Sunday, 28th May 2023, Pentecost Sunday, SOLEMNITY

John 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.”

Reflection

• Jesus breathes his Spirit into his disciples to give them new life. Do I also enjoy the new life given to me by the Holy Spirit?

• Jesus reiterates to the disciples: Peace be with you.” Do I have the peace that Jesus gives to me? Or my heart is still disturbed?