First Reading
Acts 5:27-32, 40b-41
1. The “Sanhedrin” said to Peter and the apostles, “We gave you strict orders, did we not, to stop teaching in that name”? Why the objections from this ancient council? How are you with interpretations of God’s word that are different from your own?
2. The apostles rejoiced that they had been found worthy to suffer dishonor. When you encounter suffering in your life is there anything that helps you accept it? What would make a person “embrace” suffering? Do you know anyone who suffers but also exudes a kind of spiritual joy?
Second Reading
Revelation 5:11-14
1. Why does John say that he heard every creature in the universe cry out the words, “to the one who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be blessing and honor, glory and might, forever and ever.” How does the environment “cry out” and glorify God? How do birds and beasts? How do you?
2. The Israelites slaughtered and ate a lamb at the time of the Passover, and were protected from harm by the lamb’s blood on their doorposts. The mystery of divine love is that Christ, the Lamb, was slain out of love for us. How are cross and resurrection made one in the image of the Paschal Lamb? Is this image a model for the Church?
Gospel:
John 21:1-19 or 21:1-14
1. Jesus was on the shore. John and the other disciples were in the fishing boat. Why do you think John recognized Jesus before the others? Discuss. There are four stories in this gospel: the appearance of Jesus to the disciples, the large catch of fish, the meal, and Peter’s commission. Which do you like to think about? Why?
2. Below, Pope Francis suggests future Vatican diplomats cast their nets in a certain place. Where? And where do you think those “less obvious seas” are?
The Holy Father also asked that future apostolic nuncios not look for “fish in aquariums or farms,” but that they “instead have the courage to leave behind the safe margins of what is already known and to cast your nets and rods in less obvious seas.”
Pope Francis, Christ's Face to the World, June 25, 2015
