Starter: (In pairs)
Describe a time where you had to make an important choice of what to do.
Worship:
Assemble symbols of the Holy Spirit and spend time in adoration and thanksgiving
for the presence, gifts and work of the Spirit.
Reading: Acts 2:1-21
READ PASSAGE ALOUD :
(What would it have felt like to have been in the crowd on the day of Pentecost?)
If it is available now read No Ordinary Man 2 meditation 78 by Fawcett.
(Now allow time for everyone to re-read the Bible passage for themselves along with the
commentary and the personal focus questions – and reflect alone.
Commentary:
At Pentecost the early Christian community faced a stark choice. Would they be ruled by fear, staying silent, confined to their hiding place? They knew the score. Jesus had been executed for his commitment to the justice of God. The Roman and Jewish authorities were jittery.
The boldness and freedom with which Peter spoke [v.14] was more indicative of a freethinking democracy than a police state. His call to people to save themselves from this crooked generation [2:40] was both individual and corporate (all the nations of the earth were represented in Jerusalem [vv.9-11]). Those listening would have been aware of the political pressure of the watching authorities. Making a response to Peter's message was to choose an allegiance that risked conflict and confrontation, regardless of what it offered of freedom and hope. If you read the gospel references to the promise of the spirit [Lk12: 11-12, Matt 10: 17-20, Mark 13:9-10, John 15] you will see that each reveals the conflict, controversy and persecution resulting from a public stand.
The Spirit gives us gifts in order that we may play our part in bringing God's kingdom of freedom and justice, of love and forgiveness into the lives of individuals and nations.
(P.Price, Seeds of the Word)
Personal Focus Questions :
(Initially just reflect on the question that chooses you. It may help to clarify your thinking to make notes in the spaces provided. This will also give you material to reflect on in the future)
1. What verse in this reading speaks to you?
What is God saying to you?
2. Describe an experience in which the Holy Spirit has helped you to speak out.
3. We all received the Holy Spirit at our baptism.
What is helping/hindering his work in your life?
Do you need to be more open to his presence in your life?
If you do you could ask members of your triplet to pray for you now.
Life Focus : (Discuss in whole group)
1. What visions and dreams [v.17] do you have for your community?
OR Where do you believe the Spirit is calling you to speak out for justice and freedom
2. What practical outcome is there from our reflection?
Do we need to make any plans to make things happen?
Group Memory Time :
Deal with any remaining actions you agreed to do in previous meetings.
Review:
How is this group listening to the Holy Spirit?
What would you like to do differently next time?
Prayer Time :
See No Ordinary Man 2 page 412-4.
and/or
Pray for members of the group who wish to receive more of the Holy Spirit into their lives.
Pray for those places where justice and freedom are needed and for those who seek to bring it about.
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