Pentecost Sunday:  Jn 20:19-23

When it was evening on that day, the first day of the week, and the doors of the house where the disciples had met were locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, ‘Peace be with you.’  After he said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then 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 this, he breathed on them and said to them, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit.  If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.’

Guidelines:

“Jesus said to them again”.  Can you identify with Jesus in your family life today where as a parent/caregiver you are constantly giving reassurance and support to your children? (e.g., -during this exam time when stress levels are high and doubts and panic surfaces). May we always have time to be the Jesus person to others and in times of need in our own lives may we be reassured by his comforting words from scripture and from our family and friends.

“He breathed on them and said: ‘Receive the Holy Spirit.’   Call to mind a time in your life (or maybe the time is now) when you have to let go of someone close to you to let them live their own lives. Like Jesus we must “breathe on them” so that they may be guided by the values we have taught them. Offer a prayer of thanksgiving for this person, and for those who have let you go so that you may lead your life, guided by their values.

“As the Father sent me, so am I sending you.’  Reflect on a person, community, parish, maybe yourself, whose life, no matter how difficult, is lived with an inner energy, joy, love, and peace which they cannot keep to themselves. They share it with all they meet…at home, at work, at church, at social gatherings…. Thank God for those who share so freely what they have received. Ask the Spirit of God to fill you with a joyful appreciation of who you are and what you have to give.