Images of the Holy Spirit
John 20:19-23
This day is where it all leads to - from the experience of the passion, death, and resurrection of Jesus - the apostles received the Holy Spirit after 50 days of the Jesus' stay on earth and ascension into heaven.
Jesus said, "I assure you that it is better for you that I go away. If I don’t go away, the Companion won’t come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you." (Jn. 16, 7)
And now, we are the recipients of the Holy Spirit. Jesus dwells in each of us.
In the upper room where the apostles were for fear of the Jews, a sound of a strong wind was heard, and tongues of fire rested on their heads. They began to speak foreign languages and the gift of speech.
In the second reading, St. Paul explains that it is the same Holy Spirit at work but with different gifts, each used for the good of the Christian community, the Church.
In the gospel, Jesus sends his peace to the apostles, and they were filled with the Holy Spirit. Furthermore, Jesus sends the apostles to forgive and retain sins, a sure authority given to the Church.
The Holy Spirit moves us :
First, to recognize Jesus in the midst - in ourselves, in others, in every moment of our lives, and act accordingly.
Second, to unite ourselves as one in God - we become Church, the body of Christ; and love unites us with God and with one another.
Third, to offer our God-given time, talents, and treasures for the salvation of all.
Fourth, to fulfill the mission God entrusted us to do - the forgiveness of sins and freedom from evil.
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