Theme:

The readings for this Sunday prepare us for the coming of the Holy Spirit. The first reading shows how Philip, one of the deacons, did great works in his ministry. The psalm talks of the goodness of God. The second reading speaks of suffering for Christ. And the gospel speaks of the Holy Spirit.

Questions:

Day 1: The first reading describes the ministry of Philip in the city of Samaria.

• What did Philip do in the city of Samaria? What was the crowd's reaction?

• What were the signs that Philip did?

• Do you still see these signs in the Church? Why or why not?

Day 2: The reading continues to speak of the descent of the Holy Spirit on the converts in Samaria.

• The reading said that Samaria had accepted the word of God. What does it mean?

• What did Peter and John do when they arrived in Samaria? Why did it have to be Peter and John who prayed over the people of Samaria? Could Philip not do that?

• What happened when Peter and John laid their hands on the people? What does it mean to receive the Holy Spirit?

• Have you received the Holy Spirit? What will tell the Holy Spirit?

Day 3: The psalm speaks of praising God and his works.

• In verse 3, the psalmist invites the reader to say to God, “How awesome are your deeds!”. Has God done great deeds for you? How can you see the awesome deeds of God in your personal life?

• The psalmist describes what God did to his people. He turned the sea to dry land. Are you faced with the sea, something that prevents you from achieving God's plan for you. The psalmist says that God turns that sea to dry land. He can remove that barrier. How will you tell God to change the sea into dry land in your life?

• The psalmist said that God will not listen if there is iniquity in one's heart. What does this mean?

• Is there an iniquity in your life that you are battling with? How will you tell the Lord to remove that from you, to help you win over it?

Day 4: The second reading is still taken from Peter. He tells us about sufferings.

• Peter tells us to sanctify Christ as Lord. What did he mean by that?

• How should we handle those who persecute you?

• St. Peter speaks of the hope that is in you. What is this hope that he is talking about?
  

Day 5: Peter continues to speak about sufferings.

• When Peter said that “it is better to suffer for doing good, if suffering is God's will”, he did not mean that we should go out of our way to look for sufferings. He also implies that we should fight against suffering if it is not God's will. How can you do that?

• Peter speaks of Jesus suffering for the righteous and unrighteous. It means that Jesus suffered even for your enemies. What should you do then about those who do evil against you?

• Jesus was put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit. What does this mean?

Day 6: In the gospel reading, Jesus speaks of the Holy Spirit.

• In verse 15, according to Jesus, how can you prove that you love him?

• What will he do when you love him? What does this mean?

• Until when will the Holy Spirit be with you? How is this relevant to you?

• Jesus said that you know the Holy Spirit. Do you know the Holy Spirit? How can you know him?

Day 7: Jesus continues his discourse on the Holy Spirit.

• Jesus was about to leave his disciples. But he promised that he will not leave them orphaned. What did he mean by that?

• Jesus said that we will see him and we will live because he lives. What does this mean?

• To whom will Jesus reveal himself? Do you want to know the real Jesus? What will you tell Jesus?