May 15, 2016: Pentecost Sunday

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.” (John 20:19-23)

Reflection:

How is it that Jesus came through locked doors? His risen body seemed to have a new spiritual power. The disciples were full of fear of the Jews and guilt because of not remaining with Jesus through His death. They may have expected to hear Jesus speak of His disappointment in them, instead, He calmed their fears and offered them forgiveness and peace. He gave them the power to forgive the sins of others.

Action:

Thank God for the times you have been forgiven. Receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation, knowing that Jesus has given the priest the power to forgive sins.
Pray the Our Father sincerely saying, “Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive others.”