1. Compare and contrast Jesus’ “kingdom” with countries that have powerful political organizations. Are the objectives somewhat different in God’s kingdom and, for instance, the USA?

2. What things hold power over you in your life? Are they good things or would you like to see them lose some of their hold?

Second Reading
Revelation 1:5-8

1. This reading holds that Christ “has made us into a kingdom, priests for his God and Father.” The Jerusalem Bible says that in union with Jesus, the messianic priest, we will consecrate the universe to God in a sacrifice of praise. How can you cooperate in this consecration (“making holy”) of the universe to God? Is working on the care for creation a way of consecrating the universe?

2. Does the universe that you consecrate to God include areas of your life or the world that previously you might have considered outside the realm of “holy”? Discuss.

Gospel
John 18:33b-37

1. Can we understand truth differently at different times? Was there a time when we accepted slavery? Do we now question the death penalty? Should the Church mature in judgment as we grow in understanding of truth?
 
2. What does “testifying to the truth” mean? Does it mean defending our ideas? What is one small or large way you can be prophetic or testify to the truth?

Keeping the truth does not mean defending ideas, becoming guardians of a system of doctrines and dogmas but remaining bound to Christ and being devoted to his Gospel. … To keep the truth means to be a prophet in every situation in life, … offering our lives for others. …

Jesus has no use for the lukewarm. He wants us to be consecrated in the truth and the beauty of the Gospel, so that we can testify to the joy of God’s kingdom even in the dark night of grief, even when evil seems to have the upper hand.”

Pope Francis to Myanmar Catholics
America Magazine. May 16, 2021