Readings for Sunday, May 1 — Sixth Sunday of Easter

Acts 15:1-2, 22-29; Psalm 67:2-3, 5-6, 8; Revelation 21:10-14, 22-23; John 14:23-29

Suggested Reflection Questions:

• The reading from Acts chronicles the very first Council of the Church. The issue at hand was whether Gentile Christians needed to become Jews in order to receive the promises of Christ. What is the significance of the Council’s decision (guided by the Holy Spirit) to welcome non-Jews into the Church without requiring that they observe Jewish law?

• The psalmist writes about all the nations of the earth praising God. God is sovereign over all the people of the world and rules them with fairness and justice. Are there words of holy wisdom in this psalm for us?

• Jesus tells his friends not to be afraid or troubled after he leaves them to join God in heaven. He promises that the Holy Spirit will be sent to comfort and encourage them. God will dwell lovingly within anyone who does as Jesus has taught them. If you have received the sacraments of Baptism and Confirmation, you have received the Holy Spirit in a unique and powerful way. How do these sacraments strengthen and reassure us? What are we called to do as people fortified by the Holy Spirit?