a great many priests became obedient to the faith. The priests mentioned here are the Jewish priests or priests of the Temple. What does this say about the growth of the Church?

Day 3: The psalm speaks of the goodness of God. It tells the reader to rejoice and praise the Lord.

• The psalmist says that the word of the Lord is upright. What did he mean by that?

• The psalmist also says that all of God's work is done in faithfulness. What does this mean?

• What will the Lord do to those who fear him and on those who hope in his steadfast love?

• These are promises of the Lord. Do you believe these promises? What will you tell Jesus about these promises?

Day 4: The second reading is still from Peter's first letter.

• He talks of Jesus as a living stone. What did he mean by that?

• He also says that we are to be built into a spiritual house. What did he mean by this?

• Peter also says that we are to be a holy priesthood. What did he mean by this?

• Sacrifices at the time of Jesus were not sufferings. These were animals slaughtered and offered to God. What did Peter mean when he said that we are to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God? What do you have to kill and offer to God?

Day 5: Peter continues to speak about Jesus as the stone rejected by the builders.

• What did he mean when he said that those who believe in him will not be put to shame? What does believing in Jesus mean?

• Peter also called you a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people set apart. What do each of these mean?

• Peter also said that you were called from darkness to his marvelous light. Have you passed from darkness to light? How can you do that?

• What do you want to tell Jesus about passing from darkness to light?

Day 6: The gospel reading is part of the prayer of Jesus before he was arrested and crucified. It talks of the Father's plan for everyone.

• Jesus commands us to not let our hearts be troubled. This is done by believing in God and believing in him. What does believing in God and believing in Jesus mean?

• Jesus said that in his Father's house are many dwelling places. He goes to prepare a place for you. This means that since the beginning of time, God has already planned that you live with him for all eternity. What does this mean to you?

• Jesus said that he will come and take you to himself so that where he is, you may be there also. Do you believe that Jesus will come for you so that you can live with his Father?

Day 7: Jesus continues to reveal himself in the gospel reading.

• What did Jesus mean when he said that he is the Way? What did he mean when he said that he is the Truth? What did he mean when he said that he is the Life?

• The question of Jesus to Philip is also for everyone. How long have you known Jesus? Can you say that you have known him already? What do you want to tell Jesus?

• Jesus said that those who believe in him will do greater works that what he had done. What did he mean by this? Do you believe this? What do you want to tell Jesus?