Open with a prayer: Spirit of Peace, dwell with us as we gather in your name. You have been sent to be our counselor, comforter and strength. You are the divine guide for our church. Light a fire of love in our hearts that we may become signs of peace in our world. Amen.

Sharing of life: Share a 'moment of grace' you experienced since you last met.

Facilitator reads focus statement: In the Gospel, Jesus promises the Holy Spirit. In the first reading, we see the Holy Spirit guiding the Early Church to resolve a major pastoral problem. In the second reading, John speaks of heaven as the New Jerusalem.

Consider reading the commentary after you read each reading if you have not done so prior to your meeting.

FIRST READING: Acts 15:1-2, 22-29

In this Sunday's Gospel, Jesus promises his Apostles to send the Holy Spirit to "teach them everything". In the first reading, we have a practical example of the Holy Spirit teaching the new Church that Gentiles who wanted to become Christians did not need to be circumcised and follow Jewish dietary regulations.

This Sunday's reading is an excerpt from Acts 15 which recounts what is sometimes called, "The Council of Jerusalem" - the first council in the history of our Church. The council was convened to resolve the issue of what to do about the Jewish Christians who we saying that Gentiles who wanted to become Christians must first be circumcised. Paul and Barnabas, representing the Gentiles, opposed circumcision for Gentile converts.

After much discussion, and perhaps heated debate, a compromise decision was decided. Gentiles who wished to become Christians would not need to be circumcised, but they would be asked to observe certain Jewish dietary regulations out of sensitivity for their fellow Christians who had converted from a strict Jewish religion, e.g., abstain from meat sacrificed to idols. Notice how the letter sent out had the words, "it is the decision of the Holy Spirit and of us. . ." This council, just as the bishops at Vatican II Council, had a keen sense of the presence of the Holy Spirit guiding them in their deliberations.

RESPONSORIAL PSALM 67

This psalm of thanksgiving, among other things, states that salvation is for all God's people and not just a chosen few.

SECOND READING: Revelation 21:10-14, 22-23

In this passage the visionary, John, is taken by an angel to a mountain where he is given a vision of the new heavenly Jerusalem. It is one magnificent sight of a city filled with the radiant presence of God. Scripture Scholar, Patricia Sanchez, writes: John's vision of a New Jerusalem should be understood as a description of the Church, rooted initially in time and space, but growing and evolving toward a heavenly future." The city has no temple because in the new Christian era, the Risen Christ and his presence amongst his people are now the focus of worship. Torches and oil lamps will be replaced by the light of Christ, which will illuminate all gathered to worship. The reference to the 12 gates with names of the 12 tribes of Israel and the 12 corners of stones with the names of the 12 Apostles speak of the link between the old and new covenant. People coming from all directions and backgrounds would be welcomed to enter through the gates.

GOSPEL: John 14:23-29

These verses are from Jesus' Final Discourse. He begins by saying that true love for him means adherence to his Word. By keeping Jesus' Word, his disciples will be drawn into the love and presence of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. This is called the "divine indwelling" in the life of the believer.

Then Jesus speaks of the Advocate, The Holy Spirit, who will "teach them everything and remind them of what Jesus told them." Then Jesus speaks of the "peace" that he will impart with the coming of the Holy Spirit. This peace refers to the restoration of harmony between God and the believer, lost in the rebellion of Genesis and regained in the saving death of Jesus.

Finally, Jesus' going away should be a reason for joy, not sorrow, because after he departs he will send the Holy Spirit. "The Father is greater than I". How is this possible if each of the persons of the Trinity is equal? Scripture scholar, Fr. Roland Faley writes: "Jesus' inferiority lies in his filial obedience and submission to the Father in the fulfillment of his mission."

FAITH SHARING QUESTIONS

1. What verse, image or idea spoke to you in the readings? Why?

2. How to treat Gentiles who wanted to become Christians was a huge issue in the early Church. What are some big pastoral issues for the Church today? Can we learn anything from the Council of Jerusalem on how to resolve these issues?

3. How do you image heaven? What would you like it to be? What is the most heavenly experienced you have had here on earth?

4. Can peace and quiet be sometimes a curse and not a blessing?

5. What is your favorite image of the peaceful life?

RESPONDING TO THE WORD

What is one way you can put today's readings into action? Suggestions: Between now and Pentecost, begin a novena to the Holy Spirit asking for a greater sensitivity and responsiveness to his presence and action in your life and in the world around you. Pray and work for peace in your family. (See last two pages of this booklet for a sample novena to the Holy Spirit.)

CONCLUDE WITH PRAYERS OF PETITION AND INTERCESSION

Include places in the world where there is an obvious lack of peace. Pray for missionaries who continue the work of Paul in remote areas. ©