Jesus breathes the Holy Spirit

Gospel Reading: Jn 20:19-23
On the evening of that first day of the week, when the doors were locked, where the disciples were, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in their midst and said to them, “Peace be with you.” When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. The disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them, and whose sins you retain are retained.”

Reflection
Peace and joy be with you
Peace in the Bible is rich in meaning. In the Old Testament, one who is at peace is happy; he has many descendants and friends; he is blessed with abundance and fruitful harvest; he eats his fill and sleeps without fear; and he triumphs over his enemies.

For the Israelites, there is more to peace than simply a good relationship with nature, with oneself, or with others.

True peace means a right relationship with the Lord God, because the Lord is peace (cf Jgs 6:24).

Jesus imparts true abiding peace to the disciples on the day of Pentecost. It is his peace that casts away the disciples’ fear and brings joy into their lives once again. His promise to send them the Spirit and to be with them is now fulfilled. Not only does his peace give joy and unlock doors closed by fear; it also brings freedom.

The Son who comes on a mission for the Father receives the Spirit and fulfills his mission. As he leaves to go back to the Father, he entrusts his mission to the disciples. Now, it is their turn to receive the Spirit that they may discharge their mission. Jesus is now glorified with the Father. The time to send and give the Spirit to the disciples has come.

Pentecost opens a new dimension in the life of the Church. With Christ’s peace, communion with the Trinity becomes possible. The gift of peace breaks the barriers of disunity and leads to the fulfillment of Christ’s promise to share the life of God with all believers. The Holy Spirit brings together all humanity.

Pentecost is a time for renewal. Christians are reminded of their apostolic mission to proclaim the Gospel in words and actions. The Spirit comes to bring peace and infuse our mission with enthusiasm and vigor.

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SOURCE: “365 Days with the Lord 2018,” ST. PAULS Philippines, 7708 St. Paul Rd., SAV, Makati City (Phils.); Tel.: 895-9701; Fax 895-7328; E-mail: [email protected]; Website: http://www.stpauls.ph.