Sunday June 8th (A biblical refection on the PENTECOST SUNDAY, 8th of June 2014)

RECEIVE THE HOLY SPIRIT

(A biblical refection on the PENTECOST SUNDAY, 8th of June 2014)

Gospel Reading: John 20:19-23

First Reading: Acts 2:1-11; Psalms: Psalm 104:1,24,29-31,34; Second Reading: 1Corinthians 12:3-7,12-13

The Scripture Text
On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, the doors being shut where the disciples were, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.” When He had said this, He showed them His hands and His side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent Me, even so I send you.” And 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; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.” (John 20:19-23 RSV)

“Peace be with you. As the Father has sent Me, even so I send you” (John 20:21)

Today is a great day of rejoicing for the Church. The Holy Spirit has been poured out! Divine life has imparted to human hearts! Ordinary people have been raised up to become privileged daughters and sons of God! Just as Jesus breathed the Holy Spirit into the first disciples, so He has done for us. Just as Jesus blessed them with peace for the work that lay before them, even so today He promises peace to all who look to His Spirit for wisdom, strength, and guidance.

Dear Sisters and brothers, do you know that the Holy Spirit lives inside you? He is there, humbly and patiently working every day to give you all the blessings that Jesus won through His death and resurrection. He is there, whispering to your heart words of divine love and speaking to your conscience words of divine wisdom and direction. He is there, planning in your spirit a desire to pray, a hunger for God, and a thirst for His word.

When the disciples began to proclaim the Gospel, they were no different than each one of us. Ordinary women and men, they stepped out with faith in the indwelling Spirit and were constantly amazed at His power working through them and His love flooding their hearts. The same can happen to us today. All God needs is a humble “yes” to His invitation and a teachable heart. He can do so much in those who trust Him.

At Mass today, let Jesus’ promise of peace fill our hearts, We don’t have to be perfect or well educated or strong of character. We just have to be open to the Holy Spirit. Then, He who is in each of us will accomplish greater things than we can ask or imagine. Let us give Him our hearts today, and ask His Sprit to fill us and move us.

PRAYER: Blessed Holy Spirit, come! Stir up faith and hope in me today. Fill me with confidence in Your power and trust in my Father’s love. Come, Holy Spirit, and use me to renew the face of Your Church! Amen.

Jakarta, 6th of June 2014

A Christian Pilgrim