And when he had said this,
He breathed on them and said to them,
“Receive the Holy Spirit.
Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them,
and whose sins you retain are retained.”
(John 20:22-23)
The peace the Lord gives is not just the absence of trouble, but the presence of everything that makes for a person’s highest good and overall well-being. We are equipped by God to face any challenge. Our mission is possible because our adequacy comes from God. The Holy Spirit empowers us to live out our faith. Just as a body has many parts, each has its own function. Despite our diversity, we all form part of the one body in Christ.
In the quiet of His presence, where peace takes its stand,
Not just the absence of trouble, but blessings so grand.
The Lord's peace we receive, in abundance and might,
A beacon of well-being, a guiding light.
Equipped by God, to face any tide,
No challenge too great, with Him by our side.
Our mission is possible, our adequacy from above,
In His strength, we move, in His grace, we love.
The Holy Spirit, our guide, our friend,
Empowers us to live, to faith's every bend.
In every trial, in every test,
With the Spirit within us, we are blessed.
Just as a body, with parts so diverse,
Each has a function, in the universe.
Despite our differences, in Him, we unite,
Part of one body, in His holy light.
Dear Lord Jesus,
In the quiet of our hearts, we seek Your peace, not just the absence of trouble, but blessings that never cease. The peace You give, Lord, is our heart's song, a presence of all that's good, a place where we belong. Equipped by You, we face life's demanding race, in every challenge, we see Your grace. Our mission is possible, our adequacy from You, with Your guidance, there's nothing we can't do.
The Holy Spirit, Your precious gift, empowers us, gives our spirits a lift. In faith, we live, in love, we grow, with the Holy Spirit's power, we face life's ebb and flow. Just as a body, with parts so diverse, each has a function, in Your universe. Despite our differences, in You, we unite, part of one body, walking in Your light.
In Your holy name, we pray,
Amen.
Pericope:
III: The Book of Glory
APPEARANCE TO THE DISCIPLES
John 20:19-23
Gospel | John 20:19-23 (or John 15:26-27; 16:12-15)
Gospel Acclamation
Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and kindle in them the fire of your love.
19 On the evening of that first day of the week, when the doors were locked, where the disciples were, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in their midst and said to them, “Peace be with you.” 20 When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. The disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. 21 Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” 22 And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. 23 Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them, and whose sins you retain are retained.”
Background:
John 20:19-23 is a part of the Gospel of John in the New Testament of the Bible. This passage describes Jesus’ appearance to his disciples after his resurrection. Here’s some background information:
Author and Audience: The Gospel of John was written by the Apostle John, one of Jesus’ disciples. The audience was the early Christian community.
Context: This passage occurs on the evening of the first day of the week, the day of Jesus’ resurrection. The disciples were gathered together, behind closed doors for fear of the Jewish authorities.
Jesus’ Appearance: Jesus appears among the disciples, shows them his wounds, and greets them with "Peace be with you". This greeting has a deeper meaning than a stereotyped “May all be well with you” as indicated by its repetition in verse twenty-one.
Commissioning of the Disciples: Jesus commissions his disciples, sending them out just as the Father had sent him.
Gift of the Holy Spirit: Jesus breathes on his disciples and imparts the Holy Spirit to them. This act is sometimes referred to as the “Johannine Pentecost,” as it is the moment in John’s Gospel when the disciples receive the Holy Spirit.
Power to Forgive Sins: Jesus gives his disciples the authority to forgive or retain sins. This is a significant moment as it establishes the role of the disciples (and by extension, the Church) in the reconciliation of people with God.
This passage underscores the themes of peace, commissioning, the gift of the Holy Spirit, and the authority to forgive sins.
Learning Lessons:
John 20:19-23 offers several profound lessons:
Peace from the Risen Savior: Jesus greets his disciples with “Peace be with you”, a common Jewish greeting wishing overall well-being on the other person. This peace is not just the absence of trouble, but the presence of everything that makes for a person’s highest good.
Mission Possible: Despite feeling inadequate for the task, the disciples are reminded that their mission is possible because their adequacy comes from God. This teaches us that with God, we are equipped to face any challenge.
The Role of the Holy Spirit: The Holy Spirit is given to the disciples by Jesus, signifying the ongoing presence of God and Christ within them. This highlights the central role of the Holy Spirit in empowering believers to live out their faith.
Forgiveness of Sins: Jesus gives his disciples the authority to forgive or retain sins. This establishes the role of the disciples (and by extension, the Church) in the reconciliation of people with God.
Unity in Diversity: Just as a body has many parts, each with its own function, the church is made up of many members, each with their own gifts. Despite their diversity, all members form one body in Christ.
These lessons remind us of the importance of peace, unity in diversity, the role of the Holy Spirit, and the power of forgiveness. (Copilot)