Bible Study
Bible Study
SOURCE: Cycle B Index
1st Reading: Anticipation
2nd Reading: Unity with the Glorified Christ
Gospel: The End of Days
Bulletin
Study Guide
Bulletin
Study Guide
Discussion Questions
Ascension B
Vince Contreras
- In the 2nd reading verse 20 serves as sort of a “hinge verse” to the rest of the passage. In verses 21-23, what has Jesus accomplished? In verses 17-19, what promises are ours to claim?
- What is the scope of Jesus’ “Great Commission” (verse 15; Matthew 28:19-20; Luke 24:46-48)? How far is his Kingdom to spread? Who has primary responsibility for spreading the gospel? Given the scope of the task, is it physically possible for them to accomplish this alone?
- In what two ways does Jesus tell the apostles they are to spread the gospel (verses 15-16)? Why are both necessary?
- Examine another account of Jesus’ Ascension into heaven found in this Sunday’s first reading (Acts 1:1-11). How long after the Resurrection did this occur? What will happen ten days later?
- Why was it necessary for Jesus’ disciples to witness his Ascension into heaven? What did his Ascension accomplish as part of God’s plan of salvation for us? In what two special ways does the Church invite us to meditate on this mystery?
- Why do you think miracles of the kind mentioned in verses 17-18 were common in the early Church? Why do they seem less common now? What is the purpose of miracles?
SOURCE: SundayScriptureStudy.com / used with permission
Ascension B
Anne Osdieck
FIRST READING
1. “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, throughout Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” This could be the definition of evangelization. Pope Francis says that Jesus himself is the model of evangelization. How important is listening to people’s needs in being a witness and evangelist for Christ?
SECOND READING
2. “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, throughout Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” This could be the definition of evangelization. Pope Francis says that Jesus himself is the model of evangelization. How important is listening to people’s needs in being a witness and evangelist for Christ?
GOSPEL
3. Jesus said signs would accompany those who believed. Most of us will not be picking up serpents with our hands or drinking deadly things without being harmed. What kinds of signs might you see today when you or someone else proclaims the Gospel in some way? Crises (racial, environmental, trafficking) brought into the light? Voice for the voiceless? Change for the good?
SOURCE: Sunday Web Site at Saint Louis University
Bulletin
Study Guide
Ask A Teen Gospel
Questions
ASK A
TEEN
GOSPEL
QUESTIONS
Discussion questions for teens with sample answers based on their interests.
Discussion Questions
Acts 1:1-11
1. How do you think the disciples felt witnessing Jesus ascending into heaven in Acts 1:9-11?
Sample answer: The disciples might have felt a mix of awe, confusion, and sadness. They could have been amazed by the miraculous event but also confused about what it meant for their future without Jesus physically present.
2. What aspirations do you think teenagers today have in terms of leaving a mark on the world, similar to the disciples’ mission in Acts 1:8?
Sample answer: Teenagers today aspire to make a positive impact on the world, whether through activism, community service, or creative endeavors. They seek opportunities to contribute to causes they are passionate about and make a difference in society.
3. How can the disciples’ waiting period in Acts 1:4-5 resonate with the struggles of teenagers dealing with uncertainty and waiting for important life events?
Sample answer: Like the disciples waiting for the Holy Spirit, teenagers often experience periods of uncertainty and anticipation, such as waiting for college acceptance letters or exam results. This waiting can be challenging, but it can also be a time for personal growth and reflection.
4. How do you think teenagers today would respond to the call to be witnesses of Jesus’ message in Acts 1:8 in a world filled with differing beliefs and values?
Sample answer: Teenagers today might feel both excited and intimidated by the idea of being witnesses for their faith in a diverse and sometimes skeptical society. They may find strength in community support and strive to live out their beliefs authentically in their daily interactions.
5. In Acts 1:10-11, the angels reassure the disciples after Jesus’ ascension. How can similar messages of hope and encouragement resonate with teenagers facing challenges in their lives?
Sample answer: Teenagers facing challenges can find comfort in messages of hope and encouragement, whether from friends, family, or faith communities. Knowing that they are not alone and that there is support available can provide the strength needed to navigate difficult circumstances.