Day of Pentecost
John 20:19-23 (NRSV)
The Spirit poured out
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."
ReflectionWhen 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."
The Greek pneuma means both breath and spirit. Jesus breathed on them and they received the Holy Spirit. And this was Jesus for sure. Jesus showed proof and granted "Peace be with you" twice. This greeting brings so much more here from the usual. These words of peace come from Jesus at a time that the disciples were afraid and doubtful of their future. But, oh what a future!
Here we are today, living in the presence of the Spirit. That breath of life blown throughout the world to all Jesus' disciples. Sending peace to one another and granting forgiveness. We live in a new and a different age of sin. We live in a free age of sin that does not promote cheap grace but promotes a passionate fire to live the life God has chosen for each one of us with the fire to dare to sin. We live the life inspired by the Spirit that produces joy and honor and glory towards God. We live in a time when we know of struggle, of failure, and also of a God that picks us up, forgives us and teaches us to move forward with his plan and mission for us in this world.
Breath and spirit. Feel the warm breath of the words of Jesus and feel the indwelling of the Spirit in your life. Give in and live in joy. Thanks be to God!
Prayer
Spirit, instruct me and give me the gifts I need to carry out the mission you have in store for me. You are the power that moves me and the wind that makes me soar. --- Amen
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