Pentecost Sunday

Readings for June 8, 2014 — Pentecost Sunday

Acts 2:1-11; Psalm 104:1, 24, 29-30, 31, 34; 1 Corinthians 12:3B-7, 12-13; John 20:19-23

Suggested Reflection Questions:

  • In the first reading from the Acts of the Apostles, people from every nation gathered together for the Jewish feast of Pentecost. The Holy Spirit descends upon the crowds and although they all spoke different languages, each person can understand the other in his native tongue. They spoke of the mighty acts of God. The Holy Spirit wants to draw all of us close to God. What can you do today to stop and listen to God calling you? How and where can you share the good news that we hear in this reading?
  • In the second reading, St. Paul tells us that we have many God-given gifts. We are challenged to use these gifts for the common good. How can we use our gifts to fix problems in the world? What is one injustice that you believe you have the gift to help fix?
  • In the Gospel reading, we hear the same story from the Second Sunday of Easter. Jesus returns to the disciples and says to them, “Peace be with you,” three times. The disciples saw Jesus in a new light upon his return. He had defeated death. Pentecost challenges us to look at our faith in a whole new way. What is one way you looked at your faith differently this week? Has your faith changed at all since before Easter began? How about since before Lent began? How has it changed?