1. What is the significance of the word “witness,” in this sentence, “We are witnesses of all that he did”? Peter uses it both as a noun  (meaning “observer”) and a verb (meaning “corroborate,” “testify”).  So it is something you can be and do. Be: how are you a witness? Do: what is your action to witness to the truth?

2. Should we witness with more than words? Peter bore witness in a different manner after the Resurrection than he did before Christ died. To what do you attribute this? Was he consumed by love for Christ and his Gospel? Is the source of strength for Peter the same source for us?

Second Reading (Easter Sunday)
Colossians 3:1-4

1. “Brothers and sisters: If then you were raised with Christ, seek what is above.” (See later in this chapter of Colossians for Paul’s meaning of “above.”) He says that we should put on heartfelt compassion. What does compassion look like in our immediate world and in the larger one? Discuss Pope Francis’ statement below:

  “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you” (Mt 7:12).

This Rule points us in a clear direction. Let us treat others with the same passion and compassion with which we want to be treated. Let us seek for others the same possibilities which we seek for ourselves. Let us help others to grow, as we would like to be helped ourselves. In a word, if we want security, let us give security; if we want life, let us give life; if we want opportunities, let us provide opportunities. The yardstick we use for others will be the yardstick which time will use for us. The Golden Rule also reminds us of our responsibility to protect and defend human life at every stage of its development.

Pope Francis' address to United States Congress September 24, 2015

2. One of Paul’s last directives (Colossians 3:15) is to let the peace of Christ control our hearts. How do you do that if you’re feeling confused or paralyzed with fear, or depressed? Where did the disciples find help obtaining peace? Is their source available to you?

Gospel
Easter Vigil: Mark 16:1-7
Easter Sunday: John 20:1-9

1. What is it that allowed John to “see and believe,” in order to have this kind of clarity? Does love give you knowledge about a person, or insights into their behavior? In John, Jesus said “Whoever loves me. … I will love him (her) and reveal myself to him (her)” (John 14: 21). Is there a connection between Jesus’ statement and John’s “seeing and believing”?

2. “For they did not yet understand the Scripture. …” And then John tells us in Jn 20: 11-18, “ … she turned around and saw Jesus there, but did not know it was Jesus.” Do you understand everything about the resurrection? Do you always recognize Jesus in your everyday life? Do you ask yourself at night where you might have run into Jesus (or God’s love) that day?