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| Depiction of Pentecost by Jean Restout |
19 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." 20 When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord. 21 Jesus said to them again, "Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I send you." 22 And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and said to them, "Receive the Holy Spirit. 23 If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained."
Reflection: When the disciples received the power of the Holy Spirit during Pentecost an amazing thing happened to them. All of them were speaking in foreign languages that are previously unknown to them. They were preaching without fear in the streets when just moments ago they were locked up in a room not knowing for certain what they would do next. Thousands were converted and baptized on that day alone, which goes to show how mighty deeds could be accomplished with ordinary men possessing the power of God.
Jesus promised to give the Holy Spirit to his disciples after his Resurrection, and the same promise is given to us and fulfilled through our Baptism. The Holy Spirit gives us the right to be called children of God and to live as such. As God's children we are called to live a life of freedom from the slavery of`doubt, fear, and sin. To live as true children of God is to live a life of peace and love, as powerful instruments of blessings to others.
May we always keep in mind that the Spirit of God lives in us. We are made God's children through Jesus in the Holy Spirit. This is the Truth, and this is the Destiny God wants for us.
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