Eastertide – Pentecost Sunday
John 20: 19-23 On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” 20 After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord.
21 Again Jesus said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” 22 And with that he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit. 23 If you forgive anyone’s sins, their sins are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven.”
In this passage, we witness the risen Jesus appearing to His disciples on the evening of the first Easter. Despite their fear and uncertainty, Jesus brings them peace, greeting them with the words, “Peace be with you.” He shows them His hands and side, tangible proof of His resurrection, reassuring them that He is truly alive. Then, He breathes on them and says, “Receive the Holy Spirit,” empowering them to continue His mission with courage and love. Jesus also gives them the authority to forgive sins, highlighting the transformative power of God’s mercy.
As we celebrate Pentecost, we are reminded that the Holy Spirit is alive within us, guiding and strengthening us to be witnesses of Christ’s love in the world. Just as the disciples were sent forth from their locked room, we too are called to step out in faith, bringing peace, forgiveness, and hope to those around us.
Pentecost Sunday Prayer
Prayer: Come, Holy Spirit, fill our hearts and kindle in us the fire of your love.
Breathe your peace upon us, and strengthen our faith to overcome fear and doubt. Empower us to be your witnesses, courageous and compassionate,
Sharing the good news of Jesus Christ with all whom we meet.
Grant us the grace to forgive as we have been forgiven,
And to bring healing and reconciliation to a broken world.
May your presence guide our words and actions,
So that through us, others may encounter your love and truth.
Come, Holy Spirit, renew the face of the earth,
And make us instruments of your peace. Amen.