Our theme this week, focuses on Hope. From, 1 Peter 3:15-19, “always be ready to give an explanation to anyone who asks you for a reason for your hope," Bishop John Dolan has a discussion with Vino Pajanor of Catholic Charities San Diego and Deacon Jim Vargas of Father Joe's Villages.
6th Sunday of Easter (Español)
The commentary for this week is provided by Deacon Mark Silvia of Our Lady of Perpetual Help in the Diocese of San Diego. For an online view, visit: christ-ion.com
Opening prayer
Grant, almighty God, that we may celebrate with heartfelt devotion these days of joy, which we keep in honor of the risen Lord, and that what we relive in remembrance we may always hold to in what we do. Amen.
1st Reading: Acts 8:5-8, 14-17
After the martyrdom of St. Stephen, a severe persecution of the church in Jerusalem broke out and all the disciples of Jesus were scattered throughout the countryside of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles.
Phillip, one of the Church’s first deacons, traveled to Samaria where he preached and baptized many people. When the Apostles heard that Samaria had accepted the Word, they sent Peter and John that they might receive the Holy Spirit, for they had only been baptized.
The Word was accepted with great joy in Samaria and Judea by those who heard it preached to them, and the Church responded quickly to welcome them with the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist.
Questions
In the early Church, there was a great zeal and urgency to share the Word with the world. Is there a need for the same zeal and urgency today? Do you feel the same zeal and urgency to share the Word with others?
2nd Reading: 1 Peter 3:15-18
St. Peter tells us to, “always be ready to give an explanation to anyone who asks you for a reason for your hope.” At the very heart of evangelization is the sharing of the great hope we have in Christ Jesus.
There are so many people who live without hope, and sadly do not know where to find the hope they long for. We are called to be the light that guides them to Christ. We are called to share the Good News of Jesus Christ with everyone who deeply longs for Him, though they may not recognize the reason for their longing.
Sometimes, we may not feel equipped or worthy to share our hope in Christ, but just like the Samaritan Woman at the well, once we have drunk deeply of the Living Waters of Jesus, we are compelled by the joy of the Holy Spirit to run and tell others.
Every person, if they recognize it or not, is longing for God. Jesus told the Apostles, and through them each of us, to “Go into the whole world and proclaim the gospel to every creature.
Questions
How would you explain the reason for your hope in Christ Jesus?
What does it take to be an evangelist for Christ?
Gospel: John 14:15-21
Jesus told his disciples that he was returning to the Father, and if we love Him and keep His commandments, He will ask his Father to send an Advocate, the Spirit of Truth, who will be with us always.
In the Father and in the Spirit, Jesus promises to be with us always. Though the world may not see Him, we will know that He is present.
Jesus said, “Whoever loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and reveal myself to him.”
Jesus promises not to leave us orphans, but to be with us always. He is our Lord and our beloved companion on the journey.
If you have lived long enough, chances are that you have had difficult times in your life. It may have been times of the loss of a loved one, anxious times due to financial or employment issues, painful times of injury, illness, or depression, or it may have been the despair of an addiction. Yet, no matter how difficult it may have been, Jesus promises to be with you always.
Questions
How did you recognize Jesus’ presence during your most difficult time?
How did it help to know that Jesus was with you?
This Week's Task
Take time to pray to the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, and reflect upon how He has guided and helped you throughout your life. Reflect upon the presence of Jesus with you through your most difficult times and share that experience with another person.
Prayer
The leader invites the group to pray the following words together.
Come, Holy Spirit,
fill the hearts of your faithful.
And kindle in them the fire of your love.
Send forth your Spirit and they shall be created.
And you will renew the face of the earth.
Lord, by the light of the Holy Spirit
you have taught the hearts of your faithful.
In the same Spirit
help us to relish what is right
and always rejoice in your consolation.
We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Psalm
The leader will guide the group in praying Psalm 33 (from the 6th Sunday of Easter)
Psalm Response: Let all the earth cry out to God with joy.
Shout joyfully to God, all the earth,
sing praise to the glory of his name;
proclaim his glorious praise.
R. Let all the earth cry out to God with joy.
“Let all on earth worship and sing praise to you,
sing praise to your name!”
Come and see the works of God,
his tremendous deeds among the children of Adam.
R. Let all the earth cry out to God with joy.
He has changed the sea into dry land;
through the river they passed on foot;
therefore, let us rejoice in him.
He rules by his might forever.
R. Let all the earth cry out to God with joy.
Hear now, all you who fear God,
while I declare what he has done for me.
Blessed be God who refused me not
my prayer or his kindness!
R. Let all the earth cry out to God with joy.
Conclude with an Our Father
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