Reflecting on the Word

By Rev. James A. Wallace, C.Ss.R.

The disciples were cowering behind locked doors. Fear has a way of imprisoning, away from the outer world, but also from our inner world, taking away our  freedom to hope, imagine, and dream. We can become comfortable working in cramped spaces, isolated and unattached, removed from life and contact with others. 

But then along comes the risen Lord, arms outstretched, heart wide open,  bearing gifts to transform our lives. The first gift of the risen Lord is peace (shalom), which translates as all good things, physically, mentally, and spiritually—all  that is needed to be alive inside. This peace is a gift that the world cannot give. 

The second gift is a mission: we are sent, as Jesus was sent, by the Father.  Where? To the world. “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son,  so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life.  Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world but in  order that the world might be saved through him” (John 3:16–17). Now the Son sends the disciples—us!—to bring life. 

The third gift is the Holy Spirit, given for the forgiveness of sins. The Holy  Spirit is the gift of the Father and the Son, given to us at baptism, again at confirmation, and whose gifts are given to the church and its members for the good  of all, within and outside the church. Primary among these gifts is the gift of  forgiveness. 

Consider/Discuss

  • Have I received the gift of the Holy Spirit who brings the forgiveness  of my own sins? 
  • Have I made use of this gift of the Holy Spirit who calls me to bring  forgiveness to others? 

Responding to the Word

During this week, pray the Sequence used at Mass for Pentecost before the  Gospel, “Come, Holy Spirit, come!” Notice especially these words: “Heal our  wounds, our strength renew/On our dryness pour your dew/Wash the stains of  guilt away/Bend the stubborn heart and will/Melt the frozen, warm the chill.”

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