May 19, 2013: Pentecost Sunday

Candlelight lit at January Taizé prayer service. (St. Joseph Chapel, Saint Mary-of-the-Woods)

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.”
When he had said the, 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.” (John 20: 19-23)

The Disciples were gathered together when Jesus appeared to them. They were afraid! Yes, these men were afraid. They were afraid that those responsible for the crucifixion of Jesus were looking for them, as well. When they recognized Jesus and heard the words of Peace he was bestowing on them—not once, but twice—they were comforted and ready for the next words of Jesus, “Receive the Holy Spirit.”
Now they were hearing the rest of the message.
The Spirit will be with you to show you the way.
The spark of discipleship had touched their hearts and fear was replaced by courage.

Action:

A quote from Albert Schweitzer:
“At times our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from another person…Think with deep gratitude of those who have lighted the flame within you.”
Thank someone who has helped to spark a flame within you.