May 24, 2026: Pentecost Sunday

Gospel: John 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

Many years ago, when my youngest stepson was about 8-years-old, he had a bicycle accident and went over the handlebars of hi bike and hit his head. His dad and brothers were at home when this happened and after ensuring he was OK, dad tucked him up in a dark bedroom on his bunkbed to rest.

I arrived home several hours after this accident and when I learned of the injury, I rushed upstairs and flung open the door. A tiny frightened voice said, “I am so glad you are here. I thought you would never come.” I reassured him that I was present and would remain there with him. His anxiety vanished.

I am not sure why this memory surfaced as I reflected on today’s gospel. It may be my way of understanding how the disciples might have been feeling when Jesus appeared to them in the locked room.

Action

We all know someone who is feeling afraid, alone or sad. Make a phone call or send a card today.