Sermon by Fr. Carl Smith
3rd Sunday of Easter
Discussion Questions:
- Can you identify a time in your life when you had a "full circle" experience where an opportunity or situation repeated itself, and this time you were able to engage it with greater maturity, less naivete, and better prepared? Share your story with the group.
- What types of things has God redeemed in your life and given you a second chance or a renewed opportunity?
- Peter was called by Christ from the vocation of fishing two different times, at the beginning and the end of his earthly ministry. Has God ever called you to abandon something you knew and loved to serve his kingdom priorities?
- Jesus returned to the Father as the God-man, something that was not true of him prior to the incarnation. Because of that, he was able to appear before God as the "Lamb that was slain," bringing with him redeemed humanity of all time. What response does this "full circle" story of Jesus (leaving and returning to God's presence) inspire in you? (e.g., praise, gratitude, thanksgiving, humility, obedience, etc.)
- How does God's use of the "full circle" pattern of redemption help you process your current difficulties, struggles, confusion, and disappointments? Do you think your situation can be redeemed and used by God? In what way do you imagine?
- Would you take time over the next couple of weeks to pray for Fr. Peter and Fr. Carl as they travel to Rwanda (May 12-22)? Pray for their safety, fruitful ministry, and discernment of how Fr. Carl might be used by God in his retirement. Thanks!
