4TH SUNDAY OF EASTER

Discussion Questions for Reading 1, Acts 13:14, 43-52 - Paul and Barnabas were Jews. They were very devout and religious Jews, and it was natural for them, after they discovered Jesus and his message, to share that message with those who shared their belief in God. For the Jews who accepted Jesus and his message, this meant a change. Why do you think the Jewish leaders of the synagogue resisted Paul and Barnabas? When do you resist a new idea? Why?  Because of this resistance, Paul and Barnabas begin their mission to the non-Jews, the Gentiles who were pagans. These were people who, if they believed at all, believed in pagan gods and goddesses. Why do you think they were open to the message that Paul and Barnabas brought to them? When are you open to new ideas? Why?
Discussion Questions for Reading 2, Revelations 7:9, 14b-17 - Do the long white robes and the palm branches remind you of anything? The newly baptized at the Easter Vigil are given a white garment to wear. Newly baptized infants wear baptismal gowns that are white. White is the color of victory. It is the color of resurrection! The palm branches are symbols of victory, too. When do we carry palm branches in our liturgy?  This reading calls Jesus, "the Lamb." When do we pray to the Lamb of God in the liturgy? What do we ask for in that prayer? Jesus is the lamb who sacrificed himself for us. Why do you think we pray this litany just before receiving Holy Communion? 

Discussion Questions for Gospel, John 10:27-30 - Did you know that the brain capacity of the average dog is about the same as that of a three-year-old child? This means that dogs can understand quite a lot! It also means that there is still a lot that they cannot understand. They do not understand traffic lights, or what makes chicken bones or rat poison bad to eat.  This is why it is up to us to keep our dogs out of danger. We often use our voices to do this: "Come! Heel! Sit! Down!" This is what a good shepherd does for sheep. Just as a dog recognizes its owner's voice, sheep recognize the shepherd's voice. We, as the flock of Jesus, hear and recognize Jesus' voice. When do we hear his voice? How do we recognize it?  What can you do this week to show that you have truly heard the Good Shepherd's voice?   http://www.webelieveweb.com/home_proclaiming_faith.cfm?reading_id=69&language=eng&book=0