Theme:

This Sunday is Pentecost Sunday. It is the birth day of the Church. We remember the descent of the Holy Spirit with power on the disciples.

Questions:

Day 1: The first reading shows how the Holy Spirit descended on the apostles. Pentecost is the feast of harvest. With it, the apostles gathered their first harvest. The scene opens with the disciples and Mary in the upper room.

• How did the author describe the coming of the Holy Spirit? Did he come quietly or did he come with power?

• What is the significance of fire with the Holy Spirit? What are the characteristics of fire? These are the same characteristics of the Holy Spirit.

• What was the sign that the disciples were filled with the Spirit? What does this mean?

Day 2: When the Spirit descended, several things happened. The disciples spoke in different languages and the people heard them speak in the native tongues of each.

• What made the Jews gather around the house?

• What is the significance of the ability of the people to hear the disciples speaking in their own language?

• What were the disciples saying?

Day 3: The responsorial psalm speaks of God as the Creator and Provider.

• What attributes did the psalmist give to God. What do each of these mean?

• The psalm says that when God hides his face, all creation is dismayed. What did he mean by that?

• When God takes his breath away, all creation dies. What does this mean?

• When God sends his Spirit, then things get created and God renews the face of the ground. What does this mean? How is this relevant to you?

Day 4: In the second reading, St. Paul speaks of different gifts in the same Spirit.

• What did St. Paul mean when he said that no one speaking by the Spirit can curse Jesus?

• St. Paul says that no one can say “Jesus is Lord” except by the Spirit. What does it mean to say that Jesus is YOUR Lord?

• Have you accepted Jesus as your Lord? What do you want to tell Jesus?

Day 5: St. Paul continues to talk about various gifts given by the Spirit.

• St. Paul said that the gifts are given for the common good. What did he mean by that?

• God has given you gifts. Honestly look at yourself and write down all your gifts and talents. Are you using them for the good of others?

• St. Paul says that we are all baptized into one body. What did he mean by that?

Day 6: The gospel reading narrates the evening of Resurrection Sunday. The disciples were locked in the room and Jesus then appeared before them.

• John mentions that the disciples were afraid. Is it normal to be afraid even after you have known Jesus? What should you do when you are afraid?

• Even when the doors were locked, Jesus appeared to them. Jesus can break through our fears. Do you believe that Jesus has power over all your fears? What do you want to tell Jesus?

• What were the first words of Jesus to the disciples? These words are also for you. Jesus brings you peace. There is no need to be afraid. In your fears, speak to Jesus. Ask him to give you peace.

Day 7: Jesus continues to speak to his disciples.

• Jesus sends his disciples as the Father sent him. How did the Father sent Jesus? How is Jesus sending you?

• Jesus then breathed on them and gave them the Holy Spirit. With the commissioning, Jesus gave his disciples the Holy Spirit. What is the role of the Holy Spirit then in evangelization?

• After Jesus gave the disciples the Holy Spirit, he gave them the power to forgive sins. This means that the disciples of Jesus have power over sin – to forgive them and to retain them. With the Spirit, one can be set free from sin. Do you have a sin that hold you? With the power of the Spirit, you can be set free. Ask the Spirit to set you free.